i think there would be some big changes in pittsburgh if they manage to complete teh collapse.
hawks have managed the past couple of season to exploit the lack of speed (and skill) of kings. this time might be different but i think hawks would still come ahead.
repeat finals with bruins winning it. seidenberg could come back soon and kelly would also be nice addition.
though i might be just hoping that B's would win and get the cup for iggy. chara hasn't been the beast he has been in the past and could get exposed like last year.
Kings back-end is pretty beat up, but they are still a hell of a lot healthier than they were last years. Yes the Hawks beat them pretty soundly, but keep in mind the injuries that immediately rolled out after that series. We will see, but if LA comes out healthy and up front they are, they could use some back-end health but that could look very different.
Keep in mind the Blues believed both Toews and Keith were carrying injuries, now they might be getting better against the Wild, but the Kings are one of the few teams that could pound Keith into ineffectiveness.
But as you said even if they make it through, if it is the Bruins waiting that will have a different feel. Then again the Hawks have been living a pretty charmed life as most Cup winners do in terms of luck of the draw, they would have had a horrible time with the Avs speed had they advanced.
It will be interesting to see, but I don't think the Hawks will do it this year. I think we have Kings vs. Bruins and right now, I like LA if they can get some of their guys back.