I always root for the Canadian team when it comes to hockey. The best players on the Blackhawks are Canadians; why not give the prize to a team in that actual country? That said, I'm going to have to sit out actual cheering if it comes down to Candiens vs. Blackhawks as to not be attacked in bars here in Chicago.
I'm rooting for the Canadiens because it would be nice if someone who hasn't won the Cup in the past six years gets it, so I've been rooting for those teams' opponents throughout the playoffs (except for San Jose - I wanted LA to beat them). And although the Rangers technically fit that bill, the Canadiens have gone one year longer without winning.
As far as rooting for Canadian teams go, that's one of those silly things only casual fans do. Every team is stocked with Canadian players. There have always been more American teams in the NHL than Canadian ones. Rooting for them makes as much sense as rooting for Texas teams in the Super Bowl, if Dallas or Houston makes it.
Somewhat of a cop-out on my part, but I tend to believe the winner of the Kings/Blackhawks series will win the Cup. If the Kings play with intensity/passion, which they didn't do last year against Chicago and they get secondary scoring, they can win the series. Blackhawk fans should be a little concerned about how competitive the Wild were with the Blackhawks, and what the Kings may lack in speed to the Wild, they make up for in the grinding punishing physical game they play, a few more snipers, and an elite goaltender. The Blackhawks will have to play their best hockey to win this series--All the stars and Crawford will have to be on their game.
I hate the Blackhawks. While the Kings are one step above them, I have no love for them either. I am rooting for the Rangers, mostly because of Lundqvist. But deep down, I think the Kings are going to take it again. But I will be happy if either NY or the HABs get the Cup.
@10, As a fellow Ranger fan, I hope so too (my pick was purely cerebral). Price's unfortunate injury radically changes the dynamic for the Canadians and makes the Rangers an easy pick for the finals. I think the Ranger forwards, particularly on the Brassard line, have played a little above their heads, but if they could pull the upset, I'd go seriously nuts.
Krieder better watch that goaltender crashing and learn to pull up a bit, otherwise somebody's going put some "ice justice" on him.
I'd love to see a Blackhawks-Canadians final, but there's a good chance it will be another original 6 final regardless. Sorry, but being a Chicago native I'm going with the Hawks--they just know how to win big games.
Sheryl @11: (Yeah, I know the reality is that he Penguins beat themselves. I'd rather blame the Rangers, though...)
I can't stand the Bruins in large part because of what they did to the Penguins last year. But it's almost impossible for me to hate the Rangers because... well, as you say, the Penguins beat themselves. (Kinda like with that first-round loss against the Flyers a couple years back.) And I can't help but admire Lundqvist. With the career he's had, I'd like to see him get to a Stanley Cup final.
As far as rooting for Canadian teams go, that's one of those silly things only casual fans do. Every team is stocked with Canadian players. There have always been more American teams in the NHL than Canadian ones. Rooting for them makes as much sense as rooting for Texas teams in the Super Bowl, if Dallas or Houston makes it.
(Yeah, I know the reality is that he Penguins beat themselves. I'd rather blame the Rangers, though...)
Krieder better watch that goaltender crashing and learn to pull up a bit, otherwise somebody's going put some "ice justice" on him.
Yeah, the Pens kind of imploded (or under-achieved) but you can't discount Lundqvist's role in that series. He was incredible.
Kisses,
A Minnesota Wild fan
Meanwhile, Harry Caray.
-Controlled nuclear fission
-Deep-dish pizza
-Barack Obama
-Chicago School (architectural style)
-Skyscrapers
-Ferris Wheels
-Mail-order catalogs
-Softball
-Air-conditioning
Whereas Minnesota...has a football team that plays in a dome and had that incident with the hookers on that party boat a couple years back.
I can't stand the Bruins in large part because of what they did to the Penguins last year. But it's almost impossible for me to hate the Rangers because... well, as you say, the Penguins beat themselves. (Kinda like with that first-round loss against the Flyers a couple years back.) And I can't help but admire Lundqvist. With the career he's had, I'd like to see him get to a Stanley Cup final.