May 10, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Al Sobotka swings an octopus that was throw on the ice before game six of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Detroit Red Wings and the Anaheim Ducks at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Game #4- Chicago Blackhawks vs Detroit Red Wings (Wings lead series 2-1)

Game Time-7pm

TV- NBCSN

Preview- The Red Wings dominated Game #2 and then caught a bunch of breaks in Game #3 and to their credit took full advantage of those breaks to take control of the series 2-1.  Pavel Datsyuk has controlled the face-off dot and threw in a pretty sick game clinching goal in Game #3 to boot.  The Wings have been very defensive minded against the Hawks in the Mike Babcock chess match with Joel Quenneville.  The suspect Detroit defense has been stellar especially against the Hawks captain Jonathan Toews.   To help the defense out has been Jimmy Howard who has been stellar in both Detroit wins.  The Wings defense has clogged up the neutral zone while giving Howard clean sight lines for Hawks shots.  Detroit has a shot to take a strangle-hold on the series with a win tonight.

The Hawks after game three were introduced to someone they haven’t met this season that goes by the name adversity.  The Hawks came out of the gates flying right to the President’s trophy.  Now is the time for guys to step up and prove that this is the Chicago Blackahawks team with the heart of a champion and not some weak Vancouver Canuck knock off that can win regular season games only to crack under the Cup playoff pressure.  The Hawks stars need to step up and step up quickly and yes for a rare occasion we are talking about the Captain Jonathan Toews who still has a goose egg on the scoresheet behind his name with goals scored in eight playoff games.  One Hawk that looks to be on the verge of a huge breakout is Brandon Saad who had a great Game #3 and could finally have the his mojo back for a big Game #4.

Prediction-The Hawks come out flying and take control of this game early and tie up the series with a 3-1 win, even though there will be entirely too many stupid octopus thrown on the ice.

What is your prediction?

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May 18, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) passes the puck to right wing Patrick Kane (88) as Detroit Red Wings center Henrik Zetterberg (40) loses his glove in the third period of game two of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. The Red Wings won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Game #3- Chicago Blackhawks visits Detroit Red Wings (Series Tied 1-1)

Game Time-6:30pm

TV- NBCSN

Preview- Game #1 domination by the Hawks was replaced with a Game #2 domination by the Detroit Red Wings.  Henrik Zetterberg and company have held the top line of Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews in check through two games.  The Red Wings have stole home ice advantage, but like the Minnesota Wild in round 1 will the Red Wings be able to play this style for an entire series or was this a one hit wonder.  The Red Wings finally found some offense and it was really created by keeping an extra person back in the middle which in the end opened up the middle of the ice for the Wings.  Jimmy Howard only had to face 20 shots on goal which is over half as few as game #1.

The Hawks after suffocating the Red Wings in Game 1 barely put up a fight in Game 2.  The forecheck was absent from most of Game 2 will need to make an appearance at Joe Louis arena Monday night.  The Hawks lost three home games on the road to the Stanley Cup in 2010 so it isn’t the end of the world losing a game at homte to the Red Wings.  The way they lost the game has put some panic in the fan base.  Jonathan Toews complained about the interference after the game while Red Wings fans say it was just a case of great defense by the Wings.  The Hawks are needing a better effort from a lot of players but one I would like to spotlight is Brandon Saad.  Saad hasn’t scored a goal in the playoffs and doesn’t quite look the same player as he did in the regular season.  This being game 8 of the playoffs for Saad  is about the amount of games that it took him in the regular season to settle down and score on a regular basis  so maybe tonight will be his breakout playoff game.

Prediction- The Hawks play a great road game and get back to playing their style in a 4-2 victory.

What is your prediction for tonight’s game?

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Jan 27, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Dave Bolland (36) makes a pass against Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (13) during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Game #1- Detroit Red Wings vs Chicago Blackhawks

Game Time- 7pm Central

TV- NBCSN

Radio- 97.9Fm

Season Series- Blackhawks 4-0 Red Wings 0-1-3   Except for Easter Sunday every game went to overtime with the Hawks prevailing in each game.

Preview- The Red Wings were able to survive and advance against the team most experts had pegged to beat the Hawks in the Western Conference Finals in the Anaheim Ducks.  The Red Wings have been able to survive a suspect defense and injuries to sneak into the playoffs then win a playoff series.  Now they get to face a team that has won seven straight against them but these Red Wings are confident that the way they played in the last 10 games and add in  the Anaheim series will be a big enough improvement in the Red Wings play to turn the tide in favor of the men from Motown. Jimmy Howard wasn’t spectacular against Anaheim but he was good enough to keep the Ducks at bay to get four games into overtime which the Red Wings were able to score the deciding goal in three of them.  It’s hard to say if them getting the extra day off will help give them some rest or hurt because it cools their momentum. The Red Wings still ride Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg but look for the Hawks to focus on Damien Brunner and not allow a good secondary scorer to get off early in the series.

The Blackhawks made pretty quick work of the injury riddled Minnesota Wild and now get their oldest rival.  The Hawks for years looked at Detroit as big brother and could never get past them while they were winning Cups and making Finals appearances.  The times have changed and now the Hawks are the favorites and they need to show that right out of the box in Game #1.  Coach Quenneville noticed what most fans saw in the Wild series which was a lack of fire and passion and has kicked  it up a notch in practice starting with the white shirting of Brandon Saad for a day and Viktor Stalberg for the whole week.  This is the playoffs and the Hawks will need to play with some desperation while sticking to their game of puck possession.  The Hawks have had extra time off to heal and rest which provided enough time for Dave Bolland and Ray Emery to make it back into the lineup.  Now it’s up to Coach Q to blend them all in and start off the series on the right foot. Corey Crawford outside of one overtime goal was great and will need to continue his stellar play against the Red Wings.

Prediction- The Hawks spirited practices will lead to a focused group that comes out in a tight game on the right side of a 3-1 victory.

What is your prediction for Game 1?

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May 5, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell (29) shoots on Minnesota Wild goalie Josh Harding (37) during the third period in game three of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Game #4-Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild (Chicago leads the series 2-1)

Game Time-8:30 pm Central

TV- NBCSN

Key Injuries Chicag0-Ray Emery and Dave Bolland-Out

Key Injuries Minnesota- Niklas Backstrom-Day-t0 Day, Clayton Stoner-Day-t0-Day, Jason Pominville -Out

Preview- The Wild finally turned  on the aggression and it paid off giving them a 2-1 lead in the third period http://blackhawkup.com/2013/05/07/on-this-date-in-chicago-blackhawks-history-big-night-for-the-captain/ Game #3.  They stepped off the gas and the Wild lost their lead on a Duncan Keith goal.  The Wild returned to aggressive play and it payed off when Jason Zucker‘s soft goal got pass Corey Crawford.  The Wild played an almost flawless game being very physical and fore-checking to perfection especially on their Game #3 goals.  Harding was good enough to get the win although he hasn’t been as unbelievably good as he was in Game #1. The one thing that has worked well for the Wild the entire series  is basically taking runs at the Hawks at every opportunity,  Marcus Kruger has basically turned into a checking dummy and may be the reason that Coach Quenneville may be thinking of placing Daniel Carcillo in the lineup to put a second thought in the back of Wild players minds before taking runs at the Blackhawks stars.  The Wild especially Mikko Koivu have been very good at beating the Hawks at the faceoff circle which was discussed at length during the telecast on Sunday.

The Blackhawks have played one game out of the three like their 2013 regular season.  After getting production from their bottom lines in the first two games and Patrick Kane‘s passing wizardry in Game 3 it would be really nice if the top line of Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa, and Brandon Saad finally join the series especially on the offensive end.  Except for two Hossa assists the is group has been silent and in a Game 4 on the road their arrival would be a pleasant site for the men in white.  Corey Crawford is the only reason the game made it to overtime but  like last years playoffs against the Phoenix Coyotes, Crawford was the reason the Hawks skated off the ice in overtime with a loss.  Crawford was great stopping everything but two backhanders top shelf in close during regulation.  If Crawford continues to play like he has in regulation for the rest of the playoffs the Hawks really won’t have a goalie controversy.

Prediction- The Hawks play like the Hawks and gain total control of the series with a 5-1 victory.

What is your prediction for the game tonight?

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May 3, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Patrick Sharp (10) celebrates scoring a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the United Center. The Blackhawks beat the Wild 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Round One Game #3- Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild (Chicago leads series 2-0)

Game Time- 2pm

TV- NBC

Blackhawk Injuries- Dave Bolland and Ray Emery are Out

Wild Injuries- Niklas Backstrom- Game time decision, Clayton Stoner-day to day Jason Pominville-Out

Preview- The Wild made the playoffs on the very last day, but if they plan on sticking around very long in the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs they will need to make a stand today on home ice. Niklas Backstrom practiced on Saturday but it isn’t clear if he would play or if Josh Harding would get another start in the Wild net.  After an almost flawless Game 1 against the Blackhawks, Harding gave up 4 goals on 43 shots, yet he still kept the Wild in the game until midway through the third period.  The Wild are between a rock and a hard place in this series because they cannot win unless they play a very tight disciplined defensive hockey game, while doing that it is nearly impossible for them to generate any type of offense.  Zach Parise has been held in check in the first two games so look for him to try to force the action in his first every home playoff game in front of his hometown crowd.

The Blackhawks after a sluggish, lucky to have left the building with a win in Game 1, were back to their regular season form as they dominated every aspect of Game 2 while beating down the Wild 5-2.  It was really nice to see Patrick Sharp score twice after  the injury, frustrating season that he had in 2013.  Another sign that the Hawks are in regular season form was that fourth liner Michael Frolik also scored twice.  Patrick Kane seemed to become energized and could be an even bigger than normal force for the opposition to deal with if he plays like he did Friday night for the rest of the playoffs.

Prediction- The Wild will be in full desperation mode and it will be up to the Hawks to match the intensity.  I think they do and win a close game 3-2 with the Captain finally getting on the scoresheet with the game winner.

What is your prediction for today’s game?

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Apr 9, 2013; St. Paul, MN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews (19) shoots during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Game #1- Minnesota Wild (0-0) Vs Chicago Blackhawks (0-0)

Game Time-7pm Central

TV-NBCSN

Season Series- The Hawks were 2-0-1

Key Injuries- Ray Emery and Dave Bolland-Chicago  Jason Pominville-Minnesota

Preview- The Wild limped into the season finale and needed to hold off last place Colorado Avalanche to get the last playoff spot in the Western Conference holding off a surging Columbus Blue Jackets.  The Wild changed their team history with the signings of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter and they didn’t disappoint.  Suter led the league in ice time per game, and Parise led the team in scoring. The Wild played the Hawks very tough in Minnesota both games while losing 5-3 in Chicago.  The Hawks will have to solve Niklas Backstrom who gave up only one goal in two appearances in Minnesota while getting beat routinely for 5 goals in Chicago.  Backstrom had a solid season and the Wild will need him to stand on his head “a la Mike Smith” last season to keep the 8th seed Wild in a series where most experts have them bowing out by Game 6 at the latest.  The Wild after Suter on the backend is weak so look for the Hawks to really look to exploit the matchups when Suter is off the ice.

The Hawks have had a storybook regular season which started with THE STREAK and a 24 game point streak to start the season.  Look for the Hawks to jump on the Wild like the Hawks jumped on the Kings in their opening game right out of the gate.  One of the real strengths of the Hawks has been the ability to roll all four lines with Coach Quenneville not messing around that much with lines until this last week.  The Hawks have been focused all season long so I don’t foresee the Hawks to Overlook the Wild or any other team this post-season.  Corey Crawford now gets his chance to get rid of the demons from last season’s soft O.T goals and he will not have Ray Emery to worry about until at least Sunday in Minnesota so it will be time for Crawford to put his foot down and proclaim the #1 goalie spot his and his only.

My Hawks X-factor for tonight is Bryan Bickell who played good all season long, but when the Hawks are playing great Bickell his throwing his body around and his line is disruptive and productive.

Prediction The Hawks set the tone for the series early and often in a 4-1 victory.

What is your prediction for tonight’s game?

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Apr 14, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues goalie Brian Elliott (1) blocks a shot made by Chicago Blackhawks left wing Bryan Bickell (29) during the third period at the Scottrade Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Blues 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Game #48- Chicago Blackhawks (36-6-5) at St. Louis Blues

TV-WGN-Chicago

Game Time- 7pm Central

Season Series- The Hawks are 3-0-1 against the Blues including two shutouts in St Louis

Preview- St Louis with a win would lock up the #4 seed and home ice in the first round of the playoffs.  The Blues have won 11 games in the month of April and are the 2nd hottest team in the Western Conference only trailing the Blackhawks.  The Blues were one of the biggest movers at the trade deadline by adding to their blue line and it appears to have been successful. Chris Stewart leads the team with 18 goals, but the real question is how much head hunting and goonery are the Blues going to do in the season finale.  The Blues still haven’t scored a goal against the Hawks in 6 periods in St Louis.

The Blackhawks should be starting Carter Hutton in goal  tonight and after yesterday’s call ups from Rockford there should be a lot of youth on display.  The Hawks have the luxury of resting as many players as they wish in tonight’s contest with 8 Rockford call ups.  If Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane play tonight it will be a team battle for the team leader in goals scored with both of them having 23 tallies a piece.  I’m looking forward to seeing as many Rockford IceHogs on the ice as possible with Drew LeBlanc thrown in too.  One guarantee you can make is that Jamal Mayers and Brandon Bollig will be playing tonight to level out the stupid stuff.

Prediction-Blues beat the IceHogs 3-2 in an ugly games, but nothing would be better than a 5-0 win by the Blackhawks.

What is your Prediction?

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Mar 26, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) shoots the puck against Calgary Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff (34) during the third period at the United Center. The Blackhawks beat the Flames 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Game #47- Calgary Flames (19-24-4) at Chicago Blackhawks (35-6-5)

Game Time-7:30 Central

TV- NBCSN, CSN-Chicago

Season Series-Chicago is 2-0 winning a game each in both teams arenas

Preview-The Flames traded away most of their veteran talent at the trade deadline and now only have the NHL draft on June 30th to look forward to. They actually have not been to bad since the deadline going 6-4 in their last ten games. The one guy that didn’t get traded is Miika Kiprusoff and he will more than likely get the nod in net in Chicago with his very bulky 3. 44 Goal against average. This is the last game of the regular season for the Flames.

The Hawks won home ice for the entire time they are alive for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Corey Crawford was great in relief of an injured (tweaked) Ray Emery on Wednesday night in Edmonton.  The Hawks nation held their breath when Patrick Sharp appeared injured but cheered as he put in the empty net goal minutes later.  Drew LeBlanc made his NHL debut and hopes to play again tonight in front of the home fans for the first time.  The Hawks only goal is to play two more games without any injuries.

Prediction-This could go any which way so I’m leaning to a high scoring duel 5-4 Hawks.

What is your prediction?

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Mar 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Edmonton Oilers left wing Taylor Hall (4) shoots over Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2) with goalie Corey Crawford (50) making a save during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Game #46- Chicago Blackhawks (34-6-5) vs Edmonton Oilers (17-21-7)

TV- TSN, CSN-Chicago

Radio-WGN Radio

Game Time-8:30 Central

Season Series- Edmonton won 6-5 in March and the Hawks won 3-2 in Overtime in February both games were in Chicago

Preview- The Oilers were eliminated from the playoffs a while back and now are playing out the string. Taylor Hall leads the team in goals scored with 15, but the hottest Oiler is Jordan Eberle who has collected four points in the last three games.  The Oilers are below .500 at home and away which is tough for the fans of this proud franchise to swallow. One thing the Oilers have done in the recent past is putting a major league beat down on the Hawks in Edmonton. They outscored the Hawks 17-6 in two games last year in Edmonton.

The Blackhawks are coming off their worst defeat of the season in Vancouver.  The next two games should have less playoff  feel with both the Oilers and Flames outside of the playoff picture.  The Blackhawks goal from this point forward is health, rest, staying sharp in that order.  Dave Bolland left the Canucks game with a lower body injury and his defense will be needed come playoff time.  Patrick Sharp made the trip and could be returning to the ice tonight in Edmonton. The Hawks road shutout streak came to an end Monday night in Vancouver as well.

Prediction-This will be a wide open high scoring affair with the Hawks coming out on top with a 6-4 victory.

What is your prediction for tonight’s game?

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Feb 19, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Vancouver Canucks goalie Cory Schneider (35) makes a save in front of Chicago Blackhawks left wing Viktor Stalberg (25) during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Game #45- Chicago Blackhawks (34-5-5) at Vancouver Canucks (25-13-7)

TV- CSN-Chicago, NHLNetwork

Radio-WGN

Season Series- Both teams have won in shootouts in their own arena.

Preview- The Canucks have a playoff spot clinched and with a win could ensure another Northwest Division title which would be their 6th out of seven years.  One would think that Canucks are not too happy about realignment.  Corey Schneider has been playing very good in goal as of late giving up .084 Goals per Game and a .970 save percentage in his last seven games.  Newcomer Derek Roy has 2 goals and 2 assists in his last four games and now sits as the newest member of the Canucks team that Hawks fan base can hate.  This game usually has a lot of meaning but this may end up being less intense than normal.

The Blackhawks are going for their fourth straight road shutout in Vancouver. It’s been a long time since they had 3 straight road shutouts yes it was 1931 so there is something to play for tonight.  Besides shutout history the Hawks have everything sown up and not much to play for which seem strange with the Canucks on the opposing bench.  The Hawks have a four games left until the real season starts with only staying healthy as the main goal.

Prediction- It’s hard to tell what kind of intensity both teams will have tonight, but you never know when these two rivals come together that they may turn up the intensity to send a message heading towards the playoffs.  Hawks win 2-1 on a Brandon Saad third period goal.

What is your prediction for tonight’s game?

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