Preparing for Playoffs

First Round: Chicago Blackhawks V. St. Louis Blues

The Road to the CUP begins Thursday April, 17, 2014

2014 NHL PLAYOFF HYPE - "HEY BROTHER"

source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JuqraLrFjI

The Chicago Blackhawks will head to St. Louis on thursday April, 17 to take on the Blues in the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs. With hatred instilled on their hearts and the drive for victory beating within each player, it will certainly be one of the most competitive series in the first round. Throughout the season both teams were neck and neck, struggling to gain a substantial lead within the conference. In 5 games throughout the season, The blues took the first three games, but two of which took all of 3 periods and a shoot-out. 

While the Blues were destined to clinch the conference toward the end of the season, they fell short  and were rattled with injury. Although they lead the conference for most of the season, the Blues couldn't hold on, and now have to face the fierce Chicago Blackhawks who have a tendency to destroy teams dreams. With several players returning from Injury, the Blues will have a better chance of getting the puck passed Corey Crawford, but it all surely not come easy. 

On the Other hand, the Chicago Blackhawks have been struggling of late with several of their powerful forwards out with injuries. Blackhawks stars Toews and Kane are destined to return to the Blackhawks line-up for the first game of the series, and although they may have not seen action in quite some time, they will surely be ready to draw blood. With the passion and experience of the veterans, and the drive of the new young guns, the Blackhawks have aquired a perfect mix that should enable them to return to Chicago with the Stanley Cup once again. There is no excuse for the Blackhawks to expect none the less, most of their team has returned from winning the Cup last year. Along with the addition of several fast players, they are certainly ready to roll over the blues and continue on to the next round. While it will not be easy, the Blackhawks key to getting passed the Blues is getting the puck to the net. With powerful and quick forwards, their are not many teams who can stop the Chicago Blackhawks in the offensive zone. Leading the league in goals for the most part of the 2013-2014, the Hawks are a powerhouse that pose a deep threat for the Blues. 

This opening round matchup will certainly start off very physical, and the speed of the game will increase almost double. While there are no true bad match ups in the playoffs, I believe the winner of this series will capture enough momentum to work there way through into the Stanley Cup Finals. Everything that both teams have faced throughout the entire season all comes to this point, the chance to prove that they have what it takes to win in the playoffs!!

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