Unless something drastically changes in game four, I don't see the Hawks having what they need to beat the Bruins in this series. They have no PP - tonight was even more embarrassing than it's been if that's even possible, they are getting creamed at the dot, they are turning the puck over at both ends of the ice, they have nobody going to the net and when they do get a good chance it's either blocked or Rask is there to make the save. Losing game two, especially after that great start, was a real killer and it's turned this series completely around.
- RetiredGoalie

I agree with all but that last part. I don't think the series really turned around at all - if you really watched games 1 and 2 the Bruins were the better team the entire games also. The Hawks dominated parts or even periods of games 1 and 2 but the Bruins played very well and just didn't score when presented with some excellent chances. Eventually that was going to stop and bingo, we're down.

But aside from all the doom and gloom, even if the Bruins are the better team, that doesn't mean they'll win this series. If Crawford can keep us in it, anything can happen. Maybe we can't come back tonight, we'll see, but tomorrow is another day.

Well, there's no doubt that the better team is winning.

Some "experts" claimed the first 2 games showed how "even" the teams were, including most of the fluffers in the Chicago media...

...I feared that the first 2 games showed how good the Bruins were...and now they're showing it.
- ArlingtonRob

If people actually took a step back, they would have noticed the Hawks were dominated for 75-80% of the games in Chicago. Instead it was ignored.

Turning point in this series was Rask holding on in game 2, and the Hawks pathetic PP coming up with goose eggs.....national media continues to rip it, and the Hawks will fire Kompon as soon as the season ends to appease everyone....

Problem is, this team isn't built to win puck battles constantly...that's why they are pinching D men like crazy to try and help and create the upper hand in board battles.

What is even scarier....Bs PP looks like it's about to catch fire....

Seems like Boston sticks and passing, not size and hits, are doing the job on the Hawks tonite: quick passes out of the zone, no stretch passes - Hawks can't set up any offense, can't get any pressure on Rask.

Has Rask had to make any more-than-ordinary stops tonite?
- StLBravesFan

Combo of both. Chara is throwing guys around like crazy. Hawks are also doing their part and not going to the net.

Phuck head refs in the can for Boston tonight....penalty on Bolland was b u lls hit
- philco28

The slew foot behind the play was BS?

Q and Bowman for sure should be gone

=
- Maggie

Right...

Hawks have best record, and lose in the finals...so blow it up?

Bickell has played wh at like 6 minutes? His mystique is gone. He left it in the western conference
- golfbard

And where is Toews' mystique ? Or Kane's ?

Bickell has played wh at like 6 minutes? His mystique is gone. He left it in the western conference
- golfbard

The Oilers just reduced their offer from 4.5 to 3.8

Q and Bowman for sure should be gone

=
- Maggie

Yea that makes sense.

What I figured Boston had figured out the other night is happening.

Not shocked, but disappointed. I think the Bruins have taken control of the series now, it started in Game 2. This game could be 5-0 Boston. They are bigger, stronger, and better.

Rask is seeing everything....Bickell might change that.
- philco28

There's nothing for him to see. Hawks can't win a damn FO or set up. The Bruins PK is out shooting the Hawks PP...by a wide margin. Complete and utter ineptitude.

Seems like Boston sticks and passing, not size and hits, are doing the job on the Hawks tonite: quick passes out of the zone, no stretch passes - Hawks can't set up any offense, can't get any pressure on Rask.

Has Rask had to make any more-than-ordinary stops tonite?
- StLBravesFan

Constant changing of lines reduce the game familiarity that the Hawks players have with each other. It seemed like that changed during the last two games of the Kings series. I wonder what changed?

namedSource].......get back on the bus now!!!!!


I'm not trying to be a wise guy, but when the Hawks were down to Detroit 3 games to 1, weren't you saying that it was time for Q to go? Not getting on the fire Q bandwagon, even though I'm not a big fan, just noticing that you are always quick to defend him- which is fine - but find it funny if you were in agreement he should go when it looked like the Hawks were dead in the water against Detroit. Perhaps it was sarcasm on your part and I just didn't pick up on it.

So now what do we do ?? Hope and pray the Hawks are within 1 with 10 minutes s to go ? Then tie in regulation ?

Why does Toews suck ????

The Hawks have their second best forward missing, but the Kings were a mash unit we were lucky to play? Be consistent in you're hate at least
- rollpards19

Were they missing Hossa last game?

Didn't think so...

I've never seen a team always in the wrong position. The few huge rebounds Rask gives up either they go on a line change and nobody is a mile around to get it or the forward is turned the opposite way. What kills me is it isn't like the whole team are complete Juiceheads, just a few, but they are totally afraid of them. Not hitting back. Damn is it sad and pathetic

I see the predictable freakout is starting a bit early.
- ArlingtonRob

What else would you expect?

I'm not going to get into writing the obituary until it's over.

Yep, it's not looking great for Hawks right now. More games to go here though.

Has anyone yet mentioned the the problems at FO and with the PP?

And where is Toews' mystique ? Or Kane's ?
- philco28

Toews is playing his ass off. Kane shows up every six games. I wouldn't compare the two. Sure the production isn't there for toews and I can certainly blame him but in a series where you need to play physical, bickell is a midget.

The slew foot behind the play was BS?
- golfingsince

Considering what's being let go...yes.

Figured this is a good time for my first post. Hi all. We look like we did during the Wild and early on in the Wings series.

I cant see us scoring 3 tonight. Luckily its only 2-0. Im going Wednesday, I'm 3 hours from Boston and I'm wondering what I'm getting myself into.

If they can enter the offensive zone and setup what difference does it make if Bickell is on the PP. There are bigger issues tonight than Bickell not on the PP.
- DarthKane

Then phucking dump and phucking chase and phucking go to the net.

2 SOG the last 3 PPs - no shots attempted on the last one.

There's nothing for him to see. Hawks can't win a damn FO or set up. The Bruins PK is out shooting the Hawks PP...by a wide margin. Complete and utter ineptitude.
- Ogilthorpe2

The pp is like a bad nightmare...it keeps getting worse and worse.

There's nothing for him to see. Hawks can't win a damn FO or set up. The Bruins PK is out shooting the Hawks PP...by a wide margin. Complete and utter ineptitude.
- Ogilthorpe2

The pp is like a bad nightmare...it keeps getting worse and worse.

Eating my words on Ben Smith?....... you would be happy to switch him for Hossa......and the short bus continues the route with the lonley Q.......yuck.
- UnnamedSource

Yes! Eat your words! Not sure for what. Is he trying to say you should want to switch Smith for Hossa? If so I weep for the board...

The slew foot behind the play was BS?
- golfingsince

They didn't call that on Marchand when he did it to Crawford in game one