I thought I would start with a ‘Fun Fact’ for this preview: Neither of the teams in this game have won the cup within the last 41 years. The Leafs won it last in 1967 and the Blackhawks won it last in 1961. Now down to the nitty gritty (yes I said ‘nitty gritty’).
Team Records: Chicago: 8-4-5-21pts
Toronto: 7-8-4-18pts
My Thoughts:
Looking at the young skilful team that the Blackhawks now have, it may only be a matter of seasons until they snap their cup-less drought. Toews, Kane, Havlat, Campbell and Seabrook, along with two No. 1 goaltenders, make for a very strong team.
However, a few names from a list of 20 may not be convincing to some people. But you see the players I listed are the ones I consider to be stars.
The 'Hawks are full of depth and are a very underrated club at some times. They will look to take the NHL by surprise one day.
On the other side of the pond, the Leafs are in their re-building process, with names like Grabovski, Antropov, Hagman, their 18 year old saviour Luke Schenn, and a (lately) sub-par goaltender in Toskala. They are the only real ‘weapons’ on this Leafs Squad.
Unlike the Hawks, they hold no real depth in their lines. Looking at everything as a whole it’s hard to believe they have gotten this far. The unlikely name of Mikhail Grabovski has propelled the Leafs to where they are now.
Game Analysis:
When you look at everything as a whole for Saturday night’s game, it appears as though the Blackhawks have the upper hand pretty much everywhere, with the possible exception of the blue line.
The 'Hawks have two of the best young players in the league—Toews and Kane—and their veteran experience gives them that extra push.
Where as the Leafs have very few players capable of contributing offense and no real experience on their team. The majority of the Leafs team are still in their 20’s (much the same as the Pittsburgh Penguins last year).
The Maple Leafs skilled defense may have what it takes to shut down the Hawks crucial offensive strike.
Luke “Lockdown”/”the human eraser”/”the force”/ “the sponge” Schenn and Tomas Kaberle are the strongest Blue liners on the Leafs team. They will likely be pitted against the 'Hawks one-two punch of Toews and Kane.
However, they are only two people. The Leafs have had controversy around their top six D-men for many years and this was no different. Look for a man-man defensive style in this game.
I have already mentioned the Hawks solid goaltending, consisting of Chris Huet and Nik Khabibulin. Both are No. 1 goalies and both will shut you down on a good night.
The question is, who will the Hawks start for the game? The Leafs will have the same question going through their locker room.
Vesa Toskala has looked shaky in the last few games, especially against Boston this past Monday. Toskala was replaced by back-up Curtis Joseph who looked good in his time on the ice.
The smart move would be to start CUJO for the game and explain to Vesa that he needs to take a break and re-group for a game, so as not to break his confidence.
Game Expectation and Projected Score:
If the Leafs start CUJO and are smart about pairing Schenn and Kaberle against Toews and Kane, the Leafs should be able to shut down the Hawks scoring and pop in a couple of their own.
Pick: Toronto 4-3
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about 1 month ago
nice article tyler...
when you write "When you look at everything as a whole for Saturday night’s game, it appears as though the Blackhawks have the upper hand pretty much everywhere." Do you mean the Hawks are better than the Leafs in all aspects (defense, offense, goaltending etc.) If so, do you believe this because they simply have better players, or because they have been more successful in playing as a team?
--Andrew
from about 1 month ago
as i said after I beleive the leafs have the better D-fence but after that the Hawks have shown better play as a team therefore they have proven themselves successful so far this season.
about 1 month ago
What would you say would us (the fans) will see in the game that we don't see in a normal game. Perhaps a little more physical play and grit? or a highscoring game? please explain with detail.. =)
from about 1 month ago
this isnt an interview kid. But, i think there will be a lot of point shots look for the D to clog the middle both teams have guys that can shot from the point, the will have to get in the passing lanes to limit the cross crease action of the goaltender so he has a better chance to make the save.
As far as grit, I dont see this being one of those hard hitting games, neither team has a solid checking line dispite have some checking forwards.
about 1 month ago
ok, heres another one. Do you think Joel Quenneville's decision on who starts on net will affect the Leaf's offense. What I mean is if Huet starts on net, would his style of play prevent some Leaf lines from being as successful as they should be? Also, which goalie do you think is going to start for the Hawks?
from about 1 month ago
Over the course of my life, I now beleive that anything that every move effects the outcome of something. So in response to your question I would have to say yes, simply because, every goalie has a different play style and effects the players differently. and i do beleive that Huet will the start tomorrow because he seems to mave faster in the crease which the hawks will need based on Torontos on the rush offense
from about 1 month ago
Which lines do you believe will be weakened and which lines do you believe will strenghten if Huet starts on net?
from about 1 month ago
They should all be weakend be his speed in the net. I don't see any lines benefiting from him starting and plus, I dont know the lines yet, no one does. They could change any minute;)
about 1 month ago
When you write "Pick: Toronto 4-3" What leads you to believe this? Do you think the Leafs will start of trailing and later on catch up? Or take an eary lead and keep it? Or perhaps it will be a shoot out or OT win for the Leafs? Please clarify.
from about 1 month ago
to be honest, in my original draft of this I put "OT" in brackets next to my pick because i thought i would be tight going into the 3rd and then the leafs would tie it up late in the game but then I thought, "i better not put that in there it might be a bit of a reach" So in short, close game-Leafs trialing- tie it late-win in OT
about 1 month ago
Ok, thannks for all the answers Ty, you really know your stuff...well hockey wise
from about 1 month ago
No problem Andrew happy to help, and thank you I know a bit about the sport;)
about 1 month ago
How would you as an individual reciprocate to a plight by the Leafs if it were to betide. Do you envisage a curtailment of aplomb for the Leafs if it were to corollary in a deprivation?
from about 1 month ago
I'm sorry I only speak english and I've never heard any of those words before. But im gonna go out on a limb and say, they have to work hard, digg in the corners and back check hard if the want to come out on top.
from about 1 month ago
Canadian: How would you react if the Leafs lost eh? Do you see a lost of confidence in some players or the team if this were to occur eh?
eh?
--Andrew
from about 1 month ago
If they lose I will obvioulsy be upset, but it is only one game and they are capable a recouvering in their next game.
As for the second part of your question, it seems quite obvious that a loss will not bring up the confidence level of a team, so yes, the teams confidence will likely go down as a result of losing.
about 1 month ago
What about Patrick Sharp as one of your considered stars? He deserves some respect.
Look for Huet between the pipes tomorrow night. Also, look for a goal or two during a 'Hawk power play as the Leafs have a weak penalty kill allowing opponents to convert 26.7% of its chances.
Overall, it should be a great/fun/close hockey game.
My pic: 'Hawks 5-4
from about 1 month ago
Ya I should have put Sharp in thier your right, he is a star for hawks.
As for your prediction they seem very well thought out and convincing. We'll see who comes out on top.
about 1 month ago
P.S. - I also get excited about an "original six showdown."
from about 1 month ago
lol, me too. It's good to see their are people in Chi town that still like hockey.
about 1 month ago
Good job, I think the score will be 4-2 Leafs
from about 1 month ago
that score is based on what you said about the leafs Defence.
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