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« Behind the Costumes: WCR Mascots Speak Out Must-Win Wild Cut Hawks Lead In Half »

Hockey Sat May 04 2013

Five Reasons Why The Blackhawks Will Get The Sweep

Thumbnail image for GB blackhawks icon.pngThe Chicago Blackhawks will take a commanding 2-0 lead into their next game against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday. Even though they struggled in game one against Minnesota, they found a way to pull out an overtime victory. Last night, the game was never in doubt as the Blackhawks coasted to a 5-2 victory. Except more of the same from the Madison Street Hockey Club during their stay in the land of 10,000 Lakes. Here are five reasons why:

1. The Minnesota Wild do not have offensively gifted stars like the Blackhawks do.
Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa. There's no one on the Minnesota Wild that can keep up with those players except Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. Even though those two are great players, they can't be everywhere at once. The Blackhawks roll four lines deep. That amount of depth will be too much for the Wild to overcome.

2. The Blackhawks more players that can become an "X" factor in the series.
When the core players struggle, players like Brandon Saad, Bryan Bickell, Viktor Stalberg and Michal Handzus can keep things going until the star players wake up. The secondary players have played key roles thus far. Expect them to continue to do just that.

3. The Wild's goaltender situation is shaky at best.
Ever since word got out that Niklas Backstrom wouldn't start game one due to a pre-game injury, the Blackhawks knew that the backup wouldn't be as good as the starter. Backstrom's back up, Josh Harding, made his sixth start of the season last night. He probably wants that start back.

4. Ryan Suter will be completely worn out by the end of this series.
Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter is going earn all that money he got during the offseason during this series. He already played more minutes than any other player thus far. The Wild already know the amount of offensively gifted players in the Indianhead sweaters. Things won't get any better for Minnesota just because the venues changed.

5. The Blackhawks are blatantly the superior team.

You see it. I see it. Both teams know it. What more else is there to say? From top to bottom, the Blackhawks are the better team. Whatever you want, they've got it for you. Scoring, defense, depth, coaching, etc. Every category, the Blackhawks far exceed the strength and weaknesses of the opponent.

Expect another playoff series win for the Chicago Blackhawks.

 
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James / May 5, 2013 10:59 PM

Looks like your prediction didn't pan out.. and guess who is playing home ice on Tuesday?

Evan Moore / May 6, 2013 2:13 AM

Ottawa??

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