[nolemmings]

Tonight's game is huge. Quenneville must play six D all night--the decision to bench Leddy was dumb. I don't care what the so-called experts are saying, especially that irrelevant Melrose and his smug sycophant Steve Levy at ESPN, it would not be a bad move to give Emery the nod in goal. It would be bold though. Talk of Crawford for Conn Smythe is foolishness--he was outplayed by Rask in his two good games; in fact, arguably outplayed in all of them. The winning goal from Game 4 was a bit soft IMO (there wasn't that much of a screen), but the others were the product of a barrage of rebounds in which Rask was constantly under attack. By contrast, at least three of Boston's goals were stoppable. Crawford had deer in the headlights on Peverly's goal and fell asleep on the ricochet over the back/top of the net--you've got to know where the puck is. Bergeron's blast probably gets past most goalies, but Crawford again looked to be glued in his tracks.

In any event, it should be another good one. Chicago has better overall talent--although not dramatically so-- but Boston is better coached and plays smarter. Hawks are better served with that frenetic throw-it-at-the net style of game 4 then the Penguin approach of who can get the prettiest goal. Boston should take a shot or two at Odouya and Keith pinching and get a couple of odd-man rushes to add to their more methodical style.

Let's get started--drop the puck!!