Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks Thread!!!!!!

[kujay]

Geez, the cheapest tickets on Stubhub for Game 7 are $780 for a SRO seat.

 

Another random thing I was thinking about....

 

If you could for some reason choose how you wanted the last 2 games to be played, what would you choose?

 

A) Game 6 at home, Game 7 in Philly

B) Game 6 in Philly, Game 7 at home

 

Basically the Hawks have 2 chances to win the series. The commonly used phrase is that "in a game 7, anything can happen". No doubt the Hawks would have the advantage at home, but with everyone giving everything they got, I feel like the advantage is less than another random game of the series. So you could choose to play Game 6 at home, giving you your best chance of winning on the first of your 2 chances. The risk is of course, if you lose that game you have to play game 7 in Philly. I do like having that home game as a fallback in case of losing on Wednesday, but I'd love this series to end without going to a game 7.

 

I like having Game 7 at home to fall back on. Sure the Hawks lost the two games in Philly, but I don't think there is an intimidation factor about playing there. I think after last night there is a bit of that for the Flyers coming into the UC.

[UMFan83]

I'd have to say Kaner's shorty vs Nashville to tie it. Who ties a game in the last minute when you are shorthanded? It just seemed so improbable.

 

Because I was there, I'd go with either that one or Hossa's GWG in that game. Probably Hossa's, actually. The crowd was ecstatic when Kane scored, of course, but Hossa's came right after that long and very tense four-minute penalty kill to start OT. It was an amazing atmosphere.

 

I went absolutely crazy for that. As I said at the time, I haven't geeked out like that in years. I was a 5 year old kid for 20 seconds. If those 2 goals weren't the top, they were 2 and 3. I just picked Versteeg's goal because going into the Vancouver series, I had a bad feeling that they'd beat us. Then they demolished us on our home ice in Game 1. Then they came out and just embarrassed the Hawks in the first few minutes of game 2. The only scored 2 goals, but they could have easily had 4-5. At that point, most of us on the board were livid and thought the Hawks just flat out quit or were just not playing their best. But after that flurry, Seabrook got a quick goal that really helped calm everyone (that's a goal that should have been in my honorable mentions). And I don't know, when Versteeg scored that goal, I just had a great feeling we would win the series, which was a 180 from what I felt 2 hours prior.

[UMFan83]

I'm watching the replay of yesterday's game on Comcast, and I noticed something about Buff. He looked really angry all game. When he scored both of his goals, he didn't smile or really celebrate at all. He had this "there, are you happy?" look to him. I wonder if he was called out before the game either by Q or his teammates, and he played with a chip on his shoulder. I mean for a player who has been know for his over the top reactions to goals previously in the playoffs, it was weird to see him not show much emotion at all after scoring huge goals in the Stanley Cup Finals.

[rawaction]

I'm watching the replay of yesterday's game on Comcast, and I noticed something about Buff. He looked really angry all game. When he scored both of his goals, he didn't smile or really celebrate at all. He had this "there, are you happy?" look to him. I wonder if he was called out before the game either by Q or his teammates, and he played with a chip on his shoulder. I mean for a player who has been know for his over the top reactions to goals previously in the playoffs, it was weird to see him not show much emotion at all after scoring huge goals in the Stanley Cup Finals.

 

I noticed that too. He looked like he wanted to punch someone in the face all night.

[rawaction]

What about Hossa for Conn-Smythe? He doesn't have the numbers, but he's been the best and most consistent Blackhawk this entire series.

[bukie]

Geez, the cheapest tickets on Stubhub for Game 7 are $780 for a SRO seat.

 

Another random thing I was thinking about....

 

If you could for some reason choose how you wanted the last 2 games to be played, what would you choose?

 

A) Game 6 at home, Game 7 in Philly

B) Game 6 in Philly, Game 7 at home

 

Basically the Hawks have 2 chances to win the series. The commonly used phrase is that "in a game 7, anything can happen". No doubt the Hawks would have the advantage at home, but with everyone giving everything they got, I feel like the advantage is less than another random game of the series. So you could choose to play Game 6 at home, giving you your best chance of winning on the first of your 2 chances. The risk is of course, if you lose that game you have to play game 7 in Philly. I do like having that home game as a fallback in case of losing on Wednesday, but I'd love this series to end without going to a game 7.

I'll take it as we can get it.

[kujay]

I'm watching the replay of yesterday's game on Comcast, and I noticed something about Buff. He looked really angry all game. When he scored both of his goals, he didn't smile or really celebrate at all. He had this "there, are you happy?" look to him. I wonder if he was called out before the game either by Q or his teammates, and he played with a chip on his shoulder. I mean for a player who has been know for his over the top reactions to goals previously in the playoffs, it was weird to see him not show much emotion at all after scoring huge goals in the Stanley Cup Finals.

 

I noticed that quite a bit all season, actually. He rarely did much celebrating after scoring a goal. I didn't actually notice it last night probably because I was dancing a jig myself.

 

His goal celebrations against Vancouver and SJ were pretty uncharacteristic, I thought.

 

Toews could be raising the Cup in about 48 hours...

[17 Seconds]

Random but if you had to pick your favorite goal of the playoffs so far, which would you pick?

 

i can pretty much guarantee nobody else will pick mine

 

[chuckywang]

My goal hasn't happened yet.

[Banedon]

Not sure I buy the whole story here, but a fun read....

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Amazing-tales-of-the-Philadelphia-fan-with-the-i?urn=nhl,246356

 

Sounds like a story that the Janitor from Scrubs would tell.

[jersey cubs fan]

What about Hossa for Conn-Smythe? He doesn't have the numbers, but he's been the best and most consistent Blackhawk this entire series.

He has, but it's a playoff award, and his reputation was so down the first few rounds that he needed to go on a scoring tear to win it. A huge game might help.

[Banedon]

Bwahaha! I might have to go get a Tribune today...

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2010-06/54183319.jpg

[Banedon]

Stanley Cup gear....don't worry...it's not jinxed...Flyers gear is up too...

 

http://www.shop.com/chicago+blackhawks+stanley+cup

[kujay]

Stanley Cup gear....don't worry...it's not jinxed...Flyers gear is up too...

 

http://www.shop.com/chicago+blackhawks+stanley+cup

 

My whole family, even the non-hockey fans, are probably rooting for the Hawks to win because it will be easy to shop for the "toughest person to shop for" come Christmas time. I will have every piece of clothing possible, I'm sure. And it will be awesome.

[Banedon]

The Flyers official twitter feed says that Leighton is starting game 6.

[kujay]

The Flyers official twitter feed says that Leighton is starting game 6.

 

No surprise. Laviolette's games with that were stupid.

 

I said it during the game and I still think Leighton didn't deserve to be pulled from Game 5. It was an onslaught and the only goal he could possibly be blamed for was the one Bolland got behind him, but that's a tough bounce.

 

Not that any of it matters. Both goalies are just stand-ins who probably aren't going to do anything spectacular.

 

EDIT: By "both goalies" I meant Niemi and whoever starts for Philly, not Leighton and Boucher.

[UMFan83]

I like the locker room pack. I think it includes the locker room t-shirt and hat, the DVD and 2 pucks. I could care less about the pucks though.

 

The last time a team of mine won the championship, my allowance was $10 a week so purchasing championship material was out of the question. IF THE HAWKS ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO WIN ANOTHER GAME, SOMETHING THAT WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT AND MIGHT NOT HAPPEN, I won't know what to do with myself.

[Banedon]

Laviolette is kind of a tool, isn't he?

 

After pulling his starting goaltender twice in the Stanley Cup final series against the Blackhawks, Flyers coach Peter Laviolette scoffed at a question about whether Michael Leighton would be in front of the net for Game 6.

 

"Do you know who's starting in net for Chicago," he asked. "Did they announce that yet? ... Our goaltender has the best numbers in the playoffs. I didn't think I had to announce it."

 

His starting goaltender is also the only one still playing who has been yanked twice in a series.

 

http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/06/leighton-back-in-goal-for-flyers.html

[bukie]

Laviolette is kind of a tool, isn't he?

 

After pulling his starting goaltender twice in the Stanley Cup final series against the Blackhawks, Flyers coach Peter Laviolette scoffed at a question about whether Michael Leighton would be in front of the net for Game 6.

 

"Do you know who's starting in net for Chicago," he asked. "Did they announce that yet? ... Our goaltender has the best numbers in the playoffs. I didn't think I had to announce it."

 

His starting goaltender is also the only one still playing who has been yanked twice in a series.

 

http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/06/leighton-back-in-goal-for-flyers.html

The entire team is a tool shed. Why should the coach be any different?

[Soul]

The Flyers official twitter feed says that Leighton is starting game 6.

 

No surprise. Laviolette's games with that were stupid.

 

I said it during the game and I still think Leighton didn't deserve to be pulled from Game 5. It was an onslaught and the only goal he could possibly be blamed for was the one Bolland got behind him, but that's a tough bounce.

 

Not that any of it matters. Both goalies are just stand-ins who probably aren't going to do anything spectacular.

 

EDIT: By "both goalies" I meant Niemi and whoever starts for Philly, not Leighton and Boucher.

 

Understood. I think all 3 goaltenders that have played in this series have just been so-so.

 

But I also think Niemi has the best chance of putting in a great game. Hopefully he does.

[kujay]

The Flyers official twitter feed says that Leighton is starting game 6.

 

No surprise. Laviolette's games with that were stupid.

 

I said it during the game and I still think Leighton didn't deserve to be pulled from Game 5. It was an onslaught and the only goal he could possibly be blamed for was the one Bolland got behind him, but that's a tough bounce.

 

Not that any of it matters. Both goalies are just stand-ins who probably aren't going to do anything spectacular.

 

EDIT: By "both goalies" I meant Niemi and whoever starts for Philly, not Leighton and Boucher.

 

Understood. I think all 3 goaltenders that have played in this series have just been so-so.

 

But I also think Niemi has the best chance of putting in a great game. Hopefully he does.

 

I had that thought after I posted that. If there is anyone who is capable of standing on his head at this point, especially in a tough environment, I think it's Niemi. I don't think he will, but he's got the best chance.

[UMFan83]

The Flyers official twitter feed says that Leighton is starting game 6.

 

No surprise. Laviolette's games with that were stupid.

 

I said it during the game and I still think Leighton didn't deserve to be pulled from Game 5. It was an onslaught and the only goal he could possibly be blamed for was the one Bolland got behind him, but that's a tough bounce.

 

Not that any of it matters. Both goalies are just stand-ins who probably aren't going to do anything spectacular.

 

EDIT: By "both goalies" I meant Niemi and whoever starts for Philly, not Leighton and Boucher.

 

Understood. I think all 3 goaltenders that have played in this series have just been so-so.

 

But I also think Niemi has the best chance of putting in a great game. Hopefully he does.

 

I had that thought after I posted that. If there is anyone who is capable of standing on his head at this point, especially in a tough environment, I think it's Niemi. I don't think he will, but he's got the best chance.

 

Haha, who would have thought back in April that if you were discussing which of the remaining 3 goalies to potentially see playing time in the Stanley Cup finals is most likely to stand on his head for a game, the answer would be Niemi.

 

I agree with that sentiment, but he hasn't looked all that confident the last few games. In game 1, he was shaky and gave up goals, but he looked confident getting into position and covering the puck. In game 2 he looked great. In game 3 he started looking shaky IMO, started getting caught out of position, started giving up juicy rebounds. In game 5 he made a save and didn't know where the puck was and was so scared of it bouncing into the goal, that he just stood still. Turns out the puck dribbled away and was sitting there waiting to get tapped in, and it did. I realize goalies stop pucks and don't know where they go all the time, either they get caught somewhere on their body or between their knees and skates, or whatever. But the kid couldnt even move his head. Maybe I'm just being hard on him, but thats a tough goal to give up in that situation.

[Banedon]

Haha, who would have thought back in April that if you were discussing which of the remaining 3 goalies to potentially see playing time in the Stanley Cup finals is most likely to stand on his head for a game, the answer would be Niemi.

 

I agree with that sentiment, but he hasn't looked all that confident the last few games. In game 1, he was shaky and gave up goals, but he looked confident getting into position and covering the puck. In game 2 he looked great. In game 3 he started looking shaky IMO, started getting caught out of position, started giving up juicy rebounds. In game 5 he made a save and didn't know where the puck was and was so scared of it bouncing into the goal, that he just stood still. Turns out the puck dribbled away and was sitting there waiting to get tapped in, and it did. I realize goalies stop pucks and don't know where they go all the time, either they get caught somewhere on their body or between their knees and skates, or whatever. But the kid couldnt even move his head. Maybe I'm just being hard on him, but thats a tough goal to give up in that situation.

 

I know it looked bad, but I don't think it was him not being sure where the puck was. I think he was "sure" it was under him. Instead, it kind of trickled down the outside of his leg. Still a bad mistake on his part, but I didn't think it was quite how you portrayed it.

[Garwilly]

I like the locker room pack. I think it includes the locker room t-shirt and hat, the DVD and 2 pucks. I could care less about the pucks though.

 

The last time a team of mine won the championship, my allowance was $10 a week so purchasing championship material was out of the question. IF THE HAWKS ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO WIN ANOTHER GAME, SOMETHING THAT WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT AND MIGHT NOT HAPPEN, I won't know what to do with myself.

 

Just for the record, there is just one puck.

[UMFan83]

Haha, who would have thought back in April that if you were discussing which of the remaining 3 goalies to potentially see playing time in the Stanley Cup finals is most likely to stand on his head for a game, the answer would be Niemi.

 

I agree with that sentiment, but he hasn't looked all that confident the last few games. In game 1, he was shaky and gave up goals, but he looked confident getting into position and covering the puck. In game 2 he looked great. In game 3 he started looking shaky IMO, started getting caught out of position, started giving up juicy rebounds. In game 5 he made a save and didn't know where the puck was and was so scared of it bouncing into the goal, that he just stood still. Turns out the puck dribbled away and was sitting there waiting to get tapped in, and it did. I realize goalies stop pucks and don't know where they go all the time, either they get caught somewhere on their body or between their knees and skates, or whatever. But the kid couldnt even move his head. Maybe I'm just being hard on him, but thats a tough goal to give up in that situation.

 

I know it looked bad, but I don't think it was him not being sure where the puck was. I think he was "sure" it was under him. Instead, it kind of trickled down the outside of his leg. Still a bad mistake on his part, but I didn't think it was quite how you portrayed it.

 

Maybe it just felt like it was in slow motion for me at the time, but I couldn't believe no one on the Hawks could properly communicate to Niemi, even with the language barrier, that the puck is sitting wide open in the crease and to fall on it. It felt like 5 seconds it was sitting there but it was probably more like 2.