Quote:
Originally Posted by Rudeboyelvis
Bob, I'll make a donation to Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa http://www.tampatrot.org/ after the series, regardless of who wins.
I only bet Tom because I felt we had a decided advantage against the Rangers.
I know nothing about the Blackhawks, other than what I've seen in the last series.
That said, Crawford is shakier than Lundqvist, and they're not nearly as physical as the Rangers.
So, logic would seem to dictate that this will be a walk over for the Lightning - but as we all know - it's a different animal in the finals...
Perfectly confident in this team, and look forward to a hard-fought battle. |
Crawford will be fine...He's won a Cup and has played outstanding other that Nashvile game..which was a looong time ago. It will be a fast series for sure and after the pounding from Anaheim, the Hawks will be able to play more open. Keys that make it Hawks in 6:
1) Coaching..Q gets nod over pretty much anyone you could throw out there.
2) Core D: The big 4 can play the Big minutes again without the physicality they got from Anaheim.
3) Been there, done that: Nice TB wins in MSG, but this is the Finals and Chicago has that intangible that won't let them lose 4 games.
4) 3rd and 4th lines: Triplets and Stamkos line awesome, but can't roll 3 and 4 as strongly.
How TB wins?
1) Special Teams: Chicago PP comes and goes in maddening fashion and although their PK is solid, TB has Stamkos and a great PP and Chicago loves taking Too Many Men on Ice penalties.
2) Injuries: Obvious, and Chicago could absorb any Forward, but if another D goes down, it would be a series changer.