I don't get what has caused the 'experts' to suddenly consider the Hawks below the Bruins. When the regular season ended, the Hawks were the clear cup favorites. Since then, the Hawks have gone 12-5 and the Bruins 12-4. The Bruins beat a decent but flawed Leafs team with no playoff experience in OT of game 7, the Hawks beat a decent but flawed Wings team with years of playoff success in OT of game 7 (shouldnt have been OT but whatever), the Bruins beat a disappointing Rangers team in 5, the Hawks beat a disappointing Wild team in 5. The Bruins swept the East favorites, the Hawks beat the defending champs in 5. Despite the Pens flaws, they are still very talented and sweeping them without home ice was impressive, but making a hot Quick look mortal was impressive too even if the Kings were beat up and clearly not playing at the same level as last year. So yeah the Bruins have looked slightly more impressive in the playoffs, but I don't think it would be enough to all the sudden make them the clear favorites, especially without home ice (Hawks are 9-1 at home and would tie a record for most home playoff wins in a season with 1 win this series).