Re: 2009 Chicago Blackhawks

[chuckywang]

Is there a magic number in the NHL? The Blackhawks have got to be real close to clinching the playoffs.

[bukie]

Is there a magic number in the NHL? The Blackhawks have got to be real close to clinching the playoffs.

Yes, if only someone had posted about that in the last 2 hours... ;)

[Soul]

I try not to be concerned about Detroit, but there's too much history there. I'd rather not face them in the 1st round.

[jersey cubs fan]

I try not to be concerned about Detroit, but there's too much history there. I'd rather not face them in the 1st round.

 

If they are going to face them, I think I'd rather it be in the 1st round. If it's later, that could mean Detroit has really gained some momentum by beating some other top seed.

[Prizefight]

I try not to be concerned about Detroit, but there's too much history there. I'd rather not face them in the 1st round.

 

If they are going to face them, I think I'd rather it be in the 1st round. If it's later, that could mean Detroit has really gained some momentum by beating some other top seed.

 

 

Hopefully it'll be just like the Bulls in the 90's. Gotta go through Detroit to complete the changing of the guard etc.

 

I want them first round.

[kujay]

I try not to be concerned about Detroit, but there's too much history there. I'd rather not face them in the 1st round.

 

If they are going to face them, I think I'd rather it be in the 1st round. If it's later, that could mean Detroit has really gained some momentum by beating some other top seed.

 

 

Hopefully it'll be just like the Bulls in the 90's. Gotta go through Detroit to complete the changing of the guard etc.

 

I want them first round.

 

I was thinking about that this morning. But then, I was the guy last year saying I wanted to have to go through Detroit to win it all. That was stupid.

[UMFan83]

Detroit is much better than their record obviously bc of injuries, but they also probably aren't as good as they've been in years past. Ideally let someone else that seemingly doesn't have a psychological hurdle to clear with Detroit face them in the first round and hopefully knock them out IMO.

[jersey cubs fan]

Detroit is much better than their record obviously bc of injuries, but they also probably aren't as good as they've been in years past. Ideally let someone else that seemingly doesn't have a psychological hurdle to clear with Detroit face them in the first round and hopefully knock them out IMO.

 

I'm not sure how much of a psychological hurdle there is here. It's not like they have a long history of falling to them in the playoffs. And just 2 years ago this team handled Detroit pretty well in the regular season when they weren't even playoff caliber.

[NewUserName]

Detroit is much better than their record obviously bc of injuries, but they also probably aren't as good as they've been in years past. Ideally let someone else that seemingly doesn't have a psychological hurdle to clear with Detroit face them in the first round and hopefully knock them out IMO.

 

I'm not sure how much of a psychological hurdle there is here. It's not like they have a long history of falling to them in the playoffs. And just 2 years ago this team handled Detroit pretty well in the regular season when they weren't even playoff caliber.

 

I agree with this. I think San Jose and Phoenix probably have more of a hurdle to overcome with Detroit then the Hawks. The Hawks have probably played Detroit as well as anyone except Anaheim in the last 3 years. I haven't put a lot of thought into who I wish the Wings would play in the first round because I am still very concerned about the Wings even making the playoffs. I however think the Chicago would be my last choice out of the possible opponents for the Wings. Coyotes would probably be my first.

[sneakypower]

there's no chance the Wings miss the playoffs

 

with Filppula & Howard both playing great hockey, they're a completely different team now. they're as primed for a deep playoff run as anybody

[Soul]

there's no chance the Wings miss the playoffs

 

with Filppula & Howard both playing great hockey, they're a completely different team now. they're as primed for a deep playoff run as anybody

 

You really need to shut up. :mrgreen:

[NewUserName]

there's no chance the Wings miss the playoffs

 

with Filppula & Howard both playing great hockey, they're a completely different team now. they're as primed for a deep playoff run as anybody

 

I would feel much better is there were more than 2 points between the Wings and not being in the playoffs. I am happy they have separated themselves some from everyone except Calgary and are pulling up on the Avs. The Wings also still have 3 games with the Blue Jackets and 1 with the Oilers. One other thing that the Wings have now is Franzen. The guy usually plays his best at this point in the season. I have really learned to appreciate just how good he is. In the past I thought he was a good player made very good by his linemates. I am starting to believe that Datsyuk needs Franzen to be real good also.

[bukie]

It's not out of the realm of possibility that Detroit ends up with the 5 seed and gets Phoenix/SJ in the first round. It'd require a bit of a dive by the Kings, but it's only 4 points in 10 games.

 

Here's how I'm thinking it'll shake out:

1. Hawks

2. SJ

3. Vancouver

4. Phoenix

5. LA

6. Detroit

7. Nashville

8. Calgary/Colorado

[kujay]

Sassone editorializes more than he reports on the goalie situation here, but I trust it's the general impression he's gotten and that he's correct:

 

http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/3680

 

I'm surprised it's so clear cut, even after last night.

[biittner77]

It seems like Niemi plays well until they say he's the man then he craps the bed. I don't see where they can afford to bench Huet completely since they might wind up needing him. What they're doing seems like the safe/ obvious strategy.

[kujay]

It seems like Niemi plays well until they say he's the man then he craps the bed. I don't see where they can afford to bench Huet completely since they might wind up needing him. What they're doing seems like the safe/ obvious strategy.

 

I grudgingly agree with this. Because you're right, as great as Niemi looks sometimes he can't seem to keep it going for more than two games. So keep Huet fresh with a couple (maybe 3) starts in the last 10 and see what happens.

[gflore34]

there's no chance the Wings miss the playoffs

 

with Filppula & Howard both playing great hockey, they're a completely different team now. they're as primed for a deep playoff run as anybody

 

You really need to shut up. :mrgreen:

 

Bring 'em on, I hope the Hawks meet them in playoffs, it's not last season. This time around the Hawks are the better team and they'll take the Wings in 6.

[Soul]

there's no chance the Wings miss the playoffs

 

with Filppula & Howard both playing great hockey, they're a completely different team now. they're as primed for a deep playoff run as anybody

 

You really need to shut up. :mrgreen:

 

Bring 'em on, I hope the Hawks meet them in playoffs, it's not last season. This time around the Hawks are the better team and they'll take the Wings in 6.

 

Damn right.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

The Hawks would probably beat the Wings. But nothing is guaranteed.

 

I can handle the Hawks losing in the playoffs. But in the first round to the Red Wings after this dream regular season? That's too much to handle.

[jersey cubs fan]

The Hawks would probably beat the Wings. But nothing is guaranteed.

 

I can handle the Hawks losing in the playoffs. But in the first round to the Red Wings after this dream regular season? That's too much to handle.

 

But if they lose in the 2nd round it would be much easier to take if they beat Detroit in the 1st.

[Hall7810]

Only took :30 seconds to score on Huet

[Butterscup1679666578]

Huet getting taken out back by the worst team in the division.

[UMFan83]

Got one back. Huet should just retire.

[E.J.]

Why is Huet playing?

[Hall7810]

Why is Huet playing?

 

Because he hasn't played in awhile. God's honest truth