Friday, May 31, 2013

Blackhawks Journal (May)


I'm loving the Chicago Blackhawks Fans community on Google+.   Here are my running posts and comments in May, to date.  The originals posts are hyperlinked to the dates.  Others' posts and comments are quoted (i.e., indented).

Hawks and Penguins Going Outdoors

May 1st 2013
"Outdoor hockey will return to Chicago when the Chicago Blackhawks host the Pittsburgh Penguins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 1, 2014".
A rematch for this years final?
Should be an awesome experience and an awesome game! For sure, Chicago will be freezing. I hope they keep the game on, even if it's snowing heavily. You know, like football players do. 

Bruins Whaling, Penguins Whaling

May 1st 2013

Bruins, whaling on the Leafs. Pens, whaling on the Islanders. Right now. How many in favor of the Hawks having a game like this on Friday?


[In fact, the Hawks did win that Game 2 match, on Friday, May 3rd:  5 - 2.]

3rd Line Going Awesome

May 3rd 2013

A great article on the Hawks' awesome 3rd line, which probably would be a 2nd line in other teams. You have the speed demon, the big body, and the scrappy little guy. All three, plus Oduya, featured prominently in that GW goal on Tuesday night.

Next up: Game 2. Go Hawks!
Completely reminds me of the 2010 team with how much depth they have. 
I was living overseas until 2011, and didn't follow that Stanley Cup team very much. So I'm glad it reminds you of that team. Stan Bowman did a superb job of focusing on core players, and otherwise overhauling the roster. Ten of those players are definitely prominent ones in this year's team. 

Oh, Susannah, Freudian Slipping

May 3rd 2013
So... I'm going to miss Susannah Collins. I'm guessing CSN isn't going to keep Tracy Myers as far away from the camera as possible tonight like usual.
Here's the article from the Tribune:
Yeah, I read that but it wasn't clear on who asked for the firing. Personally, I think it sucks. I thought she was good at what she does and she's still a hero of mine for her comments on Jim Belushi. Hope she lands back on her feet quickly.
I don't know. I liked her, and thought she was good, too. She sounded wholesome, enthusiastic, and relatable. So it was hard to imagine that she had had a raunchy sports reporting past. First it was Kendall Gill, now Susannah Collins, over at CSN!

Hawks Erupting in Game 2

May 3rd 2013
Wild vs Hawks Game #2 Open Thread
Bryan Bickell, left wing, celebrating after his Game 1 game-winning goal in OT
Just following the game on ESPN gamecast, and appreciate your commentary, guys! Hawks outshot Wild (17 - 7), so they're keeping the pressure in the offensive zone. I just realized that throughout the season, the Hawks were never really that dominant of a team, you know, winning by 3-, 4- or more goal margins. Instead, they were consistent and determined, and found a lot of ways to win on 1-goal margins, even when they didn't have their best stuff on the ice.
3rd & 4th line carrying the Hawks so far. Great to see as once the first two lines get going good luck other teams
Yeah, it's the talk of the league how much "quality depth" the Hawks have. Outstanding job by Bowman.
Also glad they did not make any trades at the deadline for rentals just because lots of fans wanted a trade. They have a bunch of guys they could call up to fill spots (like stalbergs and bickell's next season).
Yep, Stals and Bicks are unrestricted free agents at the end of season, but both want to stay! They're motivated not just to play well and help the team win the Cup, but also to increase their value in the market.
For those who haven't looked yet. Susannah Collins' "raunchy" YouTube video(s).  This is just one of them. 
lol ... I was planning to look up those videos tomorrow, but you got to them already! Stay focused on the hockey, my friend (lol)!
Hahaha. Alright. Back to hockey. Lol
FroLEEEK again!

Also significant is that four different players have assisted on Frolick's goals, three of them defensemen: Keith, Hjammers and Leddy, along with Shaw. Hmm, interesting!
Wild's Mike Rupp Breaks Skate Blade, Slips All Over The Ice
Oh, man, that was hilarious! Rupp was a good sport about it, and laughed off crawling on the ice like a baby.

Is it the end of the game already? Haven't the Hawks already won (lol)? 

4th line (check, check). 2nd line (check). OK, 1st line, any time now ... 
rather save the extra power for game 3.lol
Yep :)

Sharpie, ah.gain! Sick pass from Kaner.

New stat line for the Hawks: Every goal scorer must score a 2nd one. Hose, you're next, buddy (lol)!
Tonight scorers, Frolik-Frolik-Sharpe-Sharpe-Bickell, classic
4th line, 4th line, 2nd line, 2nd line, 3rd line ... with Hossa's goal last night, every line has now scored, virtually evenly ... ah.ma.zing!
Well it is definitely spread out as even as can be.
1st Line: 1 goal (Hossa)
2nd Line: 2 goals (Sharp x2)
3rd Line: 2 goals (Bickell x2)
4th Line: 2 goals (Frolik x2)
Yep :) Tazer is due for a big game in Minnie!
I was at the game it was awesome!!!!
Good for you, man! How did Crawford look tonight? (I just followed the game on ESPN gamecast.) 

Chelsea Daggering

May 3rd 2013

Chelsea. Dagger. 'nuff said (lol)!


Emery and Bolland Recovering

May 4th 2013
Update: Chicago’s Bolland, Emery out again for Game 3
I'm looking for Emery especially to get healthy again. Having two top-notch goaltenders was one of the keys to the Hawks' amazing season and probably for their Stanley Cup run, too.
I wonder which line Bolland is going to play on when he gets healthy... The chemistry in lines 2 and 3 are great and they are killing it. If he plays in the 4th line, that would be just awesome for how good he is.
Oh, man, the Hawks have so much depth, that I will vote for whatever trophy they give to GMs. Stan Bowman is da'Man! 

Chicago Readying 

May 4th 2013


Kane Mic-ing Up

May 4th 2013
May be the saying for the Playoffs "That's Hockey!" After Kane did that sick pass to Sharp, NHL on the Fly mic'd up - Kane repeated a few time during the goal celebration . Sunday and Tuesday lets wrap it up 'Hawks!
Here is the link
No, Nathan, correction: He said, "That's hockey, baby!" (lol) Patrick Kane is Magic Man. He's going one way, and the entire Wild team follow him. Then he does a forehand spin-o-rama (usually it's backhand), whips a pass to the other Patrick, and it's definitely "Showtime!" Thanks for finding that vid, Franklin!

Wild Manhandling the Hawks

May 5th 2013
Wild vs Hawks Game #3 Open Thread
And not sure if anyone is watching the Isles/Pens series, but Pittsburgh apparent "Miami-Heat-like" roster is getting all they can take against New York.
The Isles' speed is a factor. So, if that's the case...if Chicago did meet up with everyone's NHL Darlings, I'd say we have a chance. Chicago's speed is right up there...
What's with all the goals that Pens goalie Fleury has given up? In Game 2, he misplayed two pucks that came off the boards. He's a decent goalie with a GAA of 2.39.
even last year with the Flyers which turned out to be the highest scoring series of all time.
Seems to me that the Pens D is vulnerable. And Fleury has let in some soft goals. 
Ah, thanks, guys!  Pens just won. They're going to be in trouble, if they always need 5 goals to win a hockey match. 

Lots of heavy hitting going-on on the ice! Hawks on the PK.
Looking really sloppy out there!
Wild, playing wild ... desperate.

Oh-do-ya!!!
Kaner is such a great passer, awesome set up
Another great pickup, then feed from Kane!

Crawford, solid on net. Defense, a little shakey, but fine.
I would not describe the Hawks defense as "fine" today.
Our defensemen are getting manhandled.
So, to counter this strong forecheck, the Hawks D and forwards need to adjust. Quick passes and lots more deeper support from the forwards...Looks like Minny is trying to copy the Yotes' formula from last year.
Yep, so far so good. Let's see how long the Wild can keep up its physical play. So far they're outshooting the Hawks (10 - 8).

I think Hjammers got shaken up.
Bad defense today
Defensive lapse, and Wild scored.

End of 1st. Hawks, outplayed by Wild (outshot 15 - 9). Tied is a good outcome, for the Hawks, for a period like that.

Wild goal, mental lapse by Hjammers. He may be hurt, man. He looks to be good player in a really solid defensive corps.
I remember reading somewhere that they thought he was hurt towards the end of the season but has still been playing& did not miss any time. 
Yep, that's good. The NBC broadcaster said Hjammers was dragging himself off the ice at one point. The Hawks need all six defensemen to play good.
I think having the depth of Montador/Brookbank is going to pay off if Hammer is truly hobbled.  
Leddy has really good speed.

Harding misplayed the puck, and it slipped in front, for a possible open-netter. But no Hawks around!
Hawks to the PP. Please score. 
Last one was weak.

Oh, man, two great Wild opportunities for a shortie! Thank goodness for Crawford!

Toews to the box.
They are really gonna call that?
Exactly, lame call.
Lackadaisical PP here. Ugh. Chicago, WAKE UP.
Yep!

Crawford is a beast on net. Hawks turning the puck over, so he's been passing the puck to clear the zone, man (lol)!
Crawford is unbelievable right now!
Hawks, being outshot 27 - 16, turning the puck over. Crawford, keeping the game tied.
If Hawks win today, I think Coach Q would call it a "goalie win".
All the heavy-hitting by the Wild in the 1st period seem to have worn down the Hawks and gotten into their heads. Hawks are off their game. They definitely have to recoup, focus, and adjust, like you said
It's getting chippy out there..
Very chippy! Man, where's Shawzie (lol)?

That's all for the 2nd, boys and girls!
Bobby:  I think things are going to get interesting coming up in the third. Some bad blood out there right now. 
Geof:  Still a tied game no matter how lousy the Hawks have been playing.
Henry:  Well, I'm going to say "Whew." Hawks lucky to be still tied at 1. Let's see if they can adjust for the 3rd.
One way to look at this is that Minny must be thinking: They are giving the Hawks all of this and still can't score. They could be frustrated...and if Hawks depth can come through again.........
Bobby:  Yep, let's get ready for a ROCKin' 3rd! Geof:  That's right, all the Hawks miscues, and still it's still even Steven!  Henry:  I don't know, man, Minny don't seem all that frustrated.  Hawks just have to adjust and get back to their game... Skate away, don't get into jousting match with the Wildmen. Use your speed, finesse, and firepower!

A turnover, another turnover, and Wild scored!
Nah...It's Minny playing that dreaded "protect the lead" strategy. I dunno why teams do that. 
Yep, Wild are in protect mode ... not hitting as much. Hawks swarming their zone. Let's get a score!

DUNC you very much!!!
Again, I must ask: Why do teams sit back? So dumb. The Wild stopped with their 2-man forecheck and Chicago said "thank you!"...
BUT, I'll take it. WOOHOO! 
11.4 left for OT. Hawks keeping up the pressure!
More Hawkey. 
OT, boys and girls.

Our defensemen had a hard time defending today, so they did the next best thing: Score, baby (lol)!
Yup, NBC is also criticizing Minny's "prevent defense" strategy. It never works. 
Yep, heard that. Misjudgment by Coach Yeo!
Well, put in your bets now folks! I call an OT winner by Shaw. 
Ah, you've got a call for the little guy (lol)! I think it's Bicks' time again. He's scored the last goals in each of the first two games.

Crawford didn't square his body enough toward the shooter ... mental lapse, tough luck!
I dunno, instead of faulting Crow, I think you guys should look at the bad play in the Minny zone that led to the turnover and then the goal. 
BUT, Crow should've had that...I agree too. Bleh...bad goal. Time to drink. 
Yep, that lapse notwithstanding, Crawford prevented this from being a 5 - 2 loss. He played awesome, even as his teammates kept turning the puck over. 

Still, it's a big bummer ... I thought the Hawks would carry the momentum of that late goal, into a quick goal in OT. They had the Wild on their heels in the waning minutes of the 3rd.
Anyhow, Hawks really had no business winning this game...Wild came out hitting, forechecking, and doing all the things needed to win. The final score should've been 5-1 for Minny. Let's go to Game 4. Hawks better win! 
BTW: The Wild did a great job figuring out Crawford. He was stopping all the low shots. They went top-shelf on the 2nd goal (roofed it, I believe), and even the 3rd goal was high. So Crawford has to adjust, too.
I know the Wilds chances are slim but a competitive series is all we can ask for.  Go Bulls(really hard to be a T-Wolves fan)
The Wild threw everything they had at ya and were lucky to win. Just want a competitive series. Chat Tuesday......and.......Crawfords a beast.
Aside from Game 2, the Wild are definitely making this a competitive series. Were it not for Coach Yeo's misjudgment on that prevent defense in the 3rd, they would've won this game in regulation. Yep, see you on Tuesday! 
I agree. The Wild are giving everything they've got, and it's barely enough to beat the Hawks. 
Slotting Bolland

May 5th 2013
So, here's a thought: Where would you slot Bollie when he comes back? Zus is play great with Kane and Sharpie.
Well, how about this? Keep Bollie as an X-Factor, like maybe "float" from one line to another. Coach Q had pretty good success mixing up the lines in the 3rd. Of course, he cannot mix it up too much, otherwise he loses team rhythm. But enough to keep the Wild off-balanced. Toews has been pretty silent in this series so far, so I liked it when Coach Q put Kane with him. Our defensemen are assisting and scoring, so that's another thing to leverage. Bollie (or anyone else) can be an X-Factor! 

I had just one reaction: lol. 

Actually, a second reaction, too: Go Bulls!

Hawks Slamming the Door

May 7th 2013

Really? *Open Thread*


2nd line is awesome!

Sharpie, credited with the goal (deflection).

Harding, staying on net.
They might have to reach out to an old timer and sign them to a multiple game deal. Anyone know what Felix Potvin or belfour have been up to? 
The Eagle is the backup for Crow (lol).

1st, done.

Isles beat Pens 6 - 4, series even at 2. I think Pens' goalie Fleury must have a GAA of 5.0! If they still make it to the Stanley Cup, the Hawks' lines will be licking their chops! 
can't believe the Isles are tied up in that series! 
Me, too. Some great hockey in the first round. I wish I had more time to following the other series closely!

Canuckers, facing sweep by Sharks. Playing desperate, hitting a lot, and taking away the puck. 
Heh. The backup goalie of the backup goalie is going to be tested.
Hawks must go-wild on Kuemper!

Sharpie, Hawks playoff MVP! 4 goals now.

Come on, Hawks! Let's score one or two more goals right away, really get under Kuemper's skin!

We need goals from Toews and Saad!

What the hey is going on with the officiating, man? 4th Hawks penalty!
refs bet a fish fry on the game.
Hawks, still perfect on the PK. Now how about the PP, guys?
The Hawks are much better once they get off of a PP. It must be some sort of a mental issue. They just seem to rush things and not properly set up the PPs.
If the Hawks were a basketball team, we'd say they're better in the transition game, because of their speed and finesse. They're not so good in the half-court game, where the play is slower and the defense is set up.

BTW: That's why I had suggested before that Coach Q do something unconventional on the PP: e.g., If the Hawks are stymied in the offensive zone, they should try circling out into center ice, on purpose, draw the Wild out, then rush back in. On a PP, they have a better chance for an odd-man rush, a quick SOG, and control of the rebound. Something like this has to be a planned play, that they practice.

Every team knows that the Hawks are murder in the open-ice, because of their skating and puck-handling skills!

Oh, man, Kane called for delay of game ... 5th PK!

Maybe the NFL referee scrubs are officiating this game! 

Whew, for a moment, I thought Wild had a 2-man advantage ... 

Hawks have to stay out of the box, man! How about a Hat Trick tonight?

LeBron, showing some love for the Hawks on Twitter: "Hey Chicago Blackhawks, u guys are AWESOME!!" 
ya, I like the 2 goal lead, but still not comfortable with them just playing defense and trying to manage the game.
Yep, way too much time left! Hawks have to stay on-the-attack, get at least one more past the Kid.
how about attacking like nate Robinson in the 4th quarter! 
Playing prevent is the smartest game to play at this point. Yeah, I do not like it either as it is not entertaining, but it is the smart thing to do.
Well, I'm not sure about the prevent defense. That was Coach Yeo's mistake in Game 3. The Hawks should keep attacking, but tell the defensemen not to pinch-in and keep the giveaways down. 

Hawks, watch out for a Wild shortie!

Hawks, 1 SOG after 11 minutes in the 3rd. Are you kidding me?
2 SOG after 11 minutes with one goal isn't bad. 
Absolutely right! 

Bicks!

OK, Hawks, if you're not giving us a Hat Trick tonight, how about giving the big guy on net a shutout, how about it? 

Awesome song, love Chelsea! Oh, yeah ... lol. 
did I see Kaner in that video? Never mind, don't want to start rumors.
haha! Possible, until this year, Kaner was Party Boy (lol)! 
Well the Hawks have answered the rough stuff with skill and some grit of their own. Good response for the last game. This is how they won in 2010- skill and toughness over muck.
Yep, well-said! Q kept Sharpie on the ice til the end ... for a Hat Trick chance.

Fans Eyeing Finish

May 7th 2013
Let's finish this off!

I cannot wait for Thursday!

Saad Eyeing the Calder

May 7th 2013

ESPN SportsNation is picking our very own for the Calder. Oh, yeah ...


Canucks Gone Canucking

May 8th 2013

Canuckers are goners. They had a 3 - 2 lead in the 3rd, but the Sharks tied it, then won it in OT.

But here's an interesting fact: In the last three playoffs, the team that eliminated the Canucks eventually won the Stanley Cup. Including our very own team in 2010.

So the broadcaster asked hockey analyst Barry Melrose, Are the Sharks going to win it all this year? Melrose goes short and sweet, "Nah!"

Now, I believe in the NHL, the #1 seed plays the lowest seeded team for the 2nd round. Unlike in the NBA, where #1 - #8 winner always plays #4 - #5 winner. If I am correct, then the Hawks could face the Sharks next.

I'm like, hmm. Then, I'm like, lol.

Here's the link to the Canucks-Sharks highlights, where I took this screen shot:

Yes, but you have to remember the Ducks / Red Wings series is Tied a 2 games a piece.
in the NHL, highest seed always plays the lowest.
Yep, Ducks still have to finish off the Redwings. But, I don't know, maybe I want the Redwings to win (lol)! 
I want the Red WIngs to win so we can meet them again before they move divisions. Then the Sharks can play LA/Blues winner. 
Sounds like a good plan to me, Franklin!

Right now, it's looking like a Hawks-Sharks matchup for Round 2.

Legends Coming onto the Ice

May 8th 2013


Shaw Mouthing Off

May 9th 2013
Andrew Shaw is taking the Playoffs to the extreme. "I’m gonna fucking kill you” was said during Game 3 towards Devin Setoguchi.  See more.

Andrew Shaw, center, mouthing off from the bench
I love Shawzie! 

Fans Waiting for Gametime

May 9th 2013
11 1/2 hrs till puck drop
Well, if the Hawks finish up tonight, then I have more time to study-up, and enjoy, the other matches. I am, after all, the resident Geek in this community (lol)! 

Hawks Finishing Things Off

May 9th 2013
Open Thread:
Blackhawks look to finish Wild in Game 5
Come on, Hawks, let's finish these upstart puppies (lol)! Let's get some points for Toews and Saad! I'll be hanging out with my Mom and Dad this evening, watching the game, so I'll catch up with all you guys afterwards. 

Fans Weighing the Numbers

May 9th 2013

Here's how the stats look after the first round.


Best surprises, for me: Shawzie and Bicks, right up there with the 1st and 2nd liners. And what can we say about new Daddy Dunc, but "awesome!" 

Hossa Hawking

May 10th 2013
I'll admit it, I was skeptical at first when he first came over from Detroit. I said to myself "what are we doing picking thought Red Wing trash" but the more I watch him play the more I feel he has the heart of an Indian. I'm proud to call him a Blackhawk!!

playoffs 5-GP, 3-G, 3-A, 6-P
regular season 40-GP, 17-G, 14-A, 31-P
Not bad for a banged up 34 year old.

Bring on the Sharks! Run Raffi Run! I hope Bickell was just warming up last nite.

Awesome song! Ho-Ho-Ho-Hos-SAH (lol)! 

Snubbing Toews and Kane (1)

May 10th 2013

At first, I go, What the hey, man? No Tazer, no Kaner, as finalists for the Hart!

Then, I think, There is so much depth to the Hawks team, that the relative (team) value of Toews and Kane is probably less than that of those three finalists.

I look at the MVP as someone who (a) plays at a high level and (b) makes the rest of the team noticeably better. With our two guys, it's more (a), a little less (b), because the Hawks are an all-around great team already.

I'm just saying :)

Snubbing Toews and Kane (2)
Toews and Kane snubbed. Hart Memorial Trophy.
Sorry, I missed this post, when I posted on the Toews and Kane snub for the Hart (above). This sucks, but it makes sense, because the Hawks are already an all-around great team.

Red Wings Going 7

May 10th 2013

Wings, just forced a 7th game on the Ducks, winning it in OT. Me thinks they really want to play the Hawks, really bad (lol). Let's go Wings!

Hawks-Wings, a plus: (a) 2 of the Original 6, means a lot of great history on the ice. (b) Detroit, close to Chicago, less travel stress on both teams. (c) Ducks had the Hawks' number during the regular season, so good for them to get eliminated.

If this happens, we'll probably see some legends showing up: Stan Mikita, Bobby Hull, Tony Esposito, plus Gordie Howe. Howe will probably suit up, and play a shift (lol).

Mothers Watching Hockey

May 11th 2013

Look what's on tap for Mother's Day, boys and girls. All the Hawks players can enjoy the day, of course, and bring flowers for their Moms.

3 out of 4 series in the West are in the books. But that 7th game between the Ducks and Wings is a must-see. The Hawks will not know who they're playing next, until this game is finito. Me goes: come on, Wings!

In the East, it's a wild one. 3 out of 4 series could go 7 games, i.e., if the Rangers, Leafs and Isles all win Game 6. BTW: That Isles-Pens game on the schedule is a "if necessary," because they play Game 6 today.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Mother's Day! Hope all the Moms in Chi-town love 'hawkey' :P

I was watching the Leafs Bruins game yesterday and only caught the 3rd of the Wings game. The Duck were dominating them but then took two penalties which the Wings capitalized on to make it 3-1. Ducks scored two fast goals to tie the game. I really can't see the Hawks losing to the Wings.
Side Note - BYE ST LOUIS! ahahaha
Thanks for that quick update, Franklin! Ducks have been really up-and-down this year, and their 1st round is no different. If they lose tomorrow, that means that 3 out of 4 lower-seeded teams in the East will have won their series.
Ducks started the first half of the season really well. Then were slumping. That is interesting that 3/4 were/could be upsets. Just glad it wasn't the #1 seed lol
Yep, our #1 seed took care of business, like they're supposed to. #1 seed in the East are, like, fooling around. Can't stop the puck, have to make a goalie change (lol)! 

Geof Reporting

May 11th 2013
Geof's half-baked. Check that. Geof's completely baked guide to the playoffs as of today.
There is one game today and that is in the lesser conference. Stay strong Islanders and force a game seven. They are playing over their heads. The only thing decided is that conference so far is that the lowly SNES advanced to the eastern semi-finals by defeating les Habitants in five games. The Stove Tops can't seem to get a handle on the Crapitals which were unfairly seeded because they play in a crap division. That will go to at least game six. That is all that there is to report out of the east other than a player from the east will win the Hart trophy while Jonathan Toews continues to be the best overall player in the league. He is in the wrong conference I guess.
In the west the mighty Blackhawks beat up three Mild goalies to get the top seed in the western semi-finals. Five games? You can do better than that. The Sharts swept the Canucks for God's sake! Speaking of the Sharts, either they or the Dead Wings will be playing the Hawks next round. Go Wings! Come on...! Make your team useful and defeat the Emilio Estevez Disney team in game seven. Do it for old time's sake as this is your last chance to get pounded by the Hawks in the Western Conference. Also the Kings managed to beat the Blues in six games.
NHL Playoff Bracket
I would have added this delightful rant to your post in the community had I seen your post before I started spouting off.
I love your report, Geof! Crapitals ... Sharts ... Emilio Estevez Disney Team ... that's classic, man (lol)! You're right, 4 of the top 5 best teams are in the West. But ... but if the Dead Wings beat that Disney Team tonight, then 3 out of those 4 supposedly great teams will have lost to lower-seeded teams. So, I don't know, with the exception of the Hawks, the East may be much better, after all. Go figure!

Saad and Stalberg Going White

May 11th 2013
After winning 4/5 games Q is still sending a message to the players that they didn't play their best.

Side note Bolland and Emery dressing for game 1.
Great to know that Emery and Bolland will be back in the lineup for Round 2. Saad and Stals will come around, as they've both proven themselves to be good players. I know Saad is staying positive, but didn't hear how Stals reacted.
That headline is misleading. Q demoted them last practice, that doesn't mean they wont be playing in the top four lines come Round 2 game1. Q's just firing a warning shot over the bow. I think they get the message.
Good point, Paul. Let's see how Coach Q plays things, heading into Game 1. He has three players coming into the lineup: Emery, Bolland, and Ben Smith. So he has to scratch some players. Having so much depth in a team is a great problem for a Head Coach! 

Fiddling with the Lineup


I think the lines will stay similar to the season lines. I can see them keeping Handzus with Kane and Sharp and moving Bolland down. This is a pretty solid group.
Hossa, Toews, Saad
Kane, Handzus, Sharp
Bickell, Shaw, Stalberg
Kruger, Bolland, Frolik
That's a great roster, of course, Franklin. Let's see how Coach Q actually plays it out, heading into Game 1 and during the game. He probably wants to see how Bolland does, after all those missed games, and get a look-see at Smith replacing Saad. 

Reliving Game 24


Since we haven't had a Blackhawks game in 72 hours, and we have to wait at least 48 hours more before the next one, how about reliving parts of Game 24 as a fix for us fans? Avs were up 2 - 1 going into the 3rd, but Toews ties it up early in that period. Then Carbomb Carcillo scores the GW goal with 50 seconds left. He drops to his knees in celebration, and the team makes the cover of Sports Illustrated. It was a great game, and they extended their record-setting point streak to 24 games.

Blackhawk Birthing

that is a fan
CONGRATS! Heres a lullaby for the baby
Oh, yeah ...

Readying for the Red Wings

May 13th 2013

It's official:  Blackhawks vs Red Wings!

The West could not have scripted the playoffs any better. Two storied franchises from the Midwest, members of the Original 6, will battle each other in Round 2. Trivial fact - driving distance between Chicago and Detroit: 281 miles.

Sharks and Kings will battle for 'Who's the Boss of Cali?' They're neatly tucked in their own time zone, and can avoid any jet lag in their legs. Trivial fact - driving distance between San Jose and Los Angeles: 306 miles.

All higher-seeded teams in the West, rated among the best in the NHL, lose their series. With one exception, of course.

The East, still screwing around, with two Game 7s on Monday night. Can anybody spell b-o-r-i-n-g (jk)?

What I want to know is, When is Game 1 for the Hawks?
For some reason, I recall that Chicago would play starting Tuesday? Hopefully soon.
This is going to be an awesome series against the hated Pink Things. GO HAWKS...!! My fearless forecast: Hawks in 6. 
While I do appreciate the challenge the Kings bring, I hope the Sharks take them out so that we can have the delicious storyline of Nemo vs. Crow for the Conference Finals...
The sooner, the better for Game 1. We cannot wait! Antti vs Corey would be an awesome match-up for the WCF. They both raised their games in the playoffs, so far: 93.7% (5th) and 95.0% (2nd) on SV%, respectively, among all post-season goalies.
Thank you Detroit for beating Anaheim, now it's time to beat you.
There were questions on whether the Wings would even make the playoffs. But history was on their side, as they have qualified every single year since the 1989 - 1990 season, winning the Cup an amazing four times in that stretch. For the longest time, they were a formidable foe for the Hawks, but, yes, times have changed. We can, and must, defeat them!
Well, Chicago only had one laugher...the other 3 games were extremely close. 
The Wings cannot be taken lightly. And further proof is how they dispatched the Ducks who gave Chicago fits all year. 
We definitely cannot take the Wings lightly. Coach Q has the boys working hard in practice, and is making sure they ratchet up the intensity for Round 2.
I agree, we can't take them lightly. We should take them like they were the Ducks. Let's do this!!
Yep, I'd love a sweep, of course, or a 5-gamer. But this baby may go 6. I hope we don't have to go 7, though. The Wild had a great formula in Game 3 to manhandle the Hawks and take them out of their game. But they didn't seem too physical in Games 4 and 5. Maybe they just couldn't keep it up, and-or maybe the Hawks simply adjusted and regained control. Anyway, the Wings are of course studying film, and may follow a similar formula. Let's see, can't wait! 

Waiting Game


Red-and-Black don't play Red-and-White until Wednesday 7 PM ... are you kidding me? Almost a week of no real hockey!

Two Game 7s tonight (yawn).

Well, how about joining me for a cigar love fest between these two wannabe hockey players, instead (lol)?

Bobby Hull and Gordie Howe (image credit)
At least there isn't that absurd 8:30 start time.
That's right, man, saw that. Our collective bowels in Hawkdom can settle (lol). 
you can watch the bulls in the interim. 
Yep, tonight a pivotal Game 4 for our Bulls. Win, and it's an even series and anything can happen. Lose, and the series is over and they might as well forfeit Game 5 (lol).
If the two Game 7s hold as they are now, it'll be seeds 1,5,6,7 in both conferences. Symmetry FTW!
That's a great catch, Pete. Bruins were down 4 - 1, but they scored an amazing 3 goals in the final 10 minutes of the 3rd. They're going OT! Bruins may ruin that symmetry. 
Yeah, I was watching!
Oh, man, good for you, Pete ... didn't make it to my Dad's house tonight to watch the games. Do the Bruins look like they have all the momentum now, and do you think they'll nail it in OT? 
They do, it was a very good thing for the leafs to have regulation time end. I can't imagine how the Bruins will not come out with huge energy.
I wouldn't mind a Hawks-Bruins Stanley Cup matchup :) 
As long as the Hawks are in the mix, I say bring on whoever from the east!
Oh, man, what a rally! Bruins scored fairly early in OT. What a shocker for the Leafs.
The other Game 7 is a no-contest: Geof's Stove Tops, winning big 5 - 0, late in the 3rd. What a Crapital Collapse! Man, what is it with these top seeds? Only 3 out of 8 supposedly better teams are advancing!

Cup Champs Advancing


Did you know ... 5 of the 8 teams, advancing to Round 2, were the last 5 Stanley Cup winners (assuming Bruins win Game 7): Kings (2012), Bruins (2011), Hawks (2010), Penguins (2009), and Red Wings (2008). How ah.may.zing is that?

What I want to know, Who's this bearded dude hoisting Lord Stanley for the Hawks in 2010? Don't recognize him, must've been traded (lol).

Jonathan Toews hoisting Lord Stanley for the Hawks in 2010 (image credit)
Trolling Stalberg

So whats up with Q trolling Stalberg?
As Mark said, it's probably a little zen-style motivation by Coach Q. Personally, I, too, hope to see Stals in red tomorrow night!

Weighing the Stats

I checked this before the Wild series and based on the numbers I figured the Hawks would have to score around 3 goals per game to win. The magic number of goals to win a game would be slightly higher this series being 4.
Goals Per Game
Hawks - 3.10 regular season - 3.40 playoffs.
Wings - 2.54 regular season - 2.57 playoffs.
Goals Against Per Game
Hawks - 2.02 regular season - 1.40 playoffs.
Wings - 2.57 regular season - 3.00 playoffs.
That 2.00 point-differential is super-awesome, Franklin. Unlike the Red Wings, and despite Coach Q's displeasure, the Hawks have clearly elevated their game in the playoffs, judging by those numbers alone. Of course I loved the blowouts we saw in Game 2 and Game 5 against the Wild, but it was the surgical precision of their play in that Game 4 shutout I loved even more. They scored one goal in each of the three periods; they shored up the defense, and our guys blocked probably 50% of the shots; they took more hits, but kept their mental toughness and focus; and what more can we say about Corey Crawford! So blowout, shutout, or one-goal margin, the Hawks can do it all. Let's keep the march toward the Cup going ... go Hawks! 

Predicting the Series


I'm excited for round 2! I have the Blackhawks winning in 6. What do you guess think?

Yeah, I'd say, Hawks in 6, too.  

Going Insane


I'm starting to lose it waiting for this series to get underway:

Great article, Parker! Thankfully I've been able to keep my growing insanity well-in-check (lol). The Bulls may be finished after tomorrow night, so there'll be an easing-up in playoff intensity around Chi-Town. What a run they've given us fans! As for the Hawks, the madness on Madison Street continues, and you're right: The only cure is for the Hawks to carry on with their regular-season dominance of the Red Birds!
It's gonna be a tight series. The durty birds mucked it up in their last series, expect them to do the same against the hawks. They can't skate with the hawks so they'll be slowing everything down.
We definitely cannot take the Red Wings lightly. Sean, do you know how physical they are? The Wild were not known to be a physical team, so even though they out-hit the Hawks by a large margin in Game 3 and Game 4, they simply couldn't keep up with that kind of play and still try to win games. Another way that the Wild slowed down the Hawks was clogging up the middle in their zone. But I think that only worked for Game 1, and the Hawks still eked out a 2 - 1 victory in OT. Let's see what the Red Wings do, after studying all kinds of film. Game on, 20 hours from now!
Yes, Detroit will be looking to knock the crap out of the Hawks. I would, too, if I were them. In Detroit's mind the Hawks can't out-skill them if they're crumpled in the corners.
Stalling Stalberg

May 14th 2013
I still can't see Q sitting Stalberg out breaking up the 3rd line.









Q's version of zen master motivation. 
We love speed, and Stals is awesome. So I agree, Coach Q must be a Phil Jackson, then :)
Or may be part of the strategy to keep the Toilet Pink Things guessing who is in the lineup. 
You mean, maybe Coach Q is giving Stals the wink-wink on the side, about his strategy, where reporters cannot tell what's going on. 
Possibly. But, it is also plausible with Bolland coming back, he takes takes over centering duties from Shaw who then takes Stalberg's spot.
Handzus then centers Sharpie and Kaner. 
Ah, it's a very interesting situation, isn't it. The great thing is, Coach Q has even more options at his disposal. I did see a lineup that had Bolland on the 3rd line.

Just reading some news last night and this morning ... Apparently Stals was mouthing-off (my word) about reduced playing time on the PP during the Wild series, so Coach Q is in fact giving him a message. But I think it was Franklin who speculated that maybe the Hawks management are trying to keep Stals market value down, so they can re-sign him after this year. He cannot showcase his talent, if he's off the ice. It's a risky ploy, if this is the case, as they end up really pissing off the Speed Demon!
Yes I mentioned that they might be benching him just because they could resign him cheaper. Not sure how well that would work out. Either way hopefully they dress him soon.
Yep, judging from that Tribune article, Coach Q is totally open to having Stals back in the lineup for this series. But, then, if he does, who is he going to scratch next? Maybe Tazer, for his meager production ... NOT (lol)! 

Stalberg Steaming

May 15th 2013
Whoa. Stalberg was officially benched for game 1.

My reaction "Wtf?"
Stals, not a happy camper. I thought Coach Q would actually play him, after suiting him up in white for practice.  

Round 2 Opening

May 15th 2013

Redwings vs Hawks Open Thread


Here we go!

BTW: Hawks, also on WGN Radio Online.

Those of you watching, How does Bolland look?
he looks like this
I have not noticed him yet. So he is sort of just there.
lol ... I don't care what the dude looks like ... I just care about how he's playing (lol).
I know but you said "How does Bolland look?". lol
PowerlessPlay time
Geof, go on WGN Radio Online. I've got great, clear coverage.
Hossa!
lol ... you're funnier than Q benching Stals ... 

Oh, yeah ...
Tie Game xD
That's OK, so both teams have drawn first blood ... still so early in the game.

PK time ... Let's stay playoff-perfect, Hawks!

Let's get a shortie!
Was just checking nhl.comThis is the 800th all-time meeting between the Hawks and WIngs
Wow, that's amazing!

Oh, man, another PK ... 
all i can say is, Dang! (or Deng!)
lol

Do the Hawks look rusty?

Still perfect PK.
Shots Det 7-6
Hits Det 21-9
Wings, using the Wild playbook? A lot of hits on the Hawks.
Wings just went back through tape and realized you have to hit the Hawks to have a chance at winning. Even then...
Bulls vs Heat Game update. Bulls up 70-63 with 2 and a half min left in the third. 
Go Bulls!

Yep ... Hawks are well-rested, while Wings played 7 and had only 3 days off. So let's see if they can keep up that physicality the rest of the game. 
Always wondered... If you catch a puck that goes out of play, can you keep it?
Yes, you can. That unless it was when Fox had the NHL and they had the pucks with the blue streaks things embedded in them.
I almost forgot about that! Watching hockey with that technology was the worst. 
Take a swipe at Bolland? Yeah, it was silly (glowing puck). It was intended to allow new viewers to hockey to follow the puck. Every hockey fan mocked it mercilessly.
made it easy for the casual hockey fan to keep track of the puck in standard definition
The thing is I normally don't look at where the puck is. I look at where the puck might be (the set up of the players).
Good point, gents. I try to look at how the play is developing on the TV screen, i.e., around the puck.
I think next goal wins.
I like Troy Murray's analysis: Hawks, keep pushing it. Keep solid on D and on net. Our guys are well-rested, so should be strong in the 3rd. Yep 2 - 1 game.

More good points from Troy Murray: Hawks barraged Jimmy Howard with SOGs (17 - 5), so Wings couldn't hit and couldn't shoot.
Johnny Oduya!!!!!!!!!
Du-YAh!
Damned lag. The Hawks have put on the offense this period. Is Oduya even playing offense?
Hate that lag, too, man ... it's 10 minutes later, we hear the goal (lol)!

Wings looking tired, as we expected. Let's go Hawks, keeping attacking these birdies!

"The Blackhawks are all over the Red Wings!"
Kruger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a backhand by Kruger lifting it over the flailing Howard. Awesome! 
Yeah, KRUGS!

Total 3rd period domination by the Hawks: SOG (14 - 3)!

Man, let's get goal for Tazer!
Don't turn off the game until the final buzzer! (see Bruins game 7)
Good point! We're real Hawks fans ... we don't leave and we don't turn anything off. 

Totally insane game. I couldn't stop watching the highlights of that epic victory | epic collapse. Ah.may.zing!

My Twitter feed is in.SANE with Hawks tweets, man ... cannot keep up (lol)!
The empty netter!! 
Sharpie!

5 down, 11 to go, baby!

Crawford is beastly in the playoffs! Improved on his GAA, now at an ah.may.zing 1.33. But he faced only 21 SOGs, so he decided to get his manicure and pedicure done, while his teammates were bombarding Howard (lol)!

Razor hasn't played in, like, forever. So I hope he's getting sharp during practice. 
I would be perfectly confident with Emery in the goal. He won't be because Crawford is on fire. There is no need to switch things about when something is working.
Well, how about this, If the Hawks go up 3 - 0, would Q put Razor on net? 
I would keep Craw until he has a bad game. up 3-0 wouldn't be the best idea to switch goalies after your starter would have a 7-1 playoff record.
I would not until Crawford lets three in early on.
Yep, actually, I agree. Just asking.

Seabrook Saving

May 15th 2013
Seabrook with an amazing save.
That was a game-saving save by Seabrook and Crawford. Seabs kept that fluttering puck outside the goal line, as it was coming down, and Crow knew to just sit on it when Seabs poked it to him to avoid knocking it in himself. Awesome Hawks play!

The Hawks were up 3 - 1 at this point, and under 3 minutes left in the game. If the Wings had in fact scored on this play, they could've done the Boston-Bruins thing on the Hawks, scored another quick one, and then won it in OT ... NOT! Because the Hawks are no Toronto Maple (ahem, choke) Leafs.

Bolland Breaking Away

May 16th 2013

Here's that Bolland breakaway. He didn't score, but he made a great play on the defensive end. Wings were being aggressive, and kept the puck in the Hawks zone. But Bolland blocked a dump-in try, and I think Shaw managed to slip the puck to him. He skated in, all by his lonesome, and tried to stuff it tight in the right corner. But Howard extended a strong left leg and made an awesome skate save on that one. 3 minutes later, the Hawks broke the tie and the Wings were done for the night.

Kane Kanering



Red Wings Rebounding

Redwings vs Hawks Game 2 Open Thread


I was in a Board meeting all day yesterday, so I missed the game. Thankfully our Chair is a fan herself, and encouraged me to check the score on my iPhone. Then, I got home, and worked until after 12 M (whew). It's just a well, I guess, as the loss was a game to miss!

Red Wings Outhawking the Hawks

Wow, did the Hawks think Detroit would roll over? Horribly played 2nd and 3rd period today. Ugh.
I think Game 1 came a little too easily for the Hawks. Along with Games 4 and 5 against the Wild, that was the 3rd playoff game in a row that they dominated. So Game 2 was a wake-up call. I think some of us predicted a 6-game series, so they may split the games at Joe Louis. Wings are a much improved team from the regular season, but no doubt the Hawks are still the better team! 

Stalberg Sighting

May 19th 2013

Coach Q hasn't made a final decision, apparently, but it looks good for the Speed Demon to get back in the lineup for tomorrow night. He practiced with his familiar mates on the 3rd line. It's a good sign that he's talking to the media again, and Q is talking positively about him, too. Go Hawks, let's regain control of this series!

Sharp's Mom Kanering

May 20th 2013

;P


Wings Winning

May 20th 2013
Hawks vs Redwings Game 3 Open Thread
Bye Stalberg....
Stals, a little too eager.

Let's show some power in that PP!

Let's go Hawks! Inject Bruin-magic in our guys!
or senator magic! 
Yep!

Hit-of-the-game by Toews!
TIE GAME!!!!!!!!
why is it no goal?
Stals?
Even though it doesn't count, chipping away at Howard's confidence.
Yep, Hawks working hard to regain momentum.
Is that 3 frickin' pipes for us now?!
Hawks hit the post 3 times in the game, I think.
Pull Crawford now
Crawford, off.

Hawks Hitting the Post

May 21st 2013

It took a night to recover from that stunning defeat, but here's my take: The Hawks had a 5 - 3 victory on their hands. For one thing, they hit the post three times, proving that they could shoot the puck past Howard. So they were just an inch or two from a 2 - 1 series lead, despite their lackluster stretches.

Also, from the angle of that referee who blew the Stalberg tally, Shaw must've looked like he was on top of Howard. But the referees also missed a Hjammers crosscheck that would've stopped the play, well before Kane scored. But still they could've had a 4 - 3 victory.

What concerned me are: How the Hawks mentally unraveled in the 3rd period, and went to the box four times in a row after the Wings scored again. They had plenty of hockey left in the game (over 13 minutes). Even Coach Q got goonish, apparently.

More concerning, What are the Hawks going to do to counter what the Wings did to our big guns? Sharp, Hossa and Toews had a lot of shots on goal, but were rendered literally pointless in this game!

For me, the real challenge is Quenneville vs Babcock. I know who we're all rooting for!

Have a read of this great analysis from Sports Illustrated.
I agree with you, they put the effort in to win, just didn't get the bounces. I think the extra day can help get their mind right again. Same effort and I think they win game 4. Everyone back away from the ledge. :-)
Well said, Patrick! I believe in the Hawks, and Game 3 was just how the puck bounced. For all their miscues and unraveling, they did a lot of things right. With basically that same effort, plus Lady Luck a bit more on their side, and they should win Game 4.   

Messaging the Hawks

May 23rd 2013

Message to the Blackhawks!
















Shooting for the Stanley Cup


There is only one goal, let's go Hawks!

(image credit)
Playing Powerless

May 23rd 2013
Ugh...1-0 in the 2nd for the Things. And Serious has been called for 3 straight penalties.

Gut check time. C'mon, HAWKS!!
I don't think the PP strategy is right. Using basketball terms, the Hawks are not a good half-court team, where the play is slow and methodic. They need more movement and passing to take advantage of their speed and finesse. They should have a rule in the NHL, like they do in the NFL, where teams can decline penalties. The Hawks definitely have a better chance of scoring at full-strength! 

lol ... Well, 5 posts actually. Hawks hit the post 3 times in Game 3, and at least 2 times last night.
The Hawks' inept PP is infuriating. With THAT talent, they should be clicking at a Top 10 clip versus a BOTTOM 10 clip. They are disjointed entering the zone and when they do dump it in because Detroit is stacking the blueline, there is ZERO puck support.
Coach Q bristled at Barry Smith's involvement last season to help with the PP and brought in Kompon who was fired in LA for their putrid PP last season. And oh look, here we are again and now, facing elimination.
The fan in me wants to believe. But, the realist in me says it is over. The Hawks have an 8% chance to win it out now given the post-season history of teams down 3-1. Add to this that the last time they were down 3-1, it was to a Phoenix team that is vastly less talented than Detroit. 
My biggest fear is Chicago is turning into their hated rivals: the Cansucks. A great regular season team but a lousy Cup team. 
One LAST rant...if the softest team in the playoffs is doing THIS to Chicago...Let me ask: What do you think are our Hawks' chances against LA, Boston, or SJ...??!? Hahahaha...
lol ... Quenneville's PP strategy is wrong-wrong-wrong, in my book. The Hawks should just decline the penalties, just like in football, because they can score better at full-strength. Wings have proven themselves to be a superb team, though, not at all soft. Same playbook as the Wild used, basically, but they had the talent and discipline to execute it better against the Hawks. I hate the fact that no matter what, we have to go through Cali to make it to the Stanley Cup. I mean who plays hockey by the beaches, man (lol)? 

Hammering Hjammers

May 23rd 2013
Hjalmarsson is so god awful, particularly in this series. On the ice for every goal.
It was definitely a Serious Meltdown by the Captain in that ridiculous stretch! Yeah, Hjammers tried to block that Wings PP shot, but it ended up screening Crawford. It was an awesome seeing-eye goal by Kindl, as it hugged the ice, found the left post, and bounced in. From bad to worse for the Hawks! 

Babcock Outcoaching Quenneville

May 23rd 2013
The Hawks are an absolute mess! Is it their lack of composure taking 5 penalties 3 of them with Tazer? Their absolutely horrendous PP? This is not Chicago hockey and the Hawks are currently in no man's land.
Hats off to Mike Babcock for masterminding the three Wings victories. He's outcoaching Joel Quenneville's pants off! 

Coming for the Comeback

May 23rd 2013
Nobody panic! In case you were wondering... teams have trailed 3-1 in a best-of-7 series 229 times in history and have come back to win the series on 20 occasions, or 8.7% of the time.
The PP needs to be better though.
If memory serves me right, the Hawks came back from a 3 - 0 series hole against the Canucks in Round 1 two years ago, and forced a Game 7. If history can repeat itself, Game 7 will be on home ice, man! 

Yogi Berra Saying

May 24th 2013

"It ain't over til it's over" and other yogi-isms that are really apropos to the ridiculous, dire situation our Hawks are in. So I decided to make a video out of them!


Definitely not over, gents. We've got 60 minutes of great hockey tonight! The Hawks hit the post five times in Games 3 and 4. So while Jimmy Howard has been awesome, he's also been lucky! We can count on friendly posts at the United Center. Game on, Hawks! 

The Eagle Eyeing

May 25th 2013
Wow, just noticed the Eddie Belfour profile pic for the Community page. LOVE IT.
Eddie, the Eagle, looking on and giving the Hawks some inspiration!

Reciting Poetry

May 25th 2013
Well it's win or go home time.
It's time to nut up or shut up.
Time to separate the Men from the boys.
You pick I am partial to what my daddy used to say
Just fucking win!
Love the poem, Sean!

Singing Hossa Song


We're just a couple of minutes away, Hawks fans. Great athletes and great fans relish moments like this: backs to the wall (er ... glass), at the precipice of elimination, "tee-time" as background noise.

But the open thread is open, and Eddie, the Eagle is looking on. So make sure the pizza is coming, the beer is cold, and bags of chips are open (real fans don't need no-stinkin' dip), and we're all set for a Game 5 victory!

My man in the spotlight is Ho-ho-hosSah: Marian Hossa Song. Mr. Clutch!

(image credit)
Hawks Hammering

May 25th 2013
Hawks/Wings game 5 open thread!

Just one blemish on the Hawks' stellar PK. Let's keep it that way!

Yes, yes, Bicks!

Oh, man, I'm pumped! I want to dig up my little league hockey gear, lace up those skates, and jump on the ice as the 6th attacker for the Hawks (lol)!

Drawing first blood, in the 1st period, was so crucial. Now let's score a second one, boys!

Seabs, lazy pass, turned it over behind Crow. Almost a disaster (whew). Come on, Seabs, focus, man!

Uh, oh, here we go, PP!

Yep, let's propose a tiny rule change to Commish Bettman: As in the NFL, teams can decline penalties.

Bowman better re-sign Bicks to a new contract after this season. He's a big body who scores!
The PP is downright disgusting. Someone should be fired.
lol ... easy, dude!

I don't think it's the players, that's the problem with the PP. It's the strategy, that's not well-suited for the Hawks' talent, and that's on Q and his staff. 
Completely agree. Hence why I said someone needs to be fired. 
Good job by Bollie to draw Abdelkader after he was called...
Yep, great little ploy there, by Bollie, to make up for the tripping call.
Toews, almost stuffed it in, after skating around his defender and going at Howard all by his lonesome. 

Shawzie on the PP!

Hawks heard all your rants and advice, dude (lol)! Great puck movement, containment and pressure in front of Howard.
Look at that PP. They kept it simple...net presence...and voila! Success! What a concept!!
OMG, Toews, Toews, Toews on the PP!
Why do the hawks want to take stupid penalties now that we are up 2?
They are stupid penalties, for sure, but somehow Bollie seems to be getting under the Wings' skin. 

Just 20 minutes left for another trip to Joe Louis, Hawks fans!

Babcock said the Wings want to contain the Hawks "stretch" game by playing aggressive. That actually worked until those two PP scores. Hawks need to keep using their speed, finesse and aggression, plus shore up defensive lapses, and the 3rd period will bring us a W! 

Shawzie, AH.gain!

Love this hockey commercial:

Shaw is Sh.AW.some!

Come on, Hawks, let's get a Hat Trick for the little guy!
did you see the one a few ago with the "splinter" in his arm 
Shawsome.. Good one
Wings PP, looking like the Hawks PP of old (lol)!

How about giving Corey Crawford some love, Hawks fans! 2nd game in a row that he's played really solid goaltending. 
I totally agree. Crow would not be the reason the Hawks do not have success this year in the playoffs. 
Q kept Shaw on the ice, and he had one or two chances for the Hattie.

We're motoring back to Moh-Town! I can.NOT wait for Monday night, how about you guys? 
It just means my ulcer continues for another few days, ...Sigh. :-D
Just two more Hawks' wins, and your ulcers will be cured! 
Well, no...if they win 2 more, then, my ulcer continues because the Kings likely await...and LA is a scary team. 
Well, take care of yourself! It's only fitting that the road to the 2013 Stanley Cup has to go through the 2012 Cup champs. 

Horn Sounding Off

May 25th 2013
I love that horn
Speaking of that horn, I just found this on my Facebook Timeline: Chicago Blackhawks Goal Song

Powering the Power Play

May 25th 2013
If our team can continue this quality play...and this improved PP in Detoilet...we will see a Game 7!
Lord Stanley just came back into view tonight!

Gearing up for Game 6

May 25th 2013
Now remember everybody get back in the same spots for Monday. Don't forget
First of three steps, accomplished last night. Second step is force a Game 7. Third step, well, we all know what that is :) 

Believing in the Blackhawks



May 26th 2013

Of the six teams still in the Stanley Cup hunt, right now, five represent the last five Stanley Cup champions and three are from the NHL Original Six. It's awesome to be a hockey fan, and doubly awesome to be a Blackhawks fan!

(image credit)
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May 27th 2013

Wishing everyone a good Memorial Day - a day of remembering those who served in the armed forces and gave up their lives.

My 5 keys to that Game 5 victory:

(1) Hawks swarmed the net in front of Howard, better. In Game 4, I saw some great scoring chances, especially in the 1st period, but it was a one-and-done deal.

(2) Bicks stayed out of the box. Shaw stayed out of the box. Toews stayed out of the box. We all know what their on-ice results were.

(3) Seabs and Duncs, paired up again, like longtime lovers: Peaches & Herb - Reunited

(4) Hawks realized they actually had a man advantage in the PP. Great puck movement, zone containment, and net pressure.

(5) Can anybody spell C-O-R-E-Y?

Comeback trail:

Step 1. Force Game 6 (check).
Step 2. Force Game 7 (tonight).
Step 3. Win Game 7 (Wednesday).

Come on, Hawks, let's complete the comeback!

(image credit)
May 27th 2013

Watch out Motown, here come the Hawks, the mighty Blackhawks!

May 27th 2013
Anyone read John Jaekel's blog on Hockeybuzz.com? While I'm not particularly a fan of Eklund, I do read his site because of Jaekel's writing and prior to that, Al Cimaglia's (which you can read on Hockeyindependent.com). 
Anyhow, here's the link to John's article. Gives us hope that our beloved team can pull off a win tonight...
GO HAWKS!!
Great article by Jaeckel! I like his reference to Babcock as a master mindgamer. So is Quenneville. If I've got the stats right, the two Stanley Cup coaches are dead even on playoff wins at 78 and are the winningest of the coaches in this year's playoffs. Game on, to the men in suits, standing behind the benches! 
Valid. But I would take Babcock over Q. Just look at Q's record against Babcock in the playoffs. 
Ah, Babcock has had the upperhand, eh? I'm impressed by how well he's game-planned against our mighty Hawks. 
Well, Q hasn't always been the Hawks' coach. But in his other stops, he usually got owned by Babcock in the playoffs. 
Ah, that explains it, how Quenneville got frustrated, even rattled in Games 3 and 4. 

May 27th 2013
Game Six Open Thread
Q playing chess on the Toews-Zetterberg non-matchup. 

PP time!

Ah.nother PP goal, baby! HoSAH!

Oh, man, they're reviewing it!

Yep, Toews and Duncs on the assist.

Grrgh ... period was almost over.

Hawks now have to lay it all on the ice. Troy Murray: It's a dangerous period. 
It is only a one point game.
Yep, as far as we're concerned, it's still very much a game for the Hawks to win. 

Mark Lazerus, Sun-Times writer, predicted a 3 - 2 Hawks win in OT. Just sayin'.

Zeus!

Hawks win tonight, they win the series. Wings probably sense this, and seem to be playing desperately themselves.

Come on, Hawks, let's pour it on! We want another score!

Wings' out-shooting, out-hitting, out-faceoffing Hawks, but Hawks managed to wrestle the lead back!

Frolik is, like, 4th line, and he's contributing big, baby! 

Oh, man, too much hockey left in this game. Come on, Hawks, focus, focus!

Hawks have to play smart and disciplined. No stupid penalties.

Another PP for the good guys!

Good point, Henry. I'm a Crawford BE-liever, been all season and playoffs!

Sharpie to the box (oh, man). 

Wings, desperation mode.

Saw that from my Twitter feed. So Wings fans are fair-weather fans, eh (lol)!

Come on, Hawks, I said stay smart and focused!
Wow, Oduya made an idiot play. You're not short-handed, dumb@$!
Grrrgh!

Big sigh of relief, man!

Cali boys, Game 7. Midwest boys, Game 7. Eastern boys, nice Memorial Day picnic. 

Frolik is the only player in NHL history who is 2 of 2 in penalty shots in the playoffs ... did I hear that right? 

I can only imagine how gassed our guys were in the last couple of minutes: Veterans like Sharp, Hossa and Oduya don't usually make stupid mistakes. 

Welcome to Hawkdom, Andrew! Glad you're on our side, man!

Yep, this dude shows up big time in the playoffs!

Tazer, two big assists tonight.

Howard, after holding the Hawks to 2 goals in 3 games, gives up 8 goals in 2 games. I say we've figured him out! 

May 28th 2013


Good one, Tyler. Babcock was surly in the post-game press conference. Rightfully so, as his team played poorly in the 3rd period. 

May 28th 2013

Haha


We need Brandon to be Haappier ... with some points, man!

If the #blackhawks win.....that will leave the last 4 #StanleyCupchamps as the final 4.....wonder if that's ever happened in any sport.....ill #askElias
Great question, Tim. If the Hawks win, I'll research it!

Game 7 open thread!
PK time!

Hung out with my Dad this evening. Too tense to Google+ or Twitter. Pretty passing on that Sharpie goal. Nerve-wracking 3rd period. I almost kicked that ref - through the TV - for that stupid call. Big hit by Bollie to set up Seabs' goal. 

May 30th 2013

The IN.SA.NI.TY continues ...
(image credit)
May 30 2013
Folks, I must apologize for being so negative after the Hawks trailed 3-1 after Game 4. I had said that the series was over and etc. etc. I apologize for that and should know better than to not believe in our team. 
What heart in coming back 3-1. GO HAWKS!!
It ain't over til it's over. 

After last nights officiating "incident", this youtube video gave me some closure (and winning the game helped a little too) ...  

#1 rant by Jim Schoenfeld: "Have another doughnut. Have another doughnut" (lol)!

May 30th 2013
For the first time since 1945, the Final Four teams are the past 4 Stanley Cup champs.
Who's winning it this year guys?

Yeah, I heard that this has happened only twice in the history of the NHL. Actually, going into Hawks-Wings Game 7: Final Five = Last Five Cups. 


Great to see these stats, Tim. 3 of the Top 5 were Hawks games! 

Wow, I can't believe the NHL is letting Walkom work the Conference Finals after his gaffe yesterday that almost cost our team the victory.

And if you guys need a refresher, this is the same moron official who did NOT call a penalty on Torres after that dirtbag took out Hossa in the playoffs last year...
Ugh.
That play looked worse than it was, because Quincey checked Saad into the Wings bench, then pushed Saad to the ice as he was trying to get out. If anything, it should've been roughing on just Quincey. Another bizarre no-goal call!

What?!

Bowman needs to sign this kid right away. He's the future Kaner (lol)!

Closing out this May journal, so see you in the June journal!

Thank you for reading, and let me know what you think!

Ron Villejo, PhD

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