Quote:
Originally Posted by VCRW
i haven't heard anything yet. Chicago was one of the last teams in the West to start putting on their playoffs faces for the second year in a row, and Toews was the final puzzle to work back in. he responded very well, and Phoenix got lucky last night. the biggest question for the Hawks (and Capitals) going in was goaltending... and Crawdad acquitted himself quite well against the hottest goaltender in the league right now... similar can be said of Holtby as well. NO WAY he gives up that winning goal by this time next season.
Whitney was held in check, Doan didn't show up and Ekman-Larsson looked his age. Vermette was strong, but consistency has always been his malady... nice to see Taylor Pyatt poke his head out to find his shadow as well.
the key to beating Chicago this round evidently appeared to be winning the key face-offs.
with or without Vrbata, i think they have GOT to close out this series as early as possible. a prolonged series only gives more time to get Toews further acclimated, and that shifts the series into Chicago's favor BIG TIME... only to be magnified even further if Vrbata DOES remain out.
oh, and... History will be made
Martin "he's so hot right now" Hanzal = 1
Anze "the Slick Selke Slovene" = 0
