Thread: 2013 NHL
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Unread 06-12-2013, 09:16 AM   #68 (permalink)
Cocktooth
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Originally Posted by Cocktooth View Post
Yeah, Just saying.



Hawks in 5. I think they get to quick early and often. Split in LA and finish them at the UC.

Welp, that's 2-2 in the last 2 series. Cocktooth on a roll predicting the Hawks series winner and games. Let's see what comes about this series.

Hawks vs. Bruins- For Lord Stanley


What a series this is going to be. 2 of the original 6 do battle for the biggest prize in sports, IMO. I don't see this series going to 7 games, but it very well could if everyone holds serve. Let's match up the two, and see how this shakes out.

Scoring: In a series that from the outside looks like it will be low scoring, I have a slightly different take. The Bruins thrive in a physical, no space below the blue line kind of defense. With Crosby, that worked extremely well. I don't think it will work as well with Toews. The Redwings tried it, and it worked for 3 games, but Toews seems to know what to expect at this point. Add in the physicality of Bickell playing with Kane on the 2nd line, and I think the Hawks will get oppurtunities to score. Will Rask stand on his head all series long? The Penguins got very few quality scoring chances. The Hawks passing alone will lead to 5 or 6 quality scoring chances per game.

As for the Bruins, I think Tyler Seguin is the biggest question mark in terms of scoring. Which Seguin is going to show up? He reminds me a lot of Patrick Kane the last 2 years. You never knew which Kane was going to show up. Marchand will get his and so will Bergeron. They can score, but are they going to be able to get the odd man rushes that they dominated vs. the Penguins.

I think in terms over overall scoring, top to bottom, the Hawks take this category.

Defense: Big and physical is the blueprint to the success of the Bruins defense, and once again, that will be on the forefront of this battle. Milan Lucic is nasty and will control in front of the net, and clear a path for Rask. Is Bickell going to be able to get in and snag an ugly goal early in the series?

The Hawks 3rd line defense has shown signs of vulnerability, but they have shown flashes of brilliance in the 3-1 come back vs. the Red Wings. I think the lights are a bit to bright for Leddy and Rozival and expect them to give up a couple goals in the first couple of games. Seabrook and Keith will get all the ice time they can handle in this series.

Advantage- Bruins.

Goaltending: Both net minders have been terrific this post season. As great as they have been, they both have had moments that make you shake your head. It's going to take 4 games of quality tending in order to win this series. I think Rask is going to get bombarded with shots, and I think he folds. I don't think the Bruins are going to get the puck in quality scoring areas, and get the puck on Crawford.

Advantage: Hawks

Special Teams: Both special teams have struggled through the playoffs in regards to the Power Play. I think there will be quite a few penalties, especially in the first 3 games. Lucic often has issues with taking bad penalties when clearing out the front of the net. If the Hawks start converting on the PP, this could be a great sign for them going forward. As of now though, I don't see any clear advantage between the 2 teams.

Advantage : Push

Overall: Both teams are battle tested, and have hoisted the cup in the last 3 years. It's going to come down to if the Hawks can handle the physical presence of the Bruins, and if the Bruins can handle the speed of the Hawks. I think the Hawks have experienced plenty of physical play this post season, and will be ready to battle. I don't think the 3 and 4th lines of Boston can run and gun with the Hawks 3rd and 4th line. I think that is the difference in the series.


Prediction: Hawks in 6

Interesting note: Coach Joel Quineville has decided to dress Brandon Bollig for the first time this post season. Bollig is what is the hybrid "enforcer" for the Hawks and also a big body. He will see minimal minutes, but should provide the Hawks with some physical play. Rumors are that Dan Carcillo is back in the lineup as well. While one enforcer is good, Carcillo takes awful penalties at bad times. The message is being sent by Q though. He's not going to plan on playing the passive dump and chase with your stars. He's going to put a team on the ice ready to grind!

Nubblies: If we put up with Felix, we will put up with you too.
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