Game 1 IGT: Chicago Blackhawks @ St. Louis Blues 4/13 at 8:30 p.m.

[DMelt36]

Playoff hockey is back.

@

Puckdrop - 8:30 p.m.
TV - CSN Chicago, NBC Sports Network
Radio - WGN AM 720
Web - Stream available at NBC Sports website or through the Live Extra app

After six months of a regular season that has been rendered somewhat meaningless by the Hawks wild postseason success this decade, we finally get to bask in the glory of the games that absolutely do matter. For the Hawks, just about everyone who was injured or out at the end of the regular season is expected to play tonight, including Hossa, Shaw, and Anisimov. Mashinter slots into the third line over both Panik and Weise which is something I don't totally understand. And of course, the Hawks are still without Duncan Keith for one more game following his suspension.

All hands are on deck for the Blues as well, including captain David Backes, who missed the last 3 games of the regular season with an injury.

After an up-and-down regular season, it's time for the Hawks to flip the proverbial "switch" to on. Last year, it took them a full period of Game 1 to wake up. Let's hope the alarm clock goes off at the right time this year.

PROJECTED LINE COMBOS:

LET'S GO HAWKS!!

 

[clonetrooper264]

Yeah I don't get Mashinter over Panik, but eh, I'm not concerned. Get that W boys.

 

[biscuit_in_the_basket]

Yeah I don't get Mashinter over Panik, but eh, I'm not concerned. Get that W boys.

Both might play as Ladd will be a game time decision.

 

[Ares]

Both might play as Ladd will be a game time decision.

Wuz wrong wit Ladd?

 

[DMelt36]

Wuz wrong wit Ladd?

His wife is in labor.

 

[DMelt36]

Wanna kill some time before puckdrop? You can read my preview at this here website.

Here's the money portion:

The biggest key to this series will be whether or not the Hawks can find scoring outside of that second line. When playing in St. Louis, the Blues should be able to throw out their top D pairing against that second line most of the time, and — at least — contain it. If the Toews-led top line or Teravainen’s third line or even the fourth line of Desjardins-Kruger-Shaw, which was excellent last postseason, can consistently find the net, the Hawks will figure this out before seven games have been completed.

 

[Spunky Porkstacker]

I heard Shaw was a game time decision because his wife was having a baby .

The Score update guy must have been confused.

 

[Ares]

His wife is in labor.

Oh damn... when I heard game time decision I assumed he had an injury of some kind.

I always wonder about these situations.... would you be torn between wanting to be there vs wanting to be able to go compete and win one for your new child?

Ima guess he plays as long as she has the baby out before game time and there are no problems.

 

[Ares]

I heard Shaw was a game time decision because his wife was having a baby .

The Score update guy must have been confused.

This is false, Shaw himself is having Ladd's baby.... get ur facts str8

 

[Raskolnikov]

Mashinter first crack at Blues with Keith out.

I'd say every game will be a situational decision with the 12th forward.

11 F spots are won outright.
Only 4 on D. And TVR probably has to not blow it.

Last 6 rostered may all juggle?

 

[mikita's helmet]

Go Hawks!

 

[DMelt36]

If Ladd doesn't make it to the game, slot Panik in on that top line.

 

[Tater]

Mashinter first crack at Blues with Keith out.

Hopefully he takes advantage of it tactfully.

Great gif's by the way Dmelt.

 

[HawkWriter]

Via Pat Boyle's twitter, it looks like Ladd is on his way to St. Louis. Good news for the Blackhawks

 

[biscuit_in_the_basket]

Via Pat Boyle's twitter, it looks like Ladd is on his way to St. Louis. Good news for the Blackhawks

Was just going to post this, and this is good news.

 

[Tater]

Via Pat Boyle's twitter, it looks like Ladd is on his way to St. Louis. Good news for the Blackhawks

Sweet!

 

[DMelt36]

I can't fucking wait. One more hour.

 

[Ares]

I can't fucking wait. One more hour.

Game should be starting already.... fucking NHL, god forbid we just do the games at 7:30.... OMG THE 5 PEOPLE WHO WANNA WATCH CHICAGO/ST LOUIS AND DETROIT/TAMPA MIGHT HAVE TO FLIP BACK AND FORTH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

 

[Spunky Porkstacker]

I can't fucking wait. One more hour.

You can always watch the Cubs until Hawks game time. :cubstroll2:

 

[ClydeLee]

Watching Lundqivst getting eye drops put in