I am a believer. I will be the first to admit that I didn't see it when this series began....or before game 3.
It was no knock on Minnesota at all. I just really believe this Hawks team is actually better than either Cup winning team. And those teams were definitely something else. I have been predicting for two years now that this Wild team is on the brink of something special. I wrote blogs about how much they reminded me of the Kings a few years back and about how in time they would be in a position like they are now....with a chance to get into the final four.
Whether or not they do or don't...time will tell, but either way we are getting a glimpse of a new threat in the Western conference. And while Bryz has been good, at times great, there is little doubt that Harding would have been even better...and I keep hearing we could see him in Game 7...should the series get that far.
And should the Wild get past the Hawks...they will have Harding for sure against either Anaheim or LA...two teams they match up well against and then....
No matter what you think of the Wild they have found some sort of magic key to shutting down the Hawks...something very few teams have been able to do previously...
On Gibson...
The Ducks shut down the Kings by basically "Out-Kinging" the Kings in the last two games. Relentless defense and constant full-court pressure. This series is going 7 and we could still play 12 periods before it is all decided. This is officially a war.
When I predicted this series my prediction was simple. "Jonathan Quick in 6."
However, the Ducks no have John Gibson in goal and that really does change everything. Gibson shares a lot with Jonathan Quick including his ability to win big games for Team USA. This series is officially a pick 'em now...
On Briere's benching....
Yeh, the NHL world is a buzz about this one. It is rare to hear so many people and talk to other NHL coaches who are openly questioning the motives of Michel Therrien and calling into question why he would take a personal stance over what is better for his team. First limiting Briere, his best playoffs scorer's ice time to almost nothing, then scratching Briere in a huge game. I spoke to players in the Montreal room, not named Briere, who are equally upset and baffled by the decision.
Danny is a very popular player and has been very good in his incredibly limited minutes in the playoffs. His assists in this series both leading to the two Habs victories. These sort of shenanigans happened in Pittsburgh as well during their run to the Final as Therrien took his own personal agendas....and eventually Crosby stepped up and Therrien was gone after the season.
As you all know, the Habs are my second favorite team and I really felt they had a chance in this round, but now Therrien has essentially lost them two games in the series. Hard to overcome stupid mistakes against a team as good as the Bruins.