Patrick Kane, Blackhawks Advance to Stanley Cup Final
It took more than 91 minutes to complete, but the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the defending-champion Los Angeles Kings to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.
For the fans that had been begging for more from Patrick Kane, the Hawks superstar showed up with his biggest game of the playoffs on Saturday night. A hat trick, including the game-winning goal in the second overtime, cements Chicago’s place in the Cup Final.
The Hawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period. Duncan Keith started the scoring only 3:42 into the game, the beginning of a long night for Keith after returning from suspension. Keith skated 40:12 in the game to lead all skaters.
Kane scored his first of the night just over two minutes later, and it appeared the Blackhawks were going to run away with the game. Both of the Hawks’ first two goals were shots Jonathan Quick would like to have back, and the United Center was up for grabs. When the first period ended, the Hawks had allowed only four shots and dominated the opening 20 minutes.
In the second, the Hawks continued to control the action early. When Dustin Penner went to the box 7:50 into the game, Chicago had an opportunity to extend their lead to a seemingly insurmountable three goals. But Dwight King put a short-handed goal past Corey Crawford and the game slowed down.
When Anze Kopitar scored a powerplay goal to tie the game less than four minutes into the third period, the crowd at the United Center was stunned.
For more than 12 minutes, the two teams pushed the puck up and down the ice and hit each other hard. A huge hit from Andrew Shaw that put Jake Muzzin into the Hawks’ bench brought some energy back into the building.
With less than four minutes left in regulation, Bryan Bickell found Kane in front of the net to give the Hawks a 3-2 lead. It was Kane’s second goal of the night and Bickell’s second assist.
Unfortunately, it was a bi-polar night for Bickell. Kopitar’s powerplay goal in the third came with Bickell in the box, and he iced the puck with just over 14 seconds on the clock in the third. A faceoff win and quick shot that bounced off Mike Richards tied the game with less than ten second remaining, and the game went to overtime.
The Kings dominated most of the action in the first overtime period, but Crawford kept the puck out of the net. In the second overtime, the Blackhawks were able to generate a few good chances. A two-on-one with Toews and Kane ended with a pretty pass from the captain to his wingman and Kane finished the game with his third goal of the night.
Hats hit the ice and the teams exchanged hand shakes.
Toews finished the night with two assists and three takeaways in 29:07. Bickell led the Hawks with eight hits with his two assists in 26:09, and Johnny Oduya had four blocked shots and four hits in 32:17. Shaw posted six hits and Marian Hossa led the Hawks with four takeaways.
Crawford stopped 33 of 36 shots to earn his 12th victory of the postseason. In the conference final, Crawford allowed 10 goals in five games and posted a .927 save percentage.
For the first time since 1979, two Original Six franchises will do battle in the Stanley Cup Final. Game One is at the United Center on Wednesday night.
WOw
I was at the game and now home and can’t sleep. WOW.
Kane was really the only guy that had jump. We also felt Shaw could so something. 25 is brutal.
Is 19 hurt. I mean where is he media. Kept dropping his stick, CAN NOT SHOOT the puck. I played a little hockey in my day and the friend I was with as well. We are 1000% convinced something is wrong with 19. We saw one wrist shot that both of us could shoot harder than. It was amazing.
In the LA game, he kinda shoveled both arms to the net, no real wrist action on his attempt before then we scored to tie game. But he didn’t look normal on that one or any other one.
It is late but man I want to raise the issue. I know it has not been talked about but when the puck is in his feet, 19 has issues with it and he totally never wants to shoot. Again I play the sport and it is not normal. We went through watching him each shift and we were like ok when he does something to make a play let’s call it out. We went a LONG time. Now people say oh he does other things. I did NOT see many other things.
On the way back to car we were like well I will get called nuts since he makes the game winning pass. But that doesn’t change the facts.
I love 19 but something isn’t the same. I got there in the middle of warmups and didn’t see him shoot anything either. He was stick handleing along boards the whole time.
Anyway, wow. I hope he is ok and I HOPE something comes out about a wrist issue or arm so he can’t do what he normally would do. Can someone tell me when the last time the puck exploded off his stick please. We saw a wrist shot that we both were like “I can shoot that harder”.
GO HAWKS and I hope you are ok and being brave 19.
Ooops.
The Crow population is going to be way down in Chicago tomorrow morning since a bunch of people are eating them right now.
I think the B’s are a very similar match up to LA. But mostly after that series against the Red Wings, I don’t think the Hawks are capable of losing. Maybe a game or two, but 4 out of 7? I don’t see it happening. This team is too motivated and TOO DAMN GOOD.
Just imagine how good this team would be if they could score a goal on the PP. Jaime Kompon, what a good hire.
And suddenly Patrick Kane is tied for the team lead in playoff points….
Also wanted to say, bad luck on the Bickell icing. It really looked like a solid play, a soft clear off the glass that he was just unlucky on. I mean, how often does that puck land on it’s side and roll (and roll and roll) without hitting a single patch of snow on the UC ice (or a stray helmet)?! Just…bad…luck. Especially sucks since the Hawks completely pantsed LA and had controlled the puck for 2 minutes straight, not allowing Quick to get to the bench.
What I love about what the Hawks have shown during this playoff run is that they are able to take a couple of body blows and not come completely unglued. That stretch where Quick made a phenomenal save on Oduya (who was once again very solid), followed by the penalty on Bickell, followed by Kopitar’s power play goal was a real punch in the gut. It went from what should have been 3-1 to 2-2 early in the third. And then of course the late goal where everyone is ready to celebrate. But these guys know how to shrug off some adversity and find a way to win.
The announcers were initially certain that Bickell had committed a penalty to set up Kane’s late third period goal, but I really didn’t see much there.
Shaw is awesome. That guy flies around out there and delivers these huge hits, and he’s what, 180 pounds, maybe? Hossa was a beast too.
I thought that was the best showing by the Kings all series, and the fact that we took them out in five games is pretty impressive. Get some rest and then on to Wednesday.
^ agreed. mental toughness. so important this time of year.
crow’s let in some softer goals the last two games. hope he can seal those out.
i think of all the other nhl teams, boston is the toughest matchup for the hawks. they roll 4 lines, are defensively sound, have an atrocious PP and solid PK, and a goalie on the rise. they’re the hawks, but slower and meaner. this series should be absolutely epic, i hope it lives up to its potential as it would be great for the sport!
by the way, i absolutely hate brad marchand. italian soccer players could take a lesson on how to dive from that little flopper.
First original 6 SC since 1979…..a long time coming. It will be a classic. Boston knows how to shut down finesse teams as Pittsburgh found out. The Hawks will have to play a similar game as they did with LA…… Physical and fast. Hawks will give up some chances so Crow has to keep up his outstanding play.
Hawks in 7
Congrats to the Hawks. Well done all around.
Replays clearly showed Bickell did nothing to deserve a penalty on Kane’s second goal. L.A skater simply fell.
As a fan who was critical of Kane after Game 3, I want to acknowledge how well he has bounced back. Since then he has he played hard, taken some hits and generated several chances. Last night he delivered big time. An awesome performance.
Steve B may be onto something. Toews is not himself. The frequent displays of frustration and prolonged lack of scoring are out of character. Yet he is the type of guy who would say nothing while just toughing it out and giving all he can.
All the comments about Bickell’s escalating value this summer – surprised there hasn’t been more mention of the money Stalberg is giving away. This guy will be lucky to get an offer from any team based on his playoff performance.
Let’s take a day to celebrate a great victory. Our guys delivered big time.
I agree with Steve B that #19 is hurt. He’s not getting the amount of scoring chances that he normally does. Was reading an article on Grantland that had him clipping at his normal regular season assist rate but not his normal goal rate. Something has got to be wrong.
That being said and maybe a 50% Toews (who is still an outstanding player)… do we have any injuries? Maybe Zeus is banged up a bit (or old?). I’m very very happy to be through to the finals with everyone intact.
Hawks beat the Kings at their own game. Let the hit stats be what they be (those are sketchy stats anyways) – we were more nasty than they were. NO team likes to get hit. Not our D. Not the Kings D. Not the Kings forwards who unleash pain. Not Boston. NO ONE likes it.
My Conn Smyth front runners are:
1) Cory
2) Keith
3) Kane
4) Bickell
I unfortunately have to watch games way out of time zone and watch alone… had Kane as my “pick to click” and feel pretty happy about it at this moment with some nice Laphroig.
GO HAWKS!
Here are a couple of thoughts I made after the loss in game 4 at LA…
“Count me in for believing this series is over, and the Cup as well. I have watched all teams play, and the Hawks have more talent and depth across the board than any team, including the Bruins. If the Hawks keep this team wide effort going (and when haven’t they?) they will be holding the Cup in another 2 weeks.”
And this one…
“Kane is a floater…as a hockey purist, I hate it, but its Patrick Kane and he’s done a ton for this hockey team, including scoring the SC GWG in 2010. Playoff hockey is not really his “bag” (there’s even a book thats entitled “Patrick Kane: Playoff Hockey is Not my Bag, Baby!”), so he kind of floats around there, and tries to make great plays when he can…and I think for the most part he really tries. Kane simply cannot go into corners and take hits to make plays, and still be ready for the next game. But last night his effort evaporated, his care and passion evaporated, and that has to change. And here’s the great thing about Toews and Kane…IT WILL…it always has, it always does, and it always will. Think about it…we got outplayed in every aspect of the game, the refs did their usual “look the other way” when there’s an infraction against the Hawks (see chicken shit slash by Jeff Carter on Keith’s exposed hand), Quick made a number of outstanding saves, and we still could have easily won that hockey game. Coach Q is simply far too seasoned and far too good as a HC, especially after what just happened against the wings, to allow this effort to repeat itself…and this is exactly why the Hawks just went through what they went through in the wings series…to get them ready for moments like these against the Kings and likely Bruins. We will be ready come Thursday, and then move on…because I am convinced that this hockey team is heads and tails deeper and better than any other team in the NHL and is destined to win another SC this season…whether the Hawks win this series in 5, 6, or 7…doesn’t really matter…trust that they will.”
I bring these comments up as we approach the Boston series…first, Toews is struggling, and likely is hiding some kind of injury as he isn’t the same hockey player he was during the season, but he and Kane rose to the top of their games when they had to because they are champions…just like Hossa and Seabrook did in game 4. This is why the Hawks won and will continue to win…they have the deepest talent in the league, the biggest heart and the greatest confidence. So we can speculate all we want over the next 3 days about the finals, but no matter who the Hawks play, if they play their game (and why wouldn’t they) they will win. Its never been about who we play, its always about what we believe and how WE play.
Last night there were lots of ups and downs again…there were great moments (Kane) and there were disappointing moments (Crawford) but we got it done…for as soft as a couple of those goals were, Crawford made the necessary saves when he absolutely had to (although I just wish he had of remembered to hug the post with 10 seconds left). These are the 2013 Blackhawks…they are better than the 2010 SC champs and they have destiny written all over them. They will make mistakes, but they will make the plays that they have to when they have to…because THEY BELIEVE, AS AN ORGANIZATION, THAT THEY WILL WIN! And that’s the secret to life…to attain anything that you want, to “win” at anything you want to win at, you have to believe…and not hope, hope doesn’t get you squat. You have to believe it, KNOW IT with certainty. These Hawks “know” that they are going to win…that’s why I think Toews looks so perplexed when something happens that doesn’t go exactly to plan.
So, we get to enjoy one more round of hockey with this unique team this season, before changes are made and new elements are brought in, that will force different beliefs. I am excited for the finals to begin, because I KNOW that it will be hockey played at a high level, and that the Hawks will find a way to win!
One other note, I am glad the Kings are out of the playoffs…what an ugly hockey team. Sutter has created a brute squad with a giant stone ball plopped in between the posts of their goal. Other than #8, they don’t bring anything exciting or interesting to the games…they simply commit every penalty known to man, understand that most wont be called, trust their goalie will bail them out on the PK, and then keep on brutalizing. Greene’s purposeful crosscheck right to the jaw of Andrew Shaw (after Shaw peppered him and his team mates all night with LEGAL body checks) was a match penalty if I ever saw one…Greene’s deplorable act probably won’t even be reviewed by the NHL…the Kings are a scientific experiement created in the NHL Lab gone very wrong…they are bad for the image of the game, and for fun…that’s what the Kings are…the UNFUNS…good riddance.
That last play of the game was AWESOME. Tazer forced Quick to go down and the shot from Kane was so fast and so perfect he couldn’t reach it in time. The camera angle with the view from behind Quick looking at the shot coming in was incredible. What a way to end the game and series. AWESOME. GO HAWKS
Couple of comments.
Something I notice about Kane that doesn’t seem to get much attention is his ability to clear the defensive zone with good passes. He passes with confidence (usually up the ice) into small spaces and puts it right on a player’s stick. When the D is struggling to clear I like to see Kaner get involved.
Re: Kings style of play – I’m guessing the refs (and most announcers) are old school and go by the adage, ‘no dismemberment, no penalty’. I don’t think they care for Hawks style of play and like to reward ‘blue collar’ teams like the Kings. The shot to Shaw was especially bad. How that’s not a penalty is beyond me
One more thing. These playoff games are so exciting that its hard to look down at your food while eating dinner. I had the kids with me and we watched the game while eating dinner out last night and it was unbelievable. Compare that to baseball, where its so boring you can’t even watch every pitch in a single at bat. The only thing that compares to this was that last Olympic medal game between the USA and Canada in Vancouver. I never played hockey, but its definitely the best sport to watch. GO HAWKS
Without inter-conference games this season, evaluating the Stanley Cup matchup is even more subjective than it usually is. That said, Boston appears to be a huge step up from the teams the Hawks have faced so far, and they are playing at a very high level right now. They are a very good defensive team with a huge d-corps led by their superstar Chara. Rask is playing other-worldy and they will be the best offensive team the Hawks have faced in these playoffs. And … they have the Hawks-killing nightmare from yesteryear – Jagr.
If I were a betting man, I’d put my dollar down on Boston, even with the Hawks having home ice. But, as we all know, the games aren’t won on paper. The will to win, the bounce of the puck, and of course injuries will all play a role.
Win or lose, the Hawks have made it to the Finals and I’m proud to be a Hawks fan.
Steve B- Good guess on 19 injury??? I noticed he took that stupid/obvious penalty right after a feeble shot attempt… then argued the call… which was obvious… That is frustration- most likely injury related… But I suspect Brown and Kopitar were injured too… they played/skated very weakly.
Brad- Your call of Kane “the Floater” is a perfect call… without “bangers” 29/19 to draw the D- skate well- and win Board battles… Kane was a ghost.
IMO- Bruins in 6
Thoughts…
Toews appears mentally exhausted more than anything. His duties on the ice are enormous…first line Center, face-offs, PP duty, PK duty, two-way play…he has the biggest role of any forward on this team. I just think he is gassed. Needs a few days away to hit the reset button and to get some much needed rest.
Boston – Chicago is going to be a dandy. The Bruins have really hit their stride and its going to take a superior effort from the Hawks in all phases to win the Series. Honestly, both these teams have a good chance to hoist the Cup. I don’t see either being the favorite.
Marchand and Krejci … two player that we had better be prepared for in a big way.
Stalberg needs to sit. I can’t see him being of any value in the Boston series. He was terrible versus LA. I’m ready for him to go away permanently.
Nice to see Bolland step up after a highly disappointing season. He’s going to be called upon to play smart and very aggressive hockey in the Boston series.
Crawford is allowed to have a mediocre game. He still remains the primary reason why we have made it to the Finals. Pisses me off that people want to rip him right now. Those people don’t know hockey…or the huge burden that has been placed on Crawford and how he has hugely delivered in these playoffs.
Leddy and Saad…both have been non-factors in the playoffs. That’s got to change against Boston. Leddy will need to have a decent series. And Saad is going to have to bring big two-way energy to the ice on every shift. So take your Flinstone vitamins over the next few days Saad.
ER and Wall…it doesn’t matter what Boston appear to be…the Hawks have been better and are better all season long…its not going to change now…Boston has not faced competition like the Hawks…you can saw all you want about the Pens talent level, but clearly they had no heart, or push back…the Hawks DEFINE these things…I can’t tell you how many games it will take for the Hawks to win, I just KNOW that they will…they have to, they ARE the best team.
General Buck, I think you are right…the refs and the purists in the league office do NOT like or appreciate the Hawks style of play…this is why the Hawks can’t by a break when it comes to officiating or the league office…
Sorry, appears and say…heck, you can “saw” all you want too…
Boston was very fortunate to beat the Leafs…and Leafs used their speed to cause boston problems…plus, the Leafs showed heart and push back, and the bruins had problems with this.
Look at game 4 versus the rangers, the bruins had it in the bag, and the rangers showed some heart, Rusk fell apart, and the rangers won.
This is not some perfect, invincible monster…they played in the Eastern Conference where’s there’s talent but not lots of heart.
It will be very interesting to hear Tab’s breakdown of the Hawks/bruins series…I am looking forward to it.
Sr. Brad well said.
Tab, If you go back into the bowels of this site, you will find many of us who called for the heads of some of the guys that have been the difference on this team in the playoffs.
Kruger, Frohlich, Hammer Crow, and even Kaner.
They made us all eat our words as this team is solid, and inside that locker room they are a team that can adjust and match any style of hockey needed.
Enjoy what we have as once again it will look different come puck drop next season.
But we all know the talent that lies in the next group that will wear the Indianhead.
Reddsteel rising…
ER- Completely agree- without East Vs. West… we are all guessing… Hawks have had a fantastic season play/watch… My money would be on B’s…
Like Brad said- we will see if the Hawks speed/IQ wins over the Grit/toughness/IQ of the B’s… But Brad- I really think B’s are DEEPER and a little more Mature/smarter… The Hawks still have some babies- Saad, Shaw, Kruger, Leddy- (who are smart/good) but not Man/mature yet!!!
Bruins- are the Best Team in Face-offs bar none- Brad- you harped about face-offs all year… B’s are the BEST at it!!!!
Rufus- not only are Marchand and Krecji beasts- Patrice B., Lucic, Horton… to me the Bruins skate 6-8 Andrew Ladds everynite… complete, gritty, skilled, Made for Playoff hockey types that can play on any line- in any type of Game!!! When they won Cup a couple of years ago- I thought that this would be a dynasty based on that- and the fact that they were mostly payed under 5 M… so Cap friendly…
I also said the Hawks would take 3-4 years to Make another run from 2010… so Congrats to them and Organization…
Good news is Hawks should be better going forward w/ Prospects in System and most players still not at their peak!!!
Yeah that was a great observation by Steve B. When we were playing the Wings didn’t the cameras show Toews in pain on the bench when Zetterberg had slashed him on the wrist?
How the hell can you have watched the Hawks in these playoffs and think they lack grit? Just because they have skill to go along with grit doesn’t mean they are lacking grit. Not to mention grit is the stupidest word ever. Say it out loud and pretend it’s the defining factor of why a team will win a series.
Also on faceoffs. The Hawks have been destroyed at the dot all post season and they are 12-5.
Hawks have been outhit all playoffs long, and they are still 12-5. Maybe Boston will hit them in a special way that will bother them more… since Boston is so extra gritty.
re: 19. His faceoff numbers might be an indicator of wrist/arm issues. He was at 38 and 39% for games 3 and 4. Unheard of. His best was G1 at 55%, dropped quickly before averaging 46% for the series.
Wall I agree with basically everything you said, and you are right about me lamenting the F/O situation…but as JS said, somehow, someway we are 12-5, and I KNOW we will win…the Bruins do have many of those Andrew Laddesque players in their lineup and they are geared for the playoffs, but we have more talent, more heart, the same grit and the confidence to know that we are going to win…I think that’s the difference.
Gou…I agree, moving forward the team will be different, but what I like, and gives me confidence, is that the kids that we have drafted, have grown up in a system that EXPECTS TO WIN…and while we don’t possess a bunch of Grade A, top flight prospects, we have a bunch of talented kids who are grinders, 2 way forwards, with loads of leadership and character. I know Wall and others have doubts about McNeil…I don’t…the kid was born to be a 2nd line NHL centre…and he has the mind and the body for playoff hockey…it will be another year before we see him, but I can’t wait…next year I am very excited for a full year of Ben Smith, Jeremy Morin and Hayes/Pirri…smart hockey guys, that have loads of character. If Hossa can stay around for another 2 seasons, his teaching, leadership, and examples alone will be worth the salary…and actually, moving forward, even if Hossa stops after 2 more seasons, we could keep him on, with the money he is making from his contract, to act as an organizational teacher, instructor.
Short of that 2nd centre spot, of which Handzus is doing a decent job, this organization is loaded now and in the future…I hope Pirri is given every chance in the world next year to be that guy.
JS- call “grit” what you want- But I will explain “it” like this … Kane was a ghost for most of Series- suddenly “gritty plays” like Bix crashing net (Kane’s 1st goal)- keeping puck alive followed by 19, also crashing goal/keeping puck alive w/ mad body scramble of players laying on ice- leave the “floater” – ever nimble Kane all alone as the last man standing to cash in!!! Great talent by Kane– But 19/29 did the Dirty work!
Kane Goal #2 – 29 wins battle behind net (some think he tripped Williams/doesn’t matter… 29 won/fought/battled/cheated for puck -“grit” … and the “floater” cashed in…
In summary- The B’s have several Ladd types that would score/contribute pretty much the same way regardless of skating w/ 1st, 2nd, or 3rd line others….
Kane- does not score that Hat-trick w/ 26 as his center!!!! or on the 3rd line…
That’s why I think B’s are better-
But perhaps- I am really misjudging the Hawk’s great speed/ especially on back end where even the Kings said the Hawks were much better than Blues and Sharks-
If that is the case – I will GLADLY be wrong!!!
Some facts about Bruins vs Hawks in postseason:
1. First time they meet for the Cup
2. Last meeting was the 1978 quarterfinals, in which Boston swept
3. It’s the 7th overall playoff meeting. Of the previous six, Hawks only won the 1975 preliminary round in 3 games. And in Game 3 at Boston, Hawks were outshot 56-19, yet won 6-4. Hawks won Game 2 in OT in Chicago after being blown out 8-1 in Boston in Game 1.
For those that really love speculating about the draft/prospects and the MGT of this team like I do, the Blackhawks official website is now providing a monthly talk with Stan Bowman…the interviewer is a very smart individual who does a nice job of letting Bowman talk, but also gets in important questions, especially relating to what is pertinent in the moment. For the chat they had just a few days ago, here is the link…
http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/podcastbrowser.htm?location=/insider
Listening to Bowman, you can see how they are positioning themselves moving forward with Raanta in net…clearly the Bowmans are not going to get caught again (as with Niemi) having to overpay for a goalie, or not being ready to replace a goalie if they choose not to sign him…regardless of what Crawford and his agent decide after next season, the Hawks will be ready.
Had two heart attacks and a stroke before Kane scored that beauty goal. The Blackhawks have always found a way to win and it has never been a breeze. No different this time, they may lose a game but adjust and find a way. Bruins almost eliminated by Toronto for crying out loud….same team, minus Cambpell. We will use their skulls as our new paperweights!
ER, “Boston appears to be a huge step up from the teams the Hawks have faced so far, and they are playing at a very high level right now.” — is it possible that the Hawks may be a huge step up from the teams the Bruins have faced so far? I completely agree about evaluating the Stanley Cup matchup – there really isn’t a lot to go on. I tend to agree with R.T. Firefly “Honestly, both these teams have a good chance to hoist the Cup. I don’t see either being the favorite.”
Wall, “The Hawks still have some babies- Saad, Shaw, Kruger, Leddy” – and in Boston, Daugavins, Bartkowski, Krug, and Hamilton…? Obviously, they have the advantage in faceoffs.
If the Hawks (are able to) play “their game” this should be a very good series.
GO HAWKS!!
Rufus- Saad has done a lot in the playoffs but it was the things that are not on the stat sheet. Last night’s game I thought he played well. Granted he does need to get goals but last night the announcers talked about how good he was playing. This series if you can trick Drew Doughty and get him off the puck that’s something right there. Like you said he needs to step up by getting goals but for his first whole nine yards playoff experience( last year he only played 2 playoff games) I have no complaints.
As for the team in itself I’m so beyond happy for all that they accomplished. Breaking NHL records, being president trophy winners, and western conference winners with a very shorten season is just extrodonary. Now to face the toughest series of the whole playoffs this season against an original 6 team like the Bruins is the best honorary privilege yet. Let’s keep it up Boys! 4 to go! Let’s Go Hawks!
So because Kane is obviously not a physical player the Hawks have less “grit” than the Bruins. Got it. Maybe they should dress Brookbank, Mayers, Carcillo, and Bollig to increase their “grit” factor? Since grit is obviously the way you win games, not skill.
Pretty obvious that Kane isn’t as good when he’s being covered by two people on every shift than when he can just work his ass off to try to slip one. Sure, Toews and Bickell did the physical work to get the puck to him, but he finished and that matters. Kane isn’t going to win physical battles and the thought that there will ever be a day he does is stupid. Every GM in the league would gladly take him on their team, even without the “grit” factor.
I think it’s silly for you to say Kane only got a hat trick because of his line. I must have missed all of the people throughout hockey history that recorded a hat trick while playing 5 on 1.
I’m glad that the Hawks won’t beat Boston because Patrick Kane doesn’t have enough grit.
Nice win despite the let down with 14 seconds remaining! The Hawks have a bunch of fight in them zero quit!
As for the Bruins clearly the Hawks shouldnt bother showing up! If you listen to most blowhards out of Boston and the Eastern Seaboard Programming Network, or other “experts” the Hawks are clearly outclassed. Never mind the Bruins almost lost to a Leafs team that hasnt played playoff hockey in a decade or the fact the Hawks just eliminated the defending champs or beat an unbeatable team at home and the reigning ConnSmyth winner and unflappable goalie. Clearly NO team can withstand the big bad Bruin, all they did was embarrass the Odds on favorite to win the Cup(the team i wanted to come out of the East I wanted a 90-91 revenage), and have an unbeatalbe goalie with a 950 SA. Sounds the Hawks goose is cooked!
Fuck that! I’m sorry im not buying that nonsense! THIS Hawks team has played Hockey better then ANY Hawks team I can remember. THIS Hawks team as been flirting with the cup since a month into the season. THIS Hawks team has taken everyone best SHOT for a long time! They beat the 08 Champs(Wings)12 Champs(Kings) and will beat the 11 Champs Bruins and will go down as one of the GREATEST single season teams EVER! They WILL add to their resume a Stanley Cup to go along with a Presidents Trophy, Jennings Trohpy, and longest winning streak to start a season! So Fuck you Big Bad Bruins, they are going to be right there in the History books as a footnote! Go Hawks!
Good comments. Getting up here after my Q-esque 1:30pm nap.
Yeah I got home my wife recorded all the post game as well. I saw 19 88 2 on podium.
I noticed 19 pulling his left sleeve down, tugging at it. Then he NEVER raised it into few. He rubbed his face with his right hand, everything he did was with the one arm.
He dropped his stick 5 times, I counted. I didn’t notice any other player loose his stick more than once.
On his draws to the comment about this FO%, well he just doesn’t draw them back. When he “wins” a draw, he is getting it to stop right behind him. I seemed to me the other team knew this and would always swoop in behind him. It takes a village to win a draw but I was seeing when he would get the puck, it would stop behind him and other team’s wing would get it.
So I just see several instances that are not normal for a hockey player to do with his body. The shot in LA when his arms both went and his wrist was stiff was when I decided to really watch him.
Great comments on Bos. I think they are just a better version of LA. But look who the have beaten. A BAD tor team, a NYR team flawed and only beat Wsh since Wash is even more messed up. Ovie will never lead a team in the playoffs ever. So then they beat Pitt who is a mess with chemistry. The blew up 2 games in Pitt and when Pitt got its head on straight when 2 close games at home. They are big like LA but have more speed and more top end talent. But the Hawks can shut down any one line they want. If 19 is ok I out his line on their monster line and have them all even out.
Good comment on 25. He was terrible. He would be the first forward i would sit.
Shaw had a ton of jump. Kane was all world. Hossa had energy but when Zues has a bad game (slow) he can’t do much. I think that is why on boards the opinions are so devided on 26. I mean he can make plays when he can get there, but most of the time he does not and so you kill the line. If Sharp can’t speed down wing, nothign happens. So with 26 it is all or nothing and thank goodness he is finishing chances. I saw 26 has only a handful of SOG for the playoffs. I mean it is a sick total. He has been fine on avg but Hoosa and Sharp, and before Kane were held back by 26.
Anyway, nice post great site along with HF Boards to check out thoughts.
Special game, special team. Bos is tough and a team that wins from 4-1 down in the 3rd to win a game 7 can not be taken lightly. We won’t. we will defend them and come at them with solid offense that they haven’t seen. again, pitt for all the talent is all solo stuff. Iginla was terrible. Neal nothing, Morrow zip. Our 2nd level guys will score.
Where is the media about 19’s left wrist? Not that he will/should reply. His left hand is his power hand. He can’t use it right now to its full use I am 10000% sure. I just don’t know what to do about it lol.
Well boys……..what a great game, last night. Kaner hit a 6″ X 6″ spot in the corner of the net from 20′ out!! I’m not sure anyone else in the league could do that. That was spectacular!!!
Although Boston is a very good team, they have not seen the speed, skill and puck control that we have, from any other team. The Hawks have played very physical teams and they are prepared for what Boston brings to the ice. Boston is a combination of St. Louis and L.A. They like to bring the heavy bodies and soften you up, then use what speed they have to open up the neutral zone.
Their defense is good, but slow. They have heavy shots from the point, too. But down low in their zone, they aren’t quick at all. I am NOT talking fast, I am talking quick as in side to side, back and forth and slot to boards.
As far as goaltending goes, I think Rask is very good, but he’s no Jonathan Quick. Technically, he is excellent, though. He could steal a game for them, but I doubt it.
Size doesn’t intimidate the Hawks, but speed and skill intimidate any team.
Hawks in 6.
Cool facts Dave, thanks for sharing…
Veronica, excellent post…it is a priviledge to be “part” of this…lots of fun. As for Saad, you are right, he’s had a decent to good playoffs and is getting better…he just might become a real key for us against Boston…he just needs to start believing that his skills belong in the SC finals.
JS, you don’t need to argue everything…other people can be “right” too…in this case Wall is very right…Kane’s skills and hustle scored those goals but it was Bickell and Toew’s grit that created those scoring opportunities. Kane just finished…which what he is paid to do…as we discussed before, Kane will never be that punisher, or gritty grinder that churns up opportunities…he might pick your pocket, but in playoff hockey he will always be a guy who makes the most of the opportunities that his line mates help create for him…and there’s nothing wrong with that. Kane is not 6’4″ 220lb…he does the most with what he was given.
I love the passion SSHM…the Hawks are the team that have excelled all season long, not the bruins…the bruins are winning in the eastern conference, not the western conference…there’s a difference.
Certainly the Bruins are a very good hockey team, but SO ARE THE HAWKS…
JS- I never said you win on grit alone… The person I am comparing B’s players to is a VERY SKILLED player Andrew Ladd… Ladd can be a stud on all lines… can play physical… can fight if he has to ( like a Lucic or Marchand) … can score, can pass, can muscle past a defender… will take a nasty check/hit to make a play (Shaw)… will drive to the net…
The Hawks you mentioned are not GRIT players… they are SHIT players!!!
while Sharp, Stalberg, Hossa, Kane are as skilled/more skilled… they do not have as much as Grit to go w/ skill as does Ladd and the B’s players previously mentioned.
Hopefully- the Hawks are Just too Fast/skilled…
In the end… I HOPE I am wrong… and I eat CROW ( not Crawford)-
If I am right… You can eat Stalberg!
That’s funny and disgusting at the same time Wall…
I never said it wasn’t Bickell and Toews that created those scoring opportunities, I actually agreed with that. But finishing is important. Finishing is actually more important. Just because Kane isn’t going to go into a dirty area to win a puck, doesn’t mean he is a bad player.
Since Andrew Ladd can score on any line, how many playoff hat tricks does he have? How many trips to the playoffs has he had since leaving Chicago? I know he was just oh so important for the Hawks cup run with 6 points in the 19 games. Hey those 13 minutes on ice he was averaging were the greatest 13 minutes ever (even greater than the 9 he averaged with Carolina)! Hawks aren’t going to win because they don’t have him there to contribute those third line minutes… and be gritty and stuff.
Kane obviously needs help on the ice. When he was with 26 and 10, those two were getting great opportunities because whenever Kane touched the puck, two players were crashing him. They felt more comfortable leaving Handzus open anywhere than allowing Kane to have the puck. This is why his production will go up while playing with Toews.
And personally, on the subject of the great intangible “grit”, I’d say it takes a whole hell of a lot of it to hold the defending SC champions to 2 shots at home in the third period of a game they desperately needed. It takes “grit” to back check as hard as the Hawks do. It takes “grit” to come back from a series you are trailing 3-1.
Wall you have been doubting the Hawks chances all season long. I’m sure that even if they sweep the Bruins you’ll probably say they were helped by the shortened season because you are incapable of giving this team the credit they deserve. They aren’t as good as that 2010 team with the monster Buff in front of the net or the greatest player ever, Andrew Laad and his .32 points per game.
And Brad, I’ve been arguing with you guys all season long, why would I stop now? :)
The rest will help the team. Sharp n Toews are both hurt n it’s effecting their game. Zues also needs the rest. He has played better then I ever expected but he’s being asked to play big mins an it shows as the series goes on. The Bruins can be beat, as has been noted. Their D is big but can be beat with speed. And while Rask has played good Crawford’s numbers are almost identical. It’s going to be a great series, but the Bruins haven’t played a team like the Hawks in the east.
Boston sucks.
The Hawks are awesome.
End of story.
I am not arguing with anyone here, but I don’t think anyone here can disagree with (JS) – “on the subject of the great intangible “grit”, I’d say it takes a whole hell of a lot of it to hold the defending SC champions to 2 shots at home in the third period of a game they desperately needed.”
Andrew Ladd – in my opinion (at the time), he was by far the player of those lost from the 2010 Championship team that I would like to have kept. I believe Ladd is a great “team player” and a lot of what he contributes doesn’t show up in the stats (except Ws). Of course, there was a lot of talk about moving Sharp(‘s salary) because he would bring the most in return – ridiculous. (Byfuglien slept thru more than half of the regular season, Versteeg has difficulty understanding “team” play at times, Campbell was the logical choice of one of the “Big 3 d-men”, Niemi’s agent priced him out of town, and Sopel was an interchangeable part…)
— add Madden to “Sopel…interchangeable part”
JS- I would call my Doubting just playing the odds… No Real Science!!! Just #’s… Every year if I bet the field vs. Hawks for the SC, even – I would be be a very rich man…
Of course the Hawks are very good… and Kane is a very skilled Player… My “doubting” is just realistic view that there can only be one winner… anything can happen in Playoffs… I honestly predicted if the Hawks get the Teams/playoffs to seed/fall the right way the Hawks could/would make it to the SC finals… Paraphrasing- I said- “if Hawks don’t have to play combination of Ducks/Blues/Kings (any 2) .. Hawks would have a shot… And of course I said Hawks were done when down 3 games to 1 vs. Wings… Just playin the odds –
Once again- “just because Kane doesn’t go into dirty areas… doesn’t make him a bad player” …. I never said it did… He is a very skilled player- who needs certain types of players around him to be effective… and yes- Ladd did only score 6 points… but once again you ONLY support my point- that Ladd was/could be effective in playoff hockey (even if he isn’t scoring… by doing a lot of other things.) Kane IS not that effective unless he is scoring (w/ bodies/talented/grit guys 19/29)… Since Ladd was given more time/better lines… he is now a scorer…
At the end of the day- Ladd (like the B’s I mentioned) can do many things well. NOT saying Ladd is Better than Kane… Just saying he can play many roles/lines well- Kane Can’t. B’s have several “Ladds”- guys that can be very effective in many situations/lines/roles.
By the way Toews only has 9 points, 17 games- does that make him as ineffective as Ladd was in 2010 or as worthless as you claim??? Of course not!!! 19 is a stud- playing hard- going to net- Getting slashed/hacked/ face-offs/ playing great D/ PK…
I’m liking all the optimism coming from Brad.
Here’s my thinking on the next series:
-The defense and goaltending from both teams is about equal. Crawford has 1.74 GAA and Rask has 1.75. All season both teams have been some of the best defensively, and that’s carried over to the playoff.
-The offensive depth on both teams is about equal (the Bruins might be the only team where this is true). With players like Seguin, Peverley, Thornton, and Paille on the 3rd and 4th lines, Boston is fully capable of running 4 good lines.
-Coaching is also about equal, with Julien having a 40-34 record in the playoffs and Quenneville having a 72-67 record. They’ve both won one Stanley Cup and one Jack Adams Award.
-The one place where I think the Blackhawks might have an edge is in the top offensive players. The Blackhawks have Toews, Kane, Sharp, and Hossa, while the Bruins have Krejci, Bergeron, Marchand, Horton, and Lucic. Bergeron and Marchand are excellent two way forwards, but so are Toews and Hossa. Of course, I only think the Hawks have the advantage here if Toews and Kane show up, and they have been better recently.
So I think the Hawks will win a close, hard fought series. My prediction is Hawks in 6.
Claude Julian looks like Bill Dauterive from King of the Hill!
Toews 9 in 17 is almost twice the PPG production as Ladd. Funny story, that production goes up a lot when Toews is on a line with Kane. Probably has nothing to do with Kane. I’ve been on Toews not being good enough since the first series and people jumped on me. I thought they would have no chance at making the SCF if he continued to not score goals. I was wrong. That’s how good this team is. They are in the SCF in spite of Toews scoring 1 goal in 17 games.
The problem with playing the odds is you’ve just been made to look a fool a dozen times. You’ve joined every bandwagon that was capable of carrying you this season and now you’re on the last remaining one.
Stop being so in love with the 2010 team and you will appreciate this one a whole lot more.
This will be a very good Stanley Cup finals. Its interesting, but the majority of prognosticators who I have respect for are picking Boston to win the Cup. So the Hawks will have a big of the underdog element to contend with. I think the Hawks can win this series, but it will take this team hitting on near all cylinders. Marshand, Bergeron, Krejci, Seguin, Jagr…a lot of very good and downright scary players on the Bruins.
Lets play the games and see what happens.
While everyone assumes Toews is banged up, can we take a step back and give some credit where it’s due?
The reality for Toews is that life has not been – and will not be – easy this postseason. He’s gone up against a gritty Wild team that had Matt Cullen & Mikko Koivu winning over 54% of their regular season faceoffs. He then faced Detroit, with a Selke winner in Datsyuk and all-world Zetterberg all over him. Against LA, he saw a lot of Kopitar, who’s a legitimate Selke-caliber forward in his own right. Kopitar won 53.3 percent of his draws during the regular season.
Also, 3 Kings – Williams (1st – 29.77), Kopitar (3rd – 25.43) and D Brown (10th – 22.54) – were among the top 10 forwards in the league in CorsiOn during the regular season. Of those three Kings, only one – Williams – had a positive postseason CorsiOn.
What do the Hawks have to look forward to in the Final? 3 of the other 7 forwards making up the regular season top ten in CorsiOn are Bruins – Bergeron, Seguin and Marchand. And Bergeron is the reigning Selke winner.
JS- Please stop displaying your inability to do Basic Math and use logic! Since when is 9 points in 17 games almost twice as many points as Ladd’s 6 points in 19… AND still the POINT is that Ladd can play many different roles more effectively than a Kane can…
NOT that Ladd is better than Kane!!!
Your second paragraph??? “the trouble of playing the odds… made me to look like fool”- are you drunk again? And I thought when you played the odds/ odds are in one’s favor- well you have a better chance of winning… I guess I better re-think that logic! Perhaps I should go back to my College and get a refund for my Stats degree.
Bandwagon??? What the Hell are you talking about??? I am the last person on this thread to be “a Bandwagon” guy… if anything I am the complete opposite- the “anti-Bandwagon”…
Perhaps I was wrong again… Your understanding of English is actually worse then your understanding of Math!
Say hello to Victor for me!
While those are valid points Tab, it still doesn’t dispute the fact that something is wrong with Toews…his F/O’s are getting worse, and so is his shot…I think these 3 days off will help him a lot. Toews is simply getting too much ice time, and is too talented to have only 9 points in 17 playoff games…and I think you know this too…
Whether Toews is banged up or not he IS the target of every team the Hawks play. That is where the Hawks depth makes them what they are, an excellent hockey team. The Captain is doing what he needs to do on the ice and in the locker room. I love that his statement to the team after the 3d period debacle in game 7 against the Wings….”It is too early to go home”. Leadership from Toews is his greatest asset.
I am not sure I understand the whole Kane-Ladd debate. They are different players in different realities. Kane is probably as effective as he can be as a player because he is a Hawk. With so many weapons to key on, Kane (and Q) can create the matchups that suit Kane best. I love Kane and I am glad he is a Hawk, but he is not Captain material. I am also a BIG Ladd fan and he was the Hawks biggest loss IMO. Ladd is what the Jets need going forward.
Good thoughts Mike…depth is what makes the Hawks a championship team…Toews is the spoon that stirs the pot…as to Ladd versus Kane…I think what Wall is saying he would like to have both…these types of players NEED one another…of all the players we lost, Ladd hurt us the most…now that Bickell has come into his own, we need to resign him…we can’t have Ladd, Buff and Bickell all walk out the door.
As I said recently, before the playoffs started IMO Stahlberg was the guy we needed to resign…Bicks was expendable because he could be replaced by Hayes or Hayes/Morin. But with Bickell taking his game to another level in the playoffs (which is what this whole thing is about) and Stahlberg vanishing, Bicks has got to be resigned…Leddy has played his value down a ton with a very listless performance in the playoffs thus far…Shaw and Kruger will be reasonable contracts, so we have the money to sign Bickell…
Funny how things change…
Sr Brad, no doubt we would love to have both Kane and Ladd.
I think Bickell will resign and I think that the deal will not be out of control. As many have said, a great playoffs does not a player make. The season is an 82 game grind. Making it into the playoffs is every teams MOST important task. Once in, anything can happen. There are many examples of a great playoffs not translating into regular season excellence. Buff and Bolland come to mind.
Conversely, Leddy’s value may have come down a little with a very mundane playoff season. However, his regular season performance and the fact that he is just 22 is where his value will come from. I see him signing 2/3 years for about 1.75 per…..maybe 2.0
Stalberg is an enigma. So much potential, but where is the finish? It appears that his standing on the team was decided before the playoffs began. It is time for him to move on.
Wall- when the Hawks lost their first two games of the season you started talking about how they don’t have what it takes to win because of this reason and this reason and they will be a first round out. Then when they lost a few games to Anaheim suddenly Anaheim was better than the Hawks and they would never get past them in the playoffs. Then LA beat the Hawks and the Kings were better than the Hawks and there was no way for the Hawks to get past them. Then the Pens went on a run and the Hawks weren’t as good as them because they didn’t have that huge roster of Power Forwards that the Pens have. Then the Wings went up 3-1 on the Hawks and you gave up on the season and pointed out all these huge holes that need to be filled before they will be capable of getting back to the cup again. And now, that they are in the finals and have made you look a fool plenty of times, they can’t win because of something that is incapable of being measured. Ok.
And if you are anti-bandwagon it’s because you love every team that is not the Hawks becasue you are STILL STUCK IN 2010!
Excellent analysis on this site, & great back & forth banter. Most poster’s here are knowledgable about hockey & make valid points.
As far as Leddy goes, IMHO he looks like a “Bobby Orr” wanting to break out…. To me it looks like he wants to run & gun….. He’s itching to go end to end but the coaches are being conservative & holding him back & its making him somewhat hesitant & as you know in the NHL & especially in the SCF if you hesitate at all you lose! I’m not advocating he be let loose, he needs to learn & get good at defense first, but I see his obvious offensive talent & it makes you wonder how he’d do as a forward……
Am I the only one that see’s this?
Also, Ladd 6/19 = .32 Toews 9/17 = .53 So it’s close to twice the PPG. Keep him on a line with that weak player Kane and watch the PPG total continue to rise… not because of Kane though.
I’m still tired here Monday morning from the high drama game Saturday night. Even a few extra beers after the game made it hard to get to sleep until past 2:00. Beat all day yesterday, but I am sop happy to be fatigued and knowing our team is going to the Stanley Cup Finals. This is what we hoped for all year. Just 4 more wins in the next 7 games is all we need!
What a contest Saturday. It was a taut atmosphere at the UC. The euphoric early 2 goal lead was wonderful, yet I knew the next goal would be huge and of course it was the Kings that got it. Kaner’s late game heroics appeared to seal the deal, but the goofy icing call gave LA the final crack at it and they executed perfectly to tie. Watching that play live really pissed me off as the LA player gave a half hearted attempt to play the puck. I thought they were going to wash out the icing, but they didn’t. I know that is a subjective play, but Bickell actually made a very good attempt to softy clear the puck down the ice and it went on edge and began to roll!
Overtime in the playoffs is nerve wracking to watch, but you can’t beat it for ups and downs. It is so intense. Kane’s winner was a thing of beauty, He buried it and it was a great pass from the Cpt. A draining experience for all, but gratifying to see the boys come through.
I like our chances against the B’s. It is completely true that the media views the Bruins as the darlings, but the Hawks are flying under the radar IMO. We skate 4 lines just like Boston does. I like our team speed vs their size. Bruins are look better down the middle than us, but our forwards are much faster. Both teams have trouble on PP but our PK is very good. Rask and Crow have both proven tough to beat in the playoffs. Both teams sport good sets of D men, but I like our group better. I think we can beat these guys, but it should be a good final to watch. Hope we hold serve this week.
Steve B made a strong argument that Tazer is nursing a problem with left hand/wrist. He is also very tired as well. A few days off before the finals kick off should be good for all of the players, but especially the Cpt. Despite his low goal production in the playoffs he is doing lots of the little things very well. I will never fade his compete level.
WE WANT THE CUP!!
Let’s Go Hawks!!
JS- perhaps you are not reading me correctly… or I am not writing it correctly/explaining well enough… when Ducks beat Hawks- That doesn’t mean the Ducks have to be better— I MEAN that Hawks will struggle against that “TYPE” of team… Just like Kane will struggle to produce on O if he doesn’t have guys who can win puck and create space for Him to Float!
Of course a Team that has 20 w and 3 L’s doesn’t SUCK!!!
Of course Kane doesn’t SUCK!!!
But The point was/is that the Hawks will struggle vs. that type- the 2013/achilles heal was/is the skilled/Beastly forechecking team (by the way 2010 achilles/Huet)… (my thought was that if we played 2 teams like Kings/Ducks/Blues in playoffs back to back- Hawks might not survive…)
Your Pens comment is completely unwarranted– We were having discussion on Power forwards (and Defining PF’s)– I HAVE said several times that Hawks/Pens series would actually be good match cuz Pens don’t play D and Hawks are faster… I said B’s were more concern cuz they are more complete…
Wings- by odds – were 92% chance to beat Hawks (when up 3-1) My Actuarial nature led me to believe the Hawks would most likely lose… I was wrong- but that Hardly makes me a “bandwagon” guy… — just a numbers guy… and of course the numbers don’t always tell the WHOLE story all of the time…
I’m sure if I wanted to I could look through some comments after games and find a handful of comments saying the Hawks won’t have a chance. However, I’m too tired and there really isn’t anything to prove.
We’ll see how the series plays out and if the Hawks happen to lose, we can blame it on intangibles.
Predicting this series is tough. I believe the Hawks will win in 7. A lucky bounce here or there could easily decide the series. It is hard not to give a lot of credit to Boston. They are a talented versatile team. Their comeback against the Leafs was epic. They shut down the best offense (or second best if you prefer) in the league. They are riding a super HOT goalie.
The Hawks can change all of that with a huge game 1 effort. One key to this series is to steal some of that momentum from the Bruins.
Brad, why do you always say we need to re-sign Shaw? He has one more year on his deal after this year, and then he’s an RFA. Usually you wait until their deal expires to resign RFAs unless they’re star players.