WSF (1) Chicago Blackhawks vs (7) Detroit Red Wings (Hawks win 4-3).

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

Never thought this year's version of the wings would be anywhere near the third round of the playoffs, let alone one win from it.

Especially how poor they looked against the Flames this season. They looked like a team that was ripe for a first round blowout. I will say that they have the veteran players that seem to have turned things up and played much better at playoff time.

[CalgaryFan1988]

Originally Posted by Hockey_Ninja

So both the Sens and Rangers now have to pull of two of the greatest comebacks in NHL history.

Yuppers, but realistically I didn't expect any of the 3 to pull off an upset. 1 is gravy.

Stupid Leafs

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

He embarrassed himself tonight.

he's had that type of streak for a while

he's young so I am guessing it will pass as he gets older but he has had a game like this, or said something petty in the press every time they have been losing or lost a series

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

Never thought this year's version of the wings would be anywhere near the third round of the playoffs, let alone one win from it.

yep, and I think with anyone else besides Babcock they likely miss the playoffs

[dammage79]

Toews threw a giant hissy fit tonight and it was very unbecoming. Just goes to show even the coolest heads in the game have a breaking point.

Kind of sick of the Wings and their consistency but you cannot argue with their success via drafting, UFA signings.

[Hockey_Ninja]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Toews threw a giant hissy fit tonight and it was very unbecoming. Just goes to show even the coolest heads in the game have a breaking point.

Kind of sick of the Wings and they're consistency but you cannot argue with their success via drafting, UFA signings.

I sure hope we can draft a Datsyuk and Zetterberg in the 6-7th rounds one day

[opendoor]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

Toews last 22 playoff games are worse than the Sedins last 22 playoff games

/not good

It's not even close, really. Toews has 11 points in his last 22 playoff games while H. Sedin has 23 in his last 22.

And for a guy with a career regular season pace of 34 goals per 82 games, 3 goals in his last 30 playoff games definitely doesn't look good.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Hockey_Ninja

I sure hope we can draft a Datsyuk and Zetterberg in the 6-7th rounds one day

Let's just draft them in any round first.

[troutman]

Bored of the Wings.

[Karl]

Originally Posted by opendoor

It's not even close, really. Toews has 11 points in his last 22 playoff games while H. Sedin has 23 in his last 22.

And for a guy with a career regular season pace of 34 goals per 82 games, 3 goals in his last 30 playoff games definitely doesn't look good.

Wow!

For a guy as talented as Toews is supposed to be, that is just ####ing pathetic, quite frankly.

A definite 1st-line centre and borderline superstar calibre player who can't seem to score in the playoffs.....

[trackercowe]

Toews has had a rough couple years for sure, but he'll always have that one year where he scored 29 points and won the Conn Smythe. The Sedin's will probably never be able to say that.

[Canuck-Hater]

I'd be pissed too if a guy high sticked himself and then got called for a penalty. Still he needs to be more composed.

[opendoor]

Originally Posted by trackercowe

Toews has had a rough couple years for sure, but he'll always have that one year where he scored 29 points and won the Conn Smythe. The Sedin's will probably never be able to say that.

Most likely, I just think it illustrates how stupid all of the "clutch" and "unclutch" labels that get thrown around are. Even great players like Toews will struggle at times in the playoffs but it doesn't mean there's something inherently wrong with him (or that 3 years ago he was God's gift to playoff hockey); it's just the nature of small sample sizes.

Look at Brown and Kopitar this year vs. last as well.

[thefoss1957]

My 'Hawks PP was a hot mess again tonight...Kompon may be the worst excuse for an assistant coach in the league, the Blackhawk PP has been crappy all year! Howard was stellar, especially with the Wings able to drape themselves all over the guys off the puck. Crawford was NOT the weak link for the 'Hawks tonight. Frolik and Kruger have been better than the top guys.

Down 3-1 is not good, obviously, but hopefully the team pulls their heads out...especially Q himself...

[sun]

Goddamnit, I hate the wings. Just when you finally think it's their turn for a downswing, they're one game away from the conference finals. One of my least favourite teams.

Oh well, at least our draft pick improves if they win...

[Itse]

I admit, I think it's pretty cool that the Wings are doing it again, despite most people counting them out before the series began. They've done everything to earn it.

That said, the Blackhawks are a better team than this, and I would not count them out yet either. They seem to have been outcoached and caught unprepared to really fight for their wins, but that could change.

And yes, still loving LA playoff hockey.

[vilzeh]

This just shows that Zetterberg is the best shut down guy there is. He's a god damn monster when it comes to that. He completely shut down Crosby in the finals also 2008 or 2009.

[Erick Estrada]

If the Hawks don't get out of this series would management be tempted to make a coaching change given AV is now on the market and possibly Tippett as well?

[Huntingwhale]

Great win for the Wings. I'm pretty sure I'm the only closet Wings fan on this board. I just really enjoy watching their puck possession style of play and the skill all of their players display on a regular basis. Toss in the best coach in the league and the fact that the Wings finally have a top goalie and you have a team on the verge of eliminating the top team in the league. I've never been a fan of Chicago. I hope the Wings take it in 5 and send the Hawks home crying.

[JayP]

Originally Posted by opendoor

Most likely, I just think it illustrates how stupid all of the "clutch" and "unclutch" labels that get thrown around are. Even great players like Toews will struggle at times in the playoffs but it doesn't mean there's something inherently wrong with him (or that 3 years ago he was God's gift to playoff hockey); it's just the nature of small sample sizes.

Look at Brown and Kopitar this year vs. last as well.

Brad Richards is another great example - former Conn Smythe winner is a deserved healthy scratch in an elimination game. And even then you have guys like Dredger on twitter talking about how he's a "proven winner".