Sharks aren't bad, Hawks are just too good

I just finished watching the Hawks/Sharks game and I’ve got to admit; I was flat out wrong.

I figured this would be a great series and the Sharks would edge out the win to go on to the Cup. Now they’re down 3-0 and surely there won’t be two miracle comebacks in one off-season (I hope I’m wrong).

I hate to count any team out, but if San Jose indeed lose this series, it’s back to the drawing board again and I think it might be full.

How many more tweaks can you do with this lineup to create a Cup winner? Is it really necessary to trade a player like Joe Thornton or let Patrick Marleau walk?

As much as I think Doug Wilson is one of the best GM’s in the entire league, I’d hate to be him right now with these decisions. But I don’t think he can really put too much blame on his players, the Hawks have played absolutely outstanding.

In an article I wrote way back, I compared the Leafs' powerplay units to what other teams could throw out there from around the league in terms of forwards.

With the Hawks, you have guys up front like Toews, Kane, Byfuglien, Hossa, Sharp, and Versteeg. That’s two full lines of stars. Why should we expect any less than them ripping through the playoffs with players of that caliber? But it isn’t all them.

San Jose boasts a pretty powerful lineup, but it seems like they’re being simply out-classed. I picked the Sharks to take this series because I thought they’d be more physical. It simply isn’t the case.

The Blackhawks trench guys are putting it all on the line and it’s almost easy to see why the Hawks have tied up so much money in their bottom six. The whole roster is clicking right now.

Of course that all has to change next season when Kane, Toews and Keith make more dollars, but they can worry about that later. The Hawks brass obviously had a plan to get this team to peak right now.

It’s working.

Email [e-mail], follow at twitter.com/maplestirup

Article also featured at maplestirup.com