My theory is it stems from a too-early start with breaking pitches, and a compacted wind up. I have nothing to base this on but idle speculation.

Remember Mark Prior and his "perfect mechanics?"

Do the Hawks really miss Waite that much? Niemi was 27 in 2010, Crawford 28 in 2013. Not exactly kids at that point.

I think time will tell on Crawford's contract. He'll be the 8th highest paid goalie next year at $6.5m, which to me seems pretty much in line with his talent.Is it a lot for a goalie? Yes. But, by 2016 there may be 15 guys making more money, and he may seem like a bargain.

There is nothing that says the Wild can't beat the Hawks both of the next two games. While I hope that isn't the result, it surely isn't far-fetched after watching the first 5 games of the series. Minnesota is a dangerous team, particularly on home ice.

Sure, Keith & Hossa's combined AAV is roughly 2/3 of Parise & Suter's. But with Toews & Kane due for some very large raises after next season, those long term contracts loom even larger.

Oddly enough the Blackhawks have two of those long term contracts on the books as well.

The reason for this is simple: The Blackhawks are a great team, and the Wild — even with Parise and Suter — are merely a decent one.

He probably could've shut out the Cubs.

deep fried stuffing is amazing.

For some odd reason, it made me think of this Mr Show sketch:

True, the Avs were much better during the regular season. However, in the playoffs defense becomes much more important. The Avs still have some work to do in that regard.

Minnesota is a MUCH tougher matchup for the Blackhawks.

I don't think Toews will ever get the same kind of love that Crosby gets. I do hope serious hockey fans know how good of a two-way game Toews has, but casual fans probably are more aware of offensive prowess vs an all around game. Crosby did score an olympic gold medal winning goal. Im sure a TON of people love him…

Well, that didn't end like I thought.

oh, sure, i quote it, and it works.

I think as well as the 4th line for the Blues has been playing, that it probably isn't a huge issue. The Hawks have one of the best 4 line rotations in the league, and aside from game 1, Brandon Bollig has been getting about 5 min per game, so the Blues are obviously presenting some match up problems. Maybe fatigue…

I thought the Hawks were done in Detroit last year, and vs Nashville in '10.

Strangely enough, in both series the results have been oddly similar through 5 games: