I am on record as saying Hawks in 6. I think the Ducks are a bit of a question mark to me because I am not sure they have beaten a good team in the playoffs. The Jets were solid, but had minimal playoff experience and a questionable goalie. They blew a few games late in that series. The Flames were not a 2nd round team IMO. Got there because the Canucks were not a 2nd round team either. The Ducks pretty much ran through that series. Now with that said, winning 4-0 and 4-1 is impressive no matter which teams you play in the playoffs, so they have to be considered a real threat and a good team. But I do think they are stepping way up in class against the Hawks in the WCF. It is also why I think game 1 is really big for them. Not that a loss in game 1 means they can't win the series OR a win in game 1 means they will win the series. But at home against a team like the Hawks, it would be very beneficial for them not to fall behind and lose game 1 right out of the gate. In terms of who I am rooting for, I go with the Ducks. IF we get there I rather play the Ducks I think. I know the Ducks are bigger and play the style that is tougher against us, but the Hawks have so much high end talent and so much playoff experience that I rather play the Ducks and Freddie Andersen in goal. Either way if we get through TB the SCF's will be a tough challenge. I am looking forward to watching the WCF, I expect it to be some real good hockey between two very good teams.
I think Hawks in 6, but wouldn't be surprised if they win in 5. They're hot right now and while they have goalie issues of their own, Anahiem's goalie issues are worse. I see a lot of high scoring games of 5-3 6-2 type games.
Crawford is a lot more accomplished then Anderson. He's played at a high level in playoffs before and has won a cup. I think they have a big advantage in goal actually. I thought Hawks Rangers final beginning of playoffs and think that's what we get but agree despite their size would rather play Ducks if NY beats TB
I agree with both of you guys. And that is why I think today is so big for the Ducks 94. As well as the Hawks have played, if they come out of the gate and win game 1 in Anaheim I think it is a very bad sign for the Ducks. Again I don't think a loss today means series done, but if the Hawks win today you cannot feel good about the Ducks chances to win this series. Need a good start to get belief in the Ducks going. Win game 1 and then we have a series I think. I know I'm rooting for the Ducks as mentioned.
Kenny and Joe doing the game. They are the # 2 crew for NBC now. I know Doc and Eddie are doing games 3 & 4 in Chicago, so I wonder if Kenny and Joe will do games 3 & 4 of our series, or will they ship someone else in since they don't want an NYR crew doing an NYR playoff game.
If the Ducks are going to win this, they will have to punish the Hawks for a full 60 minutes. Slow them down, take away some ice, frustrate them and stay out of the penalty box. It won't be pretty, but I don't think the Ducks care. Having said that, If they get to the finals, I believe the Rangers can handle either team.
I guess they want Doc in Chicago. I like keeping the crews where they are, especially when you are down to two series, but that isn't going to be the case. Knowing Pierre he may travel back and forth and do all the games. Doc and Eddie I am sure will stay in Chicago, meaning a different crew for games 3 & 4 of our series most likely.
Ducks win game 1. Really big for them as I mentioned. The Hawks actually played the better game IMO, had more chances overall, but the Ducks got the W which is all that matters. Good for them, and we have a very interesting coin flip series out West.
What surprised me the most is that Chicago only scored 1 goal. Both teams are very average in goal, despite Crawford winning a Cup. This series will literally be won by the team whose goalie doesn't suck more lol
I agree, we may see one or both backup goalies in that series. IF we make it there we should have an edge in goal in the SCF. Now that the Ducks won game 1 that series should go at least 6.
i think the ducks would be a easier team to play then hawks, we played both teams really well in regular season but for some reason i think we would match up better vs ducks, yeah there bigger, but hawks have more accomplished players, anderson is a ? , but there 2nd or third D pair, is not that good, our third line can expose that.
would not want to face a very hot anahiem team, we match up well vs the hawks, but, again, imo the rangers are this years special team... rangers just need to get healthy, get stronger and the CUP is there for the taking... it's all about destiny.
The one thing that could hurt the Hawks is depth on D. With Rozy out they are really lacking D depth after their top 4. Rundblad and Timo are not that good, and that means a lot of minutes for the top 4. That could come back to haunt the Hawks.
Ducks-Hawks Gm 1 was a prime example of team not being able to finish with their many scoring chances..... Hawks completely outplayed Ducks in period 1 and they leave the ice down 0-1 to the Ducks. In that period, Ducks turned over puck 3 x in their defensive zone and Hawks could not cash in. Lost opportunities. Ducks got their game going in period 2...........Hawks close to within 1 goal. Never found their stride in period 3.
Great WCF so far. Many OT's. Series tied 2-2. Hawks win both OT games in multiple OT's. The more OT's they play the better for us if we get by TB. Best of 3 series now, just like our series, with the Ducks holding home ice. At the start I was hoping we'd get the Ducks if we beat TB, now I am in the middle. The Hawks have experience and a lot of skill, but truth is we do matchup better with that than we do with a big physical team like the Ducks. Plus the travel to Chicago will be easier. On the flip side we really played well against the Ducks this season, and they may not be used to playing all this extra hockey, and then having to jump into a SCF if they win. I guess my point is now after seeing them pound on the Hawks, I am not rooting for the Ducks as I was at the start, I am just rooting for 7 games and more OT's, and whichever team wins so be it. Very strong chance both series go 7 now, but we'll see. Can TB or Chicago win game 5 on the road...that could decide both of the CF's.
I'd rather play the blackhawks. Big physical team like the ducks are harder for us to play against especially guys like nash and st.louis.
I think it is real close mel. And I kind of agree with you, which is my main point. I started by saying I rather play the Ducks. Now that we see just how good they are, that was a ? into the series IMO, I am torn. They are big and physical and that is our toughest matchup. At the very least it is now a coin flip, so that's why I say go 7 and play some more OT's, that is my main focus. At this point doesn't matter to me which team wins anymore. IF, and that is a BIG IF, we beat TB, I think both the Hawks and Ducks will be tough so I am no longer rooting for either team, just 7 and more OT's....
