This was supposed to be–or at least had the chance to be–the statement game for the Hawks.  It was time to show the Red Wings that the Blackhawks were ready to dominate the Central.  As with a lot of sports stories these days, that was getting a little ahead of ourselves.  One thing the viewer could take from the game however is that the battle for the division this year is going to be hard fought and an absolute joy to watch.

It’s been a while, so you know what I was thinking?  Bullets?  Bullets.

• The contrast in defensemen was notable, hence the noting going on. For Chicago, the blue liners were jumping into the play and creating opportunities, while for Detroit there was a lot more bruising going on.  Brad Stuart played one of the best games I’ve seen him play for the Wings and dished out some huge hits.
• Speaking of defensemen getting into the action, a defenseman has gotten the goal or an assist every time the Hawks have put the puck in the net this season.  Seabrook and Barker had assists last night.
• The turning point last night was pretty clearly the Hawks failure to score on a lengthy 5-on-3 power play in the second period when they were already leading 1-0.  The Wings blocked some shots, Osgood made a couple good saves, and the Hawks took a couple bad shots.  Quenneville took a timeout toward the end of the advantage to set things up, but it didn’t work out.  The Wings went on to score three goals in the second period, including Franzen’s game winner on a Red Wing power play.
• Like I said earlier, this is going to be fun to watch.  There is so much talent on the ice when these two teams meet.  In addition, neither team is afraid to get physical and it rarely escalates to anything particularly dirty.  When Hossa returns, Detroit-Chicago will be a game you cannot miss, trust me.
• 1-1-1 isn’t a great start, but it’s only three games in.  If the Hawks play like they did last night, the wins will definitely come.  They outshot the Wings and seemed to have the bulk of the possession.  Huet looked pretty good as well, making some big saves in the third to keep his team in it.

The Hawks open the United Center on Saturday night against the Colorado Avalanche.  They have eight home games against two away games the rest of the month.  Try to get to the UC and check out a game.

The Blackhawks have plenty going for them that no one talks about.  First, no one thinks they can win.  Seems like a great way to motivate a young team while taking the pressure off at the same time.  Second, Detroit is still banged up.  I know it didn’t matter in Game 4, but that wasn’t the same Hawks team I watched all season long.  With the Kronwall fiasco hopefully behind them, it should be a much more competitive game tonight.  Finally, they had the three day break again to refocus and put the ugliness of Game 4 behind them. 

That’s not to say the deck isn’t stacked against them.  Detroit proved itself the better team even without two of its stars on Sunday.  The Wings have the experience and rarely have trouble closing teams out in the playoffs.  Let’s get on with the bullets. 

• Pavel Datsyuk and Nick Lidstrom are out again for Game 5.  Wings coach Mike Babcock noted that sometimes it’s easy to step up and replace guys in the short term, but the longer players are out, the harder it becomes.  Don’t celebrate too soon though.  Martin Havlat and Nikolai Khabibulin are out for Chicago.  Havlat played well in his abbreviated return Sunday, and the Hawks struggled hard without their goaltender.  Hard to say which set of injuries is worse, but based on depth the Hawks are feeling this one more. 
• Injured or not, the Blackhawks will be fighting to continue their season.  A good start is always important, but even more so tonight.  Fall behind by multiple goals and thoughts of the golf course or finding whatever beach Joakim Noah is at start to creep in.  The Hawks have done well when facing adversity throughout the playoffs, but this will be the first game they face elimination.  Chris Osgood has the most elimination game shutouts in NHL history and it will be important to ensure early that he doesn’t add to that record number. 
• Cristobal Huet doesn’t get much of a grace period.  He played well in the third period of Game 3, but was awful in Game 4.  The NBC guys were saying that the Wings needed to shoot high on Huet, but really anywhere they shot it seemed to work out. 
• Oh and it might be a good idea to stay out of the penalty box.  The Wings could lose three more players and still have two good power play units.  Also, if the Hawks continue their passive play on the kill, they’re just asking for trouble.  When you have guys that might not play the blue line on the advantage due to Lidstrom being out, they need to be pressured.  Last game the Hawks just sat back while the defensemen peppered the goal. 
• Leave Kronwall alone.  Sure, if someone has an opportunity to finish a hard, clean check on him then go for it, but the first guy that goes out of his way to hit Kronwall or takes a penalty trying to get some kind of revenge should be reduced to Chelios-minutes.  I’m looking at you Versteeg. 
• Quenneville needs to keep his cool this game.  His tirade in Game 4 was the start of the meltdown and tonight quiet confidence needs to be the theme.  Back to basics for the Hawks who need to mind their responsibilities defensively, stay out of the box, and capitalize on the power play to win. 

Game is at Joe Louis Arena and on Versus at 6:30 CT.  The Hawks need to win three straight to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals, so we’ll see if they can start tonight.

h/t Puck Daddy

Game 4 could be an aberration and a momentary lapse, but it looked more like a surrender.  All the things we were talking about the Blackhawks needing to avoid were evident in Game 4.  They couldn’t spend their time chasing Niklas Kronwall looking for revenge, and Kris Versteeg and Ben Eager both fell victim to antagonizing the Wings defenseman.  It’s hard to say how out of position they got chasing big hits, but the penalty box door got a workout because of it.

The Hawks also had to harness their emotions after a tumultuous Game 3, and they failed miserably.  Two things are to blame for the failure: youth, and more importantly Joel Quenneville.  In my opinion Quenneville should be a serious candidate for coach of the year the way he handled the Blackhawks this season, but Game 4 was a meltdown.  When emotions are flaring up all over the place, the last thing your team needs is an explosion on the bench after a first period that ended with your team down 2-0.  The Hawks looked lost before Q’s screaming at the officials about a roughing call against Matt Walker, but after it they were out of control.

Was there a penalty on Walker in the scrum? I sure didn’t see one.  Was it the worst call in sports history? Umm, really?  It was an irrational overreaction by the coach that led to much of the same from his young team.  Especially with a young captain who hasn’t been through this before, the coach needs to be the guy that keeps it together.  Quenneville’s outburst was followed by dumb penalties from Versteeg, misconducts from Eager, and a couple ejections.

Quite a bit of praise has been doled out for the Red Wings, who dominated the Hawks without Lidstrom and Datsyuk, but the Hawks cost themselves the game.  They gave up a shorthanded goal in the first period after four Hawks were caught below the goal-line in the Wings’ end.  They probably should have kept Huet’s start a secret from Cristobal so he didn’t have time to mentally prepare.  He was awful.  I’ve seen the Red Wings do this to teams for years now, but I didn’t think the Hawks would get sucked in; it’s not like the Wings are above cheap shots, they just pick their spots and I’d venture a guess to say they get less retaliatory penalties than just about anyone.  You can’t get pissed at them and try to bait them into fighting you, they aren’t the Flames or Canucks.  The Hawks ventured way off the gameplan and that’s why it’s 3-1.

There are really very few good things to say about the situation right now, but let’s see what we can come up with.  The Hawks will have the benefit of another three day break.  Last time they were counted out of the series, they responded after the extra rest with a great performance and a win.  This time will be tougher in the Joe, but the Hawks have also proved they can play with the Wings there.  The Red Wings still have some injury issues too.  Draper is out for the series, while Datsyuk and Lidstrom haven’t been cleared to play yet.

Finally, what do they have to lose? No one thinks they can win.  Coming into the series there were plenty of people who thought the youngsters had a chance, but not now.  The problem was that Kronwall’s hit and the reaction got them thinking too much.  If they can get back to just playing hockey, anything can happen.  Right?

The reality is that we’re looking at something in the middle, but much closer to a clean hit.  While Havlat didn’t have the puck on his stick, he was absolutely ready to carry it up the ice and couldn’t have been any closer to the puck. Kronwall’s forearm came up and he came off his feet, but it was after the blow was delivered.  Awful, awful call to throw him out of the game on what wasn’t a penalty, but hey, too bad…it’s 2-1. 

Fact is, the Hawks are saying what they should be saying.  Havlat is a leader on this team and they’re going to rally around him by calling Kronwall a goon.  Every bit of motivation counts.  Anyway, Game 4 starts in about a half hour, so let’s get to the bullets.

• The Hawks know they can’t carry out some kind of revenge plan on Kronwall today.  They need to play the same kind of disciplined hockey that has kept them in the series.  When they’re focused and limit the turnovers, they’ve been the better team for a good part of the series. 
• Injuries will play a gigantic role in this game.  For Chicago, it’s looking like Huet in place of Khabibulin, who left Game 3 with an injury before Huet shut the Wings down for the third period and OT.  Havlat is doubtful until he can remember what year it is. For the Wings, Kris Draper is out again and Pavel Datsyuk will be a game-time decision with a foot injury. 
• Lots of scoring from defensemen in Game 3 as Seabrook and Keith got on the score sheet with assists.  For Seabrook especially, it was nice to see some contribution in what has been a rough series. 
• The Hawks are 3 for 3 in scoring first so far.  Today they have a great chance to really put some pressure on Detroit with another early goal.  Put one past Ozzie in the first and thoughts of going back to Detroit at 2-2 will creep in. 
• It will be interesting to see how Huet does after preparing to start.  In Game 3 he was thrown into a tough spot and didn’t allow a goal.  If I remember correctly, Huet started the Winter Classic and was pulled, so Game 3 was a good confidence boost.
• I thought Andrew Ladd played a great game Friday and he might need another without Havlat.  Can’t wait to see how the young guys respond after having two days to let the theatrics of Game 3 settle. 

One thing is for sure: the crowd is going to be insane.  Nothing like a big hit to create a villian to fire people up.  I’m sure fans will be even more strong in voice when sharing their feelings on Detroit throughout the game.  Get ready, because the game starts in less than 30 minutes.  2 PM CT on NBC.

• Both teams are having some trouble getting production from their stars.  For the Hawks, this hadn’t been a problem until Kane disappeared this round, but the Wings have been looking for Datsyuk and Hossa all playoffs long.  Datsyuk is nursing a sore foot that caused him to miss practice yesterday.  Hossa and Kane seem to be the likely candidates to break out in Game 3….so look out for Datsyuk.
• Turnovers are still killing both teams, as both have deadly offensive skills that punish miscues.  The Hawks have shown they can create chances against Detroit, so if they can show a little more poise in Game 3 and limit the turnovers, there is no reason they can’t push it to 2-1.
• Khabibulin has been great in this series, but Osgood has been better.  Time for Nikolai to outplay his counterpart no matter how good Ozzie plays.  Bulin has won a Stanley Cup and knows he has to take some pride and step it up.  Not that I’m calling him out, it’s just that when you have an apparent advantage in goal, it needs to show.
• I know the Hawks have come out strong in the first two games and lost, but I really think if they do it again it’s a great sign.  They’ve been playing good hockey, but Detroit has been great.  If Chicago can come out with physical play and strong legs, they have a good chance to build a lead and stay on top of it with the home crowd.
• Mmm, home crowd.  Anthem is going to be awesome once again and it should be one of the loudest games ever in the United Center.  Get pumped because after two days off, it’s time for more playoff hockey.

Game is at 7 PM CT on Versus.  Game 4 is Sunday at 2 PM CT on NBC. I’ll try to get a recap/preview up, but I’ll be out of town this weekend.

How after two games that were 2-2 in the third periods can the Red Wings have so thoroughly dominated the Blackhawks to think that Chicago has no chance to come back in the series?  Things got away from Chicago in the third period of Game 1, but nothing of the sort happened last night.  The Hawks looked poised to tie the series up in the last five minutes of regulation.  The Wings had a couple odd-man rushes, but the ice was definitely slanted Chicago’s way.  If not for one of Chris Osgood’s best games of the playoffs, this is 1-1 heading to the United Center.  Some thoughts on the game:

• Turnovers did it again.  It was Seabrook doing the damage for the second game in a row to give Dan Cleary the opportunity to score a breakaway goal, then it was Campbell that turned it over leading to the game winning 3-on-1 break.  You’re not going to make it through a game without any turnovers, but it’d be nice to have them not lead directly to goals.  Despite their huge mistakes it’s easy to have some sympathy since Campbell played one hell of a game before the gaff and Seabrook took a shot to the tots that would have crippled just about every player in the league not named Sean Avery. 
• I’m sure it’s happened, but I can’t remember the last time the Red Wings were outshot in a playoff game.  The Hawks have to feel good that they created some more opportunities last night.
• Even Patrick Kane got a shot in (three actually), but he’s still a -5 for the series and I’m pretty sure he still has no points.  Toews got both goals for the Hawks, with a centering pass that went of a Red Wing skate and a deflection in the third to tie it up.  Toews also showed some leadership out there, noticably playing hard. 
• The two day break will really benefit Chicago.  It will give them time to let the tough loss soak in, then get mad and refocus for Game 3.  With a young team losing a heartbreaker like that to go down 2-0 to the defending champs, I’d be worried with a game Thursday night, but Quenneville should be able to focus the boys for Friday, and I’d expect another strong game. 
• The Hawks started strong again, a welcome departure from last series.  They were flying around, hitting hard, and even put in the first goal again. 
• I really had a hard time with the officiating last night.  After the Hawks picked up a too many men on the ice call, it seemed like the make-up calls started rolling.  I’ve rarely seen Lidstrom take a penalty, much less two in one game.  And the trip call against Bolland was really weak.  It’s been a wide open style so far and penalties should be pretty obvious, so why the ticky-tack calls?  Let em play. 
• Once again, it was the depth of Detroit that doomed the Blackhawks.  If the secondary defensemen aren’t going to be able to stop Filpula, Hudler, Samuelsson, and company, then it will be up to Kane, Sharp, and Havlat to start putting some pucks in the net.  The way this series is shaping up, the Hawks are going to need more than a couple goals to win. 

Well, it’s a good thing for the Blackhawks, but now we get two days without a game for a plane ride that lands five minutes before it takes off.  Game 3 is Friday if you struggle with math and days of the week.

• The young stars for the Blackhawks would have to be super-human to not feel pressure going into Game 2.  Kane and Toews put up some awful stats in Game 1 and it’s on them to step it up tonight.  Kane was held without a shot just three times all season before Sunday, but now it’s four times and two of those have come against Detroit.  Kane mentioned that it felt like he was being triple teamed out there in Game 1, so hopefully for the Hawks he’ll be able to find some space and discover that magic he had against Vancouver. 
• I didn’t see Seabrook and Keith take a whole lot of heat after Game 1.  I thought these two had been a couple of the best defensmen in the entire league for the first two rounds, but a couple of bad turnovers in Game 1 were killers.  While guys like Datsyuk and Hossa struggle, the Hawks can’t afford to give away goals to other players. 
• One of the positives I saw from Chicago in the first game was their physical play.  The Wings played a real tough series against Anaheim before this one and if the Hawks can keep punishing the Wings with big hits, there’s a chance they could wear them down if they can extend this series. 
• Another good thing for Chicago is that being so young, there most recent playoff experience is the only kind they have.  The Hawks fell behind 1-0 in the Vancouver series and had a great comeback to win Game 2.  Just because this is a bigger stage, doesn’t mean they can’t handle it.  Look for a disciplined and spirited performance tonight. 
• Again, pay attention to the pace tonight.  After winning the first game, I can’t imagine the Wings would try and change styles, so it will likely be another wide open and exciting affair. 

That’s all I’ve got this afternoon, but I’m really looking forward to this one tonight.  6:30 PM CT, on Versus.

• Game 1 definitely lived up to the hype for the series.  Both teams were flying up and down the ice and testing the goaltenders.  As I heard the Pittsburgh-Washington series described, it looked like you were watching the game with the fast forward on the DVR.  I guess that answers the question regarding the pace the Red Wings would try to play at.  It’s going to be strength on strength as both teams prefer a wide open style. 
• The depth of the Red Wings was lethal.  The Filpula, Hudler, Samuelsson line dominated to the point that Quenneville switched Keith and Seabrook to match up with them in the third period.  Hjalmarsson, Barker, and Walker need to step up their play for the Hawks to have a chance here. 
• I probably should be careful using the word “lethal” in the last point, because it almost took on a very literal meaning when Ben Eager was upended and his skate sliced Adam Burish on his neck.  That was less than an inch from being disastrous.  Most of us remember the Richard Zednik situation from a couple years ago, and this could have been just as bad. Kudos to Burish for not being phased and playing a very strong game after that, until that double minor for cross-checking Draper twice in the last minute. 
• Where were the stars for the Hawks?  Kane and Toews combined for one shot on goal the entire game (Toews), while compiling a pair of minus-3’s.  Keith and Seabrook each had a turnover that led directly to the first two goals for the Wings.  NBC had an un-official count of 10 turnovers for the Wings and only 1 for the Hawks, but that was obviously wrong.  Both teams struggled hard in the turnover department. 
• Khabibulin was about as good as a goaltender can be while giving up four goals (the 5th was empty net).  Especially in the second period while Detroit had a few power plays he was outstanding.  The Hawks will need more of the same from Bulin, but it looks like he could steal a game in this series if he keeps it up. 
• Zetterberg and Datsyuk were amazing.  Every time there was a loose puck in their vicinity they got it.  There was one play where Zetterberg forced a turnover at center ice, went around three Hawks and Khabibulin thwarted his centering attempt; then he stole the puck again and created another chance.  While Toews and Kane disappointed, hopefully this is a glimpse into the future for those young stars. 
• The Hawks can be encouraged that they did not shy away from the big stage.  They came out in the first period and it looked like the rink was slanted their way.  There were also stints in which they dominated and peppered Osgood.  Burish, Eager, and company dished out some physical punishment too.  This game was 2-2 in the third and the Hawks had plenty of chances to take the lead.  I thought Versteeg and Campbell played great games with Versteeg creating chances and scoring, and with Campbell jumping into the play and even laying some big-time hits. 

Game 2 is Tuesday night in Detroit and will be on Vs. at 6:30 CT.

Not only is it a throwback to a premier sports rivalry, but these are two of the teams to watch for years to come.  You have the Red Wings, who do the best scouting in the league and have shown the ability to reload over and over, and the Hawks with some of the league’s best young talent.  Some have dubbed it the gray beards vs. the no beards.

Another plus is that these are undoubtedly the teams in the West playing the best hockey right now.  They are 1 and 2 in power play percentage in the playoffs, with the Hawks leading the way.  The Blackhawks have the advantage of being the young guys who have no expectations, while the Wings bring the experience and, well, they’re really really good.

All of the ESPN “experts” picked Detroit.  Most of the media is following suit, thinking the Hawks have to wait their turn.  It feels a little like Bulls-Pistons of the early 90’s to me.  So what are the keys to the series?

Nikolai Khabibulin made some big saves in the Vancouver series, including one of the best I’ve seen in a long time in Game 6, but he wasn’t the reason the Hawks won that series.  If Khabibulin gets in the zone, the Hawks have a real shot at this thing.

The Wings won the season series 4-2, but the Hawks won the last two and may have some momentum here.  Neither team has serious injury issues.  Tomas Kopecky is out for Detroit, but the Hawks have nothing new to report as Duncan Keith is fine after taking a stick to the face and getting seven stitches.

Lots of pressure on Niklas Hjalmarsson, Matt Walker, Cam Barker, and Brian Campbell this round.  Unlike the Flames and Canucks who featured one amazing line, the Red Wings scoring is much more balanced and they bring all-star talent on at least three lines.  The Blackhawks also have more depth than anyone Detroit has seen thus far.  While Lidstrom will make life difficult for Kane and Toews, Stuart and Kronwall are prone to the occasional mistake and it will be important for Chicago to capitalize on those miscues.

It will be interesting to see what kind of style is played this series.  The Hawks have preferred a wide open style in the playoffs, and the Wings are more comfortable than Vancouver or Calgary with that style.  The Wings would probably do well to slow things down a bit in terms of crimping the Hawks’ style, but they could very well open it up, because that’s how the Wings flourish too.  It could be a very exciting and high scoring series.

Another interesting tidbit is former Red Wings coach, hall of famer Scotty Bowman.  He has been a part of the Hawks front office for a while now and it’s hard to find someone more loved and respected in Detroit than the ice chomping coach that led the Wings to Stanley Cups.

This is it, the series starts Sunday afternoon in Detroit and will be on NBC at 2:00 CT.  Of course I won’t be able to see it, so I’m contemplating easy ways to commit suicide, but don’t miss it.  Prediction?  Wings in 6.

Eastern Conference

#1 Boston Bruins vs. #8 Montreal Canadians- Bruins in 5

#2 Washington Capitals vs. #7 New York Rangers- Capitals in 6

#3 New Jersey Devils vs. #6 Carolina Hurricanes-Hurricanes in 7

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Philadelphia Flyers- Penguins in 5

Bruins over Hurricanes, Penguins over Capitals in the second round.

Western Conference

#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #8 Anaheim Ducks- Sharks in 6

#2 Detroit Red Wings vs. #7 Columbus Blue Jackets- Wings in 5

#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 St. Louis Blues-  Blues in 6

#4 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #5 Calgary Flames- Hawks in 6

Sharks over Blues, Wings over Hawks.

Stanley Cup Finals:  I’ll take the Bruins to beat the Penguins in the East and the Wings over the Sharks in what could be a great Western Conference Finals.  Then for the Cup, I’ll go with the Boston Bruins in six games.  Despite picking them out in the second round, I like the Hawks chances of making a run. They could pretty much play anyone in the second round with the re-seeding format, and there is no team in the playoffs they aren’t capable of beating.

There are the predictions and now you know what isn’t going to happen.