Series Thread: WCF - Ducks vs. Blackhawks

[anotheridiot]

Great second period for Chicago - third period needs to be even better for them

yeah, but only end up with three shots in the third. Did not realize how much emphasis was being put on defending that entire third period lead until the experts brought it up in the post game, it just looked like the ducks were dominating that entire period but the hawks were playing back. Any time the hawks got it in their zone, that broken Despres stick was constantly getting in the way. No whistles for almost 6 minutes before they finally picked it up.

Beautiful second period, but that first was really slow for Anaheim. They looked content with taking the series back home from the start.

 

[GenJac]

I realize that a major sport cannot change outcomes, manipulate events one way or the other but let's be totally up front here, secretly do you think the NBC and NHL brass are banging their heads against the wall just thinking what if Anaheim and Tampa make it, might be lowest watched series ratings wise in 30 years. Certainly nothing against either fan base but neither have much fan support away from their home base. NY and Chicago have huge history and legacy and would be a ratings boon. You know down deep who the NHL brass is rooting for in these upcoming Game sevens.

 

[dash]

I gotta think Edmonton and Carolina back in 2006 was not a ratings bonanza.

/Calgary and Tampa Bay in 2004 also

 

[dash]

I realize that a major sport cannot change outcomes, manipulate events one way or the other

Declan Hill has a book you should read (lol)

 

[Cobiemonster]

I've seen so many articles in the last few days about how Chicago's dynasty might be over after this season and I don't buy that nonsense

Any team with Toews and Kane in the saddle will be a force

 

[dash]

I've seen so many articles in the last few days about how Chicago's dynasty might be over after this season and I don't buy that nonsense

Any team with Toews and Kane in the saddle will be a force

Plus Duncan Keith who controls the game like few other defensemen in the league (Drew Doughty is in the conversation, Shea Weber as well).

 

[Cobiemonster]

Plus Duncan Keith who controls the game like few other defensemen in the league (Drew Doughty is in the conversation, Shea Weber as well).

Exactly

As long as they are strong up the middle, on defense with their top 2-4 guys and a solid goaltender, they won't have a problem being a contender

Besides, what in god's sake has any of the other teams in the West(sans LA) done in the last few years? None of those other teams can be taken seriously in big games(Anaheim will be in that same boat if they lose this Game 7) - Chicago's got the skill, the will and the experience - very few teams can say they have it all

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

Time to regroup Ducks.

 

[oaknightshockey1]

I've seen so many articles in the last few days about how Chicago's dynasty might be over after this season and I don't buy that nonsense

Any team with Toews and Kane in the saddle will be a force

I remember some of the same comments after the 2010 Cup win. Hasn't really come to fruition yet. I think more of the concern would be on the back end...need some young defensemen to develop before Seabrook's contract is up. Keith is locked up for a long time.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

The Blackhawks have a good prospect pool. They'll be fine going forward. They're just going to have to make a trade or two. Of course they could trade Hossa & solve all their cap problems.

 

[forty_three]

The Blackhawks have a good prospect pool. They'll be fine going forward. They're just going to have to make a trade or two. Of course they could trade Hossa & solve all their cap problems.

Only Columbus and Toronto are stupid enough to take on untradeable contracts. And they just swapped two of those this year.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

Only Columbus and Toronto are stupid enough to take on untradeable contracts. And they just swapped two of those this year.

It depends on the team & their situation. If a team thinks Hossa could be the missing piece & they have the cap space they might do it. He's a terrific two way player. His contract just stinks. Besides it's not like the team acquiring would have to give up much to get him. At least I wouldn't think so.

 

[Cobiemonster]

I remember some of the same comments after the 2010 Cup win. Hasn't really come to fruition yet. I think more of the concern would be on the back end...need some young defensemen to develop before Seabrook's contract is up. Keith is locked up for a long time.

TVR and Stephen Johns should be locks in the lineup next season - they just brought that kid over from Europe that will help them up front too

Also, factor in that younger players like TT and Brandon Saad will get better and better and that could offset any losses they might have from trades and what not

 

[anotheridiot]

I think everyone is hoping that Hossa decides to retire from the NHL and goes home to play out his last years like Kovalchuk did. He is a top two way player, still has it, but with 21 million to Kane and Toews, the need to pay Saad, while keeping Sharp around to have two solid lines is still really important.

With this years hit first menatality and no goals for Bickel, it will be easier to say goodbye to him. Still think they keep Shaw around, but right now going into next season we are looking at Toews, Kane, Sharp, Shaw, Bickell, Hossa with a big 7.9 cap number before it starts to decline and somehow versteeg and Teuvo are are forwards. I thought Versteeg had two years left with the florida eating half the salary, but some sites are showing a 4.7 cap hit for next year so the Panthers half is ours unless they get rid of him.

Nordstrom, Krueger, Saad, Runblad, are all restricted Oduya is UFA, so top 4 now includes TVR.

They signed a wealth of talent this last offseason, but I bet they try to bring Rosival back again because sadly, TVR and Johns will need to show they can stay healthy. Oduya is UFA, so top 4 now includes TVR.

No matter what happens tomorrow night, this is gonna be a turnover like 2010 team with the need to play these cheap overseas players and draft picks next season with the kane and toews contracts. I sure hope a few of them come up like Saad who was no doubt and never really considered a kid here.

 

[BGDave]

Go Ducks. My last 100 VCash is riding on you.

 

[Comeds]

I realize that a major sport cannot change outcomes, manipulate events one way or the other but let's be totally up front here, secretly do you think the NBC and NHL brass are banging their heads against the wall just thinking what if Anaheim and Tampa make it, might be lowest watched series ratings wise in 30 years. Certainly nothing against either fan base but neither have much fan support away from their home base. NY and Chicago have huge history and legacy and would be a ratings boon. You know down deep who the NHL brass is rooting for in these upcoming Game sevens.

I see your point but Anaheim is not exactly a small market.

 

[beantownmaniac]

I realize that a major sport cannot change outcomes, manipulate events one way or the other but let's be totally up front here, secretly do you think the NBC and NHL brass are banging their heads against the wall just thinking what if Anaheim and Tampa make it, might be lowest watched series ratings wise in 30 years. Certainly nothing against either fan base but neither have much fan support away from their home base. NY and Chicago have huge history and legacy and would be a ratings boon. You know down deep who the NHL brass is rooting for in these upcoming Game sevens.

Since when do hockey fans care what the NHL/Bettman and the Networks want? I hope it's Tampa/Anaheim

 

[oaknightshockey1]

Got a free drink at Chipotle tonight for having a Blackhawks shirt on. It's gonna be a good night.

 

[Sgt Brutus]

WTF is this anthem singer

 

[davnlaguna]

WTF is this anthem singer

What? She is awesome. Ducks fans yell her name (Dawn) when she sings.