WCF: Kings vs. Blackhawks (SERIES DISCUSSION)

[supraman]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Samurai" data-cid="230229" data-time="1400679992">
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Well, it seems we're getting "Ole' Waterhead" Kenny Albert for the entire WCF. All I can say is...WHY?</p>


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And of course, I would listen to John & Troy, but the useless cubs get radio priority, forcing the Hawks onto WGN's FM public access signal.</p>


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For no reason...</p>


http://www.theonion.com/articles/daryl-johnston-admits-he-doesnt-feel-comfortable-b,34158/</p>
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Yeah Kenny Albert is just fucking horrid for hockey. Still waiting for him to slip up and say Green Bay scores</p>

 

[LordKOTL]

My wife commented that he sounded drunk.</p>


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I told her she was thinking of Pat Foley.</p>

 

[roshinaya]

Kings got this in the bag. 5 games is all they will need. Hawks are simply getting outplayed and outworked by a deeper team. Q hamstringing this team with his stupid line-up decisions is not helping and Crawford is returning to regular season form. Recipe for a quick exit. I will be thoroughly surprised if the Hawks somehow manage to win this series.

The Hawks haven't been playing to their strengths at all this whole playoffs. Not relying on the speed and fast transition game, instead letting the opponent dictate play. They've been out-shot and out-possessed all playoffs long, taking a lot of penalties, the direct opposite of what made them successful. They've come this far mostly due to their PK being stellar and Crawford bailing them out and now with both coming back to Earth, they are facing serious trouble. It's only 2-1 in games, but the Kings have looked way more determined and stronger than the Hawks.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="roshinaya" data-cid="230540" data-time="1400986472">
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Kings got this in the bag. 5 games is all they will need. Hawks are simply getting outplayed and outworked by a deeper team. Q hamstringing this team with his stupid line-up decisions is not helping and Crawford is returning to regular season form. Recipe for a quick exit. I will be thoroughly surprised if the Hawks somehow manage to win this series.


The Hawks haven't been playing to their strengths at all this whole playoffs. Not relying on the speed and fast transition game, instead letting the opponent dictate play. They've been out-shot and out-possessed all playoffs long, taking a lot of penalties, the direct opposite of what made them successful. They've come this far mostly due to their PK being stellar and Crawford bailing them out and now with both coming back to Earth, they are facing serious trouble. It's only 2-1 in games, but the Kings have looked way more determined and stronger than the Hawks.</p>
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Kind of like Nashville was going to win in 5 or 6 during their first cup run???</p>

 

[roshinaya]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Grimsäväinen" data-cid="230547" data-time="1400988129">

Kind of like Nashville was going to win in 5 or 6 during their first cup run???</p></blockquote>
Or like Wings in 7.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="roshinaya" data-cid="230564" data-time="1401004340">
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Or like Wings in 7.</p>
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At least I don't make the same mistake twice.</p>

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNC8-PTTee0</p>

 

[roshinaya]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Grimsäväinen" data-cid="230565" data-time="1401005100">

At least I don't make the same mistake twice.</p></blockquote>
How many times have you been banned again?

I know not to count out the Hawks, but as things have gone the past games, the Kings look far more dangerous and in tune than the Hawks. They need a massive improvement if they are too match the Kings. I wish I am wrong, but things don't look good.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="roshinaya" data-cid="230573" data-time="1401033465">
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How many times have you been banned again?


I know not to count out the Hawks, but as things have gone the past games, the Kings look far more dangerous and in tune than the Hawks. They need a massive improvement if they are too match the Kings. I wish I am wrong, but things don't look good.</p>
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You know I wear that as a badge of honor, right?</p>

 

[roshinaya]

I am sorry.</p>

 

[the canadian dream]

This will be one of the few posst on IHN from me for a while until I learn to control my emotions better and not be such a dick.</p>


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Hawks aren't coming back in this series. Kings are just owning it and it all starts with that far better center depth a blueline that has grown into something that can match any other in the league (Muzzin has entered a new talent level). Ends with bad coaching from Q, better coaching from Sutter and underachieving from certain Hawk players for whatever reasons those are and there a more than one reasons for each player. Hawks really as a whole haven't been that great through these playoffs. I strongly believe without Crawford esp through the series with the Wild there is no way this team sniffs the conference finals. </p>


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I'm still a loyal Hawks fan and will always be but I am seriously ready for some changes with this club even though there is no shame in going to a conference final the year after winning a cup. I'm simply starting to see things that were bound to happen. Now I don't see much of this happening for one reason or another esp in a cap world.</p>


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I'm ready to part ways with Sharp. Not because I think he is horrible but I think these playoffs have shown that he has become a bit complacent as a Hawk and frankly in a selfish way I have become complacent with him as a fan. Once a guy completely stops playing a physical style it's time I as a fan become bored of said player. Sharp used to battle hard a long boards, used to take hits and throw a few himself. That guys not there anymore in any shape or form. Not sure if it's because he has been injured or not these playoffs but its been like this for a few years now. He has been here for a long time and it may be that moment in a career where it is time to move on. How that move is done? I have no idea.</p>


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Not sure how I feel about Hossa at this point in his career either as a guy to depend on for offensive help in goal scoring. He too is starting to show his long career when it comes to long playoff stretches...or at least its showing these playoffs. Hossa has a massive amount of pro games played due to long long playoff runs through his career to add to his regular season games (and the injuries throughout). i got a feeling we are entering the time now where that contract of his is about to be a detriment. 2 goals these playoffs? Just not acceptable no matter what the excuses may be. but then again he only scored 3 on the way to the Hawks cup in 2010 so hard one to read when it comes to goal scoring stats as he still contributes in other areas. Still can't complain about his defensive game so that's still something to grip to. Im on the fence with Hossa now strictly because I am smelling downward spiral times.I really don't want to see him go but I want to see him take a step back on this team. Next season its time to give Kane top line and to allow the kid to play full time with Toews again. Hossa shouldn't be in the way of that anymore.</p>


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Center help. I will harp on this until it is corrected. This is the worst center depth the Hawks have had in eons. May sound stupid but at least last year we had Bolland to at least give something to the center position. Handzus, Regin and Kruger? Horrible support for Toews just horrible. I don't care who is behind the bench as a coach no coach could make that center depth work. This ones on Stan as much as anyone else. That hole was never delt with properly and made worse.........</p>


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I don't care what the side stories were I still strongly believe that Pirri would have made a huge difference and I will not agree with shipping a 22 year old off with talent because they had "character issues". I think the Hawks blew it big time on Pirri and the residue of that appeared loud and clear during this series. Would Pirri have been a game breaker? Chances are he would have had more effect than any of the 3 other centers. Smith has center abilities but he is better off on wing and I hope to hell this club will stick with him. I also hope that Teravanien gets his fair shake next year. And I am good with letting that kid come in make his mistakes as a second line center if thats the only option which I think will be the case.</p>


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Just a few things. I obviously have other gripes (including some left wing issues). I don't think Q will be let go but you never know. My main concern I really just want to see some realistic center depth next season starting to be groomed and it does begin with TT. and I do want to see Hossa take a step back in slot allocation. I don't think he should be ahead of Kane in the depth department when it comes to playing with the best center on the team. That should be a no brainer now.</p>


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As for the Kings? They are the better team overall. Think they have proven that. No shame in losing to the Kings as they are going to win the cup no matter what Stu says about his Rangers. Kings are better now than when they won their cup a couple years back. Great team and that Gaborik deal is looking like the deal of the century. Crazy how a great coach can make a good player that much better..not to mention the 2nd best center in the league in Kopitar. :icon-smile:</p>

 

[Ton]

I can agree with most of that, TCD.</p>


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I think the worst part about this series is that there is almost no playoff intensity from the Hawks. Actually, hasn't really been there all post-season outside of Crawford and a handful of players the 1st two series. It comes in spurts, but not nearly the level I would expect in the 3rd round. Seems like just another regular season game for the Hawks. The Kings found their level, and the Hawks just don't have that extra gear. Maybe the condensed schedule last year, long Cup run, Olympics this year, etc.. etc.. is taking it's toll, but it just sucks to watch these guys right now. Honestly, when Peter Regin has more fire than half the roster, there's a problem.</p>


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As much as people have harped on Q, I'm not sure what he can do. Sharp had less minutes than Smith last night. Handzus didn't even have 5 minutes on the ice. Versteeg was under 10. He's made some questionable decisions, but Sutter has the better team and Q is trying his best to "hide" his weaker players.</p>


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I said it at the time of the trade and I'll say it again, I don't know why they acquired Versteeg. I know everyone was excited but I was not. I would have much rather seen Morin get some experience in the NHL this year, anyone that can't see that now is delusional. If they wanted to get rid of Olsen and Hayes that badly, at least try to get a competent center. Both Versteeg and Handzus have to leave next year. Might be time to consider moving Sharp or Hossa as well if they can get someone of value at center, maybe Kesler? It's not about depth for Stan this off-season, it's about getting a quality player that can make an impact as a 2nd line center. That is the hole that is destroying the Hawks in this series. Can't match the Kings in that area, and Pirri likely wouldn't have been the answer either (improvement, sure, but not what I would call an answer). I know Teuvo is on the way, but I honestly always saw him as a winger at the NHL level.</p>

 

[the canadian dream]

I was pretty meh on that Versteeg deal. Didn't strike me as one that would hurt the team but also didn't strike me as one that would help the team much either. Felt like a P.R. deal to be honest at the time to "bring back one of the fan favs from year ago". Too bad the hawks lost two decent prospects in that deal even though i was never a huge Hayes fan anyways but I saw potential in Olsen. (I understand that making room on the Farm is also something that needs to be delt with in a season). However there seemed to be a season of distrust with prospects this season, maybe I am reading into things too much. Hope that doesn't carry over into next because those prospects are important as hell these days esp when the Hawks are hard against the cap like they are. </p>


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As for trading Sharp? Don't think it would be that difficult for the team (would be hard on Sharp to leave I am sure). Not sure about getting a guy like Kesler for him with where the Canucks are right now I don't think bringing in vets like Sharp is in their game plan. Who knows those Kesler rumors might die now that the front office and coaching is changing in Vancouver...Kesler may actually want to stay now. I don't like being disenfranchised with Sharp because he has always been a player I liked but those things that made me like him just havent been there for a while now. Too bad.</p>

 

[CLWolf81]

I was also "meh" on Steeg coming back. While I liked the fact they brought a veteran presence back, they also brought who I considered the "goat". I'm with TCD on losing Olsen as well. </p>


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On Sharp, I never understood the struggles. He wasn't even on the Olympic roster, so that excuse can't be used. So, how or why does he still miss an open net? I just don't get it. </p>

 

[Ton]

Doesn't have to be Kesler, just saying a guy like him would have made a difference this series compared to Sharp.</p>


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That deal Lombardi made for Carter a few years ago was exactly the type of move Stan needs to make now, I'm not sure LA leads this series without a 2nd line center like Jeff Carter. Seguin was available last year, he missed out on that big time. That could have been huge.... HUGE! I'm not sure who would be available this summer via trade, but Paul Stastny is a UFA. I know it's almost impossible to add without subtracting, but that would be a guy they have to target. Someone like Stastny via free agency, or Kesler via trade. Doesn't have to be those specific guys, just someone similar to their talent level. Doesn't matter either way, they have to fix that hole. We've all seen it for many years now... it's amazing they were able to mask it for two Cups, gotta give credit to Q for that.</p>

 

[Shantz My Pants]

The Hawks just look beat. They're not playing their puck possession style, and I agree, if it wasn't for Crawford we'd have been out back in Minnesota series. Anything is possible, but I don't see this series going to 7 games.


2nd line center would be nice, and I agree about Pirri being traded for next to nothing when he could of been a good guy to have around right about now. I think the Hawks need to start using some of this depth we've had in Rockford for a while (Primarily Morin, Smith, Clendening) and get rid of Zeus, Rozsi and possibly Oduya.

 

[the canadian dream]

Not a chance they lead the series without Carter (well not 3-1 in a dominating fashion). Kings second line and Carter are just dominating this series as we have no lines to match them or shut them down and esp no depth center to match Carter. Seriously a healthy Boland would have been perfect..he has been missed no matter how pissy fans got on him last year (but he wouldnt have been healthy anyways lol) People forget how good Jeff Carter actually is (hes not a bad defensive forward either). This was a good reminder. And he has ALWAYS been a great playoff performer. Toffoli isn't a half ass bad player either. Young still and is just going to get better. Pearson has surprised me though. Didn't expect this from Pearson. Sutter...guy knows his shit and how to find chemistry.</p>

 

[Ton]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="The Canadian Dreamalchuk" data-cid="230681" data-time="1401196614">
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Not a chance they lead the series without Carter (well not 3-1 in a dominating fashion). Kings second line and Carter are just dominating this series as we have no lines to match them or shut them down and esp no depth center to match Carter. Seriously a healthy Bollig would have been perfect..he has been missed no matter how pissy fans got on him last year (but he wouldnt have been healthy anyways lol) People forget how good Jeff Carter actually is (hes not a bad defensive forward either). This was a good reminder. And he has ALWAYS been a great playoff performer. Toffoli isn't a half ass bad player either. Young still and is just going to get better. Pearson has surprised me though. Didn't expect this from Pearson. Sutter...guy knows his shit and how to find chemistry.</p>
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Yeah, but what about a healthy Bolland? He could have helped for sure.  bscene-drinkingbuddies:</p>

 

[the canadian dream]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tony DeFrancesco" data-cid="230682" data-time="1401197011">
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Yeah but what about a healthy Bolland?</p>
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lol yah i caught that brain fart lol. </p>

 

[PatrickShart]

LA getting Gaborik allowed them to move Carter back to Center...which slotted everyone better</p>


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Keith hasn't been right since being boarded by Ott.  He isn't even shooting the puck.  Kruger hasn't taken many draws/none effectively since taking a slash on a faceoff (the puck wasn't dropped) vs STL as well</p>


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For 5 periods at home, the Hawks have dominated LA.  Home ice teams are usually much better/able to get matchups...so lets let the games play out.  They need to win 1 in LA.  While it was "doom and gloom" to lose two on the road/3 in a row...and believe it or not, character/being champs matters. And yes the scores looked bad...there have been strecthes the Hawks were all over them, didn't finish...LA counters and gets a goal.  In period 2 in game 3...they had 2g in 4 shots.  I think they scored 3 of the first 5 last night - after the Hawks were all over them the first 5-6 shifts.  Right now, the balance is tilted towards them getting everything timely..but it works both ways/usually balances out.</p>


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Let's not close the casket yet.  Hawks have been very good at home the last few years in the playoffs. Win game 5..then let them play out</p>