(IST) SCF: (3) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (2) Tampa Bay Lightning

[Jailbreak]

The Hawks take chances, which can get them in trouble. I don't think Tampa will outskate them. It's hard for me to see Tampa winning more than a game or two. It should be fun to watch, as both teams like to push the puck.

 

[Bigfoot]

Bigfoot says Hawks in 5.

 

[Popinski Soda]

What's with the sporadic schedule?

 

[italianbeef]

What's with the sporadic schedule?

Avoiding the NBA Finals, I think. Should have the extra day off when they travel.

 

[biscuit_in_the_basket]

What's with the sporadic schedule?

Pretty sure that game 2 on Saturday is purely so the Belmont Stakes can be the lead into the game (for ratings of course!)

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Love when teams think they can trap against the Blackhawks for a whole period. HELLO.... Hawks will just dump and chase and be faster than you.. Noobs.

 

[Svic]

Love when teams think they can trap against the Blackhawks for a whole period. HELLO.... Hawks will just dump and chase and be faster than you.. Noobs.

I'm pretty sure they scored because lighting gave them free skate in by staking 5 on the blue line. Dump and chase doesn't work against that. And hawks failed on dump and chase most of the night.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

I'm pretty sure they scored because lighting gave them free skate in by staking 5 on the blue line. Dump and chase doesn't work against that. And hawks failed on dump and chase most of the night.

Never said the dump and chase led to the goal. But it definitely wore the Lightning down.

 

[Ares]

Never said the dump and chase led to the goal. But it definitely wore the Lightning down.

And the Lightning blew their load in the 1st.... I said they needed 2 goals out of that blitzkrieg bullshit they were pulling in the 1st or they were done..... #calledit

 

[Bigfoot]

Tampa did nothing last night that made Bigfoot think gosh these guys scare me. **** Tampa

 

[Ares]

Besides the win.... another positive IMO.... Versteeg actually played well last night.... he was skating hard.... forechecking like a beast.... he stole a few pucks.... and hes a guy like Shaw who may not be big but he can mix it up if mofos try to **** with Kaner or TT.

 

[HeHateMe]

Besides the win.... another positive IMO.... Versteeg actually played well last night.... he was skating hard.... forechecking like a beast.... he stole a few pucks.... and hes a guy like Shaw who may not be big but he can mix it up if mofos try to **** with Kaner or TT.

totes. it's cool that him AND Rundblad both played pretty decently last night. That's what I like about watching the Hawks, there are players that frustrate but then show up big when least expected. Is Bickell gonna play in the next game? It would be cool to see him get going too. It was the scrappiest game I've seen the Hawks in this postseason and we need Bickell's presence to set the tone of this cakeroll.

 

[Ton]

I can do without Versteeg. Didn't like him in 2010, and don't like him now. He is a bad turnover waiting to happen... while he played decent last game and didn't make any glaring mistakes (which is shocking, really), I would prefer Bickell's physical presence on that line.

 

[MassHavoc]

I can do without Versteeg. Didn't like him in 2010, and don't like him now. He is a bad turnover waiting to happen... while he played decent last game and didn't make any glaring mistakes (which is shocking, really), I would prefer Bickell's physical presence on that line.

sure, his play has dropped off dramatically since 2010, but last night the guy took a post, a puck, and an elbow in the face on consecutive shift and still seemed to be all over the place. I'll take it over hits at this point since that's all Bigfoot has done in the post season. And I don't think we'll need to be as physical for this series.

 

[HawkWriter]

I can do without Versteeg. Didn't like him in 2010, and don't like him now. He is a bad turnover waiting to happen... while he played decent last game and didn't make any glaring mistakes (which is shocking, really), I would prefer Bickell's physical presence on that line.

Don't know if Bickell can keep up with the Lightning...Versteeg certainly can. I'm guessing most who haven't watched the Lightning were surprised with their speed because they can certainly bring it. Also, this shouldn't be a physical series, certainly nothing like facing the Ducks. I'd be surprised if we saw any lineup changes up front for the game on Saturday and Bickell is just going to have to wait for someone to have a bad game.

 

[HawkWriter]

sure, his play has dropped off dramatically since 2010, but last night the guy took a post, a puck, and an elbow in the face on consecutive shift and still seemed to be all over the place. I'll take it over hits at this point since that's all Bigfoot has done in the post season. And I don't think we'll need to be as physical for this series.

The stretch that Versteeg had with the Richards/Kane line was probably one of his best in the NHL. He was playing smart, not turning the puck over, making simple plays...and putting up points. I think he is certainly capable and it wouldn't surprise me if we saw that line at some point this series after watching how Saad/Toews/Kane got bottled up at times by Hedman/Stralman.

 

[Ares]

sure, his play has dropped off dramatically since 2010, but last night the guy took a post, a puck, and an elbow in the face on consecutive shift and still seemed to be all over the place. I'll take it over hits at this point since that's all Bigfoot has done in the post season. And I don't think we'll need to be as physical for this series.

^^^ This... Versteeg matches up better against the Lightning and on top of it Bigfoot is legit hurt.

Only thing Bigfoot could add is a big body to go get in Hedman's face when he tries to **** with Kane..... he has not been scoring and not doing great getting in front of the net.... I think Versteeg is showing he can add something to the team for this series, I would stick with him even if Bigfoot is healthy.

 

[DMelt36]

The stretch that Versteeg had with the Richards/Kane line was probably one of his best in the NHL. He was playing smart, not turning the puck over, making simple plays...and putting up points. I think he is certainly capable and it wouldn't surprise me if we saw that line at some point this series after watching how Saad/Toews/Kane got bottled up at times by Hedman/Stralman.

But there are a LOT of guys who would've had a really good stretch playing on the wing opposite Kane. He playing at a level worthy of the Hart Trophy.

 

[Ton]

The stretch that Versteeg had with the Richards/Kane line was probably one of his best in the NHL. He was playing smart, not turning the puck over, making simple plays...and putting up points. I think he is certainly capable and it wouldn't surprise me if we saw that line at some point this series after watching how Saad/Toews/Kane got bottled up at times by Hedman/Stralman.

Meh... so he played well with MVP Kane and Perennial All-Star Richards. It was a nice stint... 6 months ago.

I just don't trust Versteeg. He is a turnover waiting to happen. I don't think his "upside" is worth it at this point in the season. Not that we really have a choice, with Bickell hurt. I definitely DO NOT want to see Nordstrom again, lol.

 

[HawkWriter]

But there are a LOT of guys who would've had a really good stretch playing on the wing opposite Kane. He playing at a level worthy of the Hart Trophy.

While I agree to some extent, Versteeg elevated his game and was playing really well during that stretch. He was making the smart plays, creating space, creating chances, etc. He took advantage of playing with Kane, where there have been plenty of other players who haven't.

I just wouldn't be surprised if we see that line get a shot again. It was probably the best Kane has ever played...so, to some extent, that line had something to do with it. We have seen that Kane can't do it all by himself. Having Versteeg play that well just helps create more depth on the team, which isn't a bad thing.