For the last two straight seasons, the Stanley Cup champion has been able to emerge with the chalice in spite of the fact that their respective power plays bordered on abominable. In 2011, the Bruins were able to withstand having an only 11.4% conversion rate on the advantage, and last year’s Kings were only marginally better at 12.8%, both historically bad percentages. And unfortunately for the Blackhawks, this year’s Kings don’t appear to be tempting fate by trying the same method that had worked the previous two seasons.
Recent Posts
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Wolves In Wolves’ Clothing – The LA Kings Special Teams
For the last two straight seasons, the Stanley Cup champion has been able to emerge with the chalice in spite of the fact that their respective power plays bordered on abominable. In 2011, the Bruins were able to withstand having an only 11.4% conversion rate on the advantage, and last year’s Kings were only marginally better at 12.8%, both historically bad percentages. And unfortunately for the Blackhawks, this year’s Kings don’t appear to be tempting fate by trying the same method that had worked the previous two seasons.
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Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun – Previewing Jonathan Quick
The Kings forwards aren’t going to make things easy on the Hawks defense, their defense isn’t quite as solid as last year but still big and strong enough that Chicago forwards will have to fight for every chance. But it’s in the crease where the Kings have their biggest advantage over the Hawks. In both series prior to this, it could be said Crawford was just as good if not better than the opposing team’s netminder. That’s not the case here. Jonathan Quick is once again taking his a solid regular season and turning it into a phenomenal post-season. If you were worried about Howard being able to steal a series, you’ll probably want to hide under your coffee table when you watch Quick.
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Beard of the Day – May 31 – Martin Starr
It seems only fitting that on the eve of the Hawks taking on the L.A. Kings in the playoffs for the first time in nearly 40 years that we once again dig deep into the seemingly bottomless well of bearded character actors. And it is with that we present to you Martin Starr.
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Morning Links 5/31/13
Everyone is tired: LA Times/Chicago Tribune
Composure is key: Comcast
Western Conference Finals by the numbers: HockeeNight
A “Regular” Dog apparently is a good luck charm: PuckDaddy
A Tender subject: ESPN Chicago
Ready for more moments: Verdi
He is capable: Daily Herald
One day I will sit down and teach myself advanced metrics: Puck Prospectus
While his analysis has gotten better lest we forget his track record:The Hockey Writers
The two league system which must exist:Winnipeg Sun
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Recipe For Hate – The LA Kings Defensemen
Moving on back, it’s now time to turn the analytical eye towards the Kings’ blue line, which is slightly revamped after last year’s Cup run. Some of the faces might be different, but the look and feel of this outfit remains the same, with a fairly even split of flash and brawn keeping things away from the ultimate safety net in the crease behind them.
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West Coast Struttin', Lots Of Bad Mothers: The LA Kings Forwards
No rest for the wicked. The Hawks, and worse yet ourselves, will only have two days of recovery. Which means we must immediately turn our eyes to the next item on the docket, the small matter of the defending champs.
I think both sets of fans have been eying this series since the opening game of the season, if not a lot longer than that. I know Hawks fans have had this team circled as by far the biggest obstacle in the West, and I’m pretty sure Kings fans have targeted the Hawks since The Streak. It also feels that with how realignment will shake the league out, this probably is not the last time these two will tango to see who plays for the Chalice.
I think we’re destined to do this…..forever.
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West Coast Struttin’, Lots Of Bad Mothers: The LA Kings Forwards
No rest for the wicked. The Hawks, and worse yet ourselves, will only have two days of recovery. Which means we must immediately turn our eyes to the next item on the docket, the small matter of the defending champs.
I think both sets of fans have been eying this series since the opening game of the season, if not a lot longer than that. I know Hawks fans have had this team circled as by far the biggest obstacle in the West, and I’m pretty sure Kings fans have targeted the Hawks since The Streak. It also feels that with how realignment will shake the league out, this probably is not the last time these two will tango to see who plays for the Chalice.
I think we’re destined to do this…..forever.
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Beard Of The Day – May 30th – Marvin Gaye
I initially wanted to make Marvin Gaye our BotD earlier but thought choosing a Motown singer right in the middle of a series against Scum might not be the best choice. So it is with great pleasure that I present to you, Mr. Marvin Gaye -
Morning Links 5/30/13
Octopi wraps: Trib Times Herald Freep
No use in crying: PHT
Comeback Kid: ESPN Chicago
Because as any Wings fan will tell you the NHL is out to get them: PHT
Muir’s musings: SI
Tell me again how he sucks: TSN
Looking ahead: ESPN
The schedule: Blackhawks
The GM that acquired a bunch of Blue Jackets blames the coach for losing: Puck Daddy
