GDT: WCF Game 6: Anaheim @ Chicago (Series 2-3) | 5/27/2015 | 7:00 PM CDT | NBCSN

[Sevanston]

... and Kings physicality and grit was a significant factor in their win against Hawks in the WCF in 2014 ..... Dismiss that aspect if you wish, but we could see something similar again tomorrow night.

Ducks (arguably) aren't quite as physical as the 2014 Kings but they are big and play a gritty game. As I said previously, Hawks had trouble containing Ducks last game when they pressed in the 3rd period, especially in the board play. Hawks survived it fine. We'll see more of the same Saturday and this time on ops ice. Executing the first pass exiting our d zone will obviously remain important but when we get stuck in there, Hawks will need to do less reaching in with sticks and apply more grit of our own to win the puck.

I named four series that the Hawks won handily when they were supposed to have such a hard time winning because of their opponents' super-ultra physicality and grit.

You named one that the Hawks lost in Game 7 OT. And that's supposed to trump the other four.

This is why the song never ends.

 

[BobbyJet]

I named four series that the Hawks won handily when they were supposed to have such a hard time winning because of their opponents' super-ultra physicality and grit.

You named one that the Hawks lost in Game 7 OT. And that's supposed to trump the other four.

This is why the song never ends.

Well you're right there....physicality is no different than good goaltending, net presence, PP, PK, face-off wins etc. and many other details that all contribute to success in the post season. Ducks will have the advantage in the physicality department but it is nothing this team can't overcome. So we agree there, but that doesn't imply that it can be dismissed as irrelevant.

 

[DisgruntledHawkFan]

Right Bobby, nobody is saying that playing physical hockey can't help you win hockey games. It's the constant, never ending narrative that this team of shrinking violets will fold under the pressure of constantly being outhit.

And the Kings being big is only part of why they beat us in seven last year. They had a good blueline with one of the best defenseman on the planet, and had high end forwards AND depth. They weren't some team of grinders that battled out a close series victory against a much more talented squad.

 

[BobbyJet]

Right Bobby, nobody is saying that playing physical hockey can't help you win hockey games. It's the constant, never ending narrative that this team of shrinking violets will fold under the pressure of constantly being outhit.

And the Kings being big is only part of why they beat us in seven last year. They had a good blueline with one of the best defenseman on the planet, and had high end forwards AND depth. They weren't some team of grinders that battled out a close series victory against a much more talented squad.

Yes and no. Their offensive talent isn't bad but it can't come close to the Hawks team that they beat. As far as I'm concerned, Kings won that series in the trenches.

 

[DisgruntledHawkFan]

It absolutely can come close.

 

[BobbyJet]

It absolutely can come close.

If you say so. I disagree. They rely on Quick too much and their sputtering offense is the one of the reasons they missed the playoffs this year.

 

[DisgruntledHawkFan]

They missed the playoffs because that team as a whole runs on cruise control and turns it on for the playoffs/playoff run. They just didn't put it into fourth gear until it was too late in a deep West this year.

 

[Hawkaholic]

If you say so. I disagree. They rely on Quick too much and their sputtering offense is the one of the reasons they missed the playoffs this year.

They scored 9 less goals than the Hawks this year.

 

[JaegerDice]

Yes and no. Their offensive talent isn't bad but it can't come close to the Hawks team that they beat. As far as I'm concerned, Kings won that series in the trenches.

If by won it in the trenches, you mean the 70s line shredded the Blackhawks, while Toews and Kopitar neutralized each other, then you're right.

The 2014 Kings team was an incredibly skilled team, and they were an offensive juggernaut in that playoff run to boot.

They missed the playoffs cause their defense got gutted by injuries, trades and suspensions. They cruised through the first half of the season as they usually do, but couldn't quite make up the gap, mostly because they kept losing in shootouts.

 

[Marina]

If by won it in the trenches, you mean the 70s line shredded the Blackhawks, while Toews and Kopitar neutralized each other, then you're right.

The 2014 Kings team was an incredibly skilled team, and they were an offensive juggernaut in that playoff run to boot.

They missed the playoffs cause their defense got gutted by injuries, trades and suspensions. They cruised through the first half of the season as they usually do, but couldn't quite make up the gap, mostly because they kept losing in shootouts.

Missing the playoffs because they suck in the SO. Love it.