Round One: Calgary @ Chicago

Who's gonna win - how many game - and why?

Again, like I said in the BJs thread, recent history suggests that the 'Hawks may struggle. Is Kane physically ready for the rigours of a 7 game series against a Sutter team?

On paper, I like the Flames. But if Regehr misses time and Phaneuf can't pick up the slack, they'll have trouble. They've definitely been struggling recently. Jokinen is also an unknown.

I think this will be a longer series. Could go either way though.

Flames in 7. I believe they will turn it around and be a force in the playoffs.

I'll say the Hawks in 7 bloody, crazy games. I think the Hawks youth will actually serve them this time - and oddly enough, I actually think they have the better goalie in Khabby.

Gonna be crazy though - and I think the winner of this series will be hurt very badly in round 2 because of the physical toll.

The Blackhawks' role players make the difference.

Hawks have swept the Flames this year, and they won't be taking them lightly.

Both teams have great skill levels, are well matched, and well coached.

Eager, Burish, Seabrook, Walker, Ladd, Byfuglien, Johnson all hit, fight, and know how to play.

Jarome Iginla is the ultimate warrior, and the Flames are a proud. experienced team.

It won't be easy...Hawks in 6.

Despite Khabibulin in nets for the Hawks, Calgary's has so much leadership from Iginla and co, playoff vets, they shall prevail. Flames in 6

Flames in 6! GO FLAMES GO!!!

Calgary in 6. Nufff said.

Hawks in 6, unless Kipper regains the form he had, umm, I can't remember.

beedub wrote:Despite Khabibulin in nets for the Hawks, Calgary's has so much leadership from Iginla and co, playoff vets, they shall prevail. Flames in 6

Calgary certainly hasn't shown that leadership in getting swept by the Hawks this year...nor in losing their once considerable division lead to Vancouver.

In terms of capabilities, Calgary's team D doesn't match Chicago's...among other things.

The Blackhawks have a lot of respect for the Flames...and know what they have to do. That's the reason they've tightened things up and gone 6-0-1 in April, allowing only 9 goals in seven games. You listen to these kids in their interviews...they don't see this as being easy by any means.

Playoff vets? How about Cup winners? Khabby, Pahlsson and Ladd. Which Flames have a ring?

And Jonathan Toews, even at just 20 years old, is no less a leader than Jarome Iginla.

But of course I'm interested to know more about the basis for your prediction... cool)

another tough one to predict, but took the underdog in this one as well, Flames in 6, Chicago is good, but am banking on Iginla and Jokinen driving this team far, plus with Cammalleri in a contract year, a chance for him to beef up his offers for July 1st.

davetherave wrote:And Jonathan Toews, even at just 20 years old, is no less a leader than Jarome Iginla.

:KJK: That's certainly a high expectation. I don't know that he's at that level yet.

When I look at how this team lost this many games during the regular season, I shrug my shoulders. Yes, so what. Everyone is reset to 0.

Now's the time where Iginla, Jokinen, Regehr and Phaneuf and company put the regular season behind them and focus on what REALLY matters to them, that's winning in the playoffs.

IMO Kiprusoff will be a' cookin!!

[quote="asq2"]

davetherave wrote:

beedub wrote:And Jonathan Toews, even at just 20 years old, is no less a leader than Jarome Iginla.

:KJK: That's certainly a high expectation. I don't know that he's at that level yet.

Toews isn't at Iginla's level as a player yet...few are...agreed?

But as a leader, Jonathan Toews is every bit the driving force by example, for his team, that Iggy is for the Flames.

[quote="davetherave"]

asq2 wrote:

davetherave wrote:

beedub wrote:And Jonathan Toews, even at just 20 years old, is no less a leader than Jarome Iginla.

:KJK: That's certainly a high expectation. I don't know that he's at that level yet.

Toews isn't at Iginla's level as a player yet...few are...agreed?

But as a leader, Jonathan Toews is every bit the driving force by example, for his team, that Iggy is for the Flames.

WTF, I never said Jothan Toews is no less a leader than Iginla.

Not too many players in this league are better leaders than Iginla