h/t: TPS

To me, the Canadians are the favorites in the tournament. They just have too much talent throughout the entire lineup.  The Russians might have the most firepower and the scariest top players, but their depth will hurt them and they cannot match Canada in the goaltending department. 

The US will do well to get bronze, but as we’ve seen before they can provide a surprise (good or bad).  Kane’s line with Paul Statsny and Zach Parise should provide plenty of scoring that will scare teams in the quarterfinal round and Ryan Miller can steal a game at any time in goal.  It all starts today, so hopefully those crazy Canadians have actual ice in the arena.  Check out the Hawks videos for the popsicle eating contest and the speed skating.

On the left, current Blackhawks stars Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Adam Burish enjoying some drinks on New Years Eve with a lovely lady. On the right, former Blackhawks star Chris Chelios’s mugshot from his recent DUI.  Although Chelios is a reminder of some good years, its funny how all things present about the Hawks are awesome, and all things past about them seem so crappy.

h/t pics: Tremendous Upside Potential and Chicagoist

How come everyone thinks they are a Blackhawks expert all of a sudden?  Anyways, here is commentor DC Blackhawks’ take on whether the Hawks overpaid for Toews.  Enjoy!

With the recent blockbuster signings of the Blackhawks future and the criticisms of over paying, I primarily refute the idea that the Hawks overpaid for Captain Jonathan Toews.  This may be surprising since it’s seemingly easier to refute this outcry over Kane (a likely 100-point per season guy at the rate he’s going) and  Keith (a likely annual Norris Trophy finalist for NHL’s top defenseman at the rate he’s going).

Toews (aka Tazer, Captain Serious, Captain Marvel, etc), while being the youngest captain (age 21) in the NHL, is without a doubt the man to lead the Hawks into years of greatness.  For example, here is an excerpt of his response to a question at yesterday’s press conference when asked about the Hawks amidst the Chicago Sports Landscape.

“Chicago is great sports city and everyone wants their team to win, so a lot of people ask me if I’m a White Sox fan or a Cubs fan but I tell them I just enjoy watching these teams play and get to meet some of these athletes.  For some to say we’re back on the map and how people love coming to Hawks’ games … come up to me and say how exciting it is to people who aren’t typically hockey fans, is huge for us. It’s a great sports city and to get that notoriety compared to the more traditional sports here in the U.S. like baseball, is great.”

Although a captain in most team sports is a figurative appointment, in hockey,the captain is the only one allowed to speak to the referee on the ice.  Regardless, Toews is truly the heart and soul of this team.  In a recent SI profile from a few months ago, Toews was anointed Captain Serious, because he wore his emotions on his sleeve; when “his” team lost he often put it on himself and kicked himself over the outcome, only feeling comfortable grieving.  He has lightened up a bit and will even crack a joke now and then, but his presence on this team is crucial.  Take for instance that the Hawks struggled mightily when Toews missed a few games with a concussion, and upon his return to the lineup the team rattled off 8 straight shooting them to the top of the western conference.  And don’t forget he can play a little hockey.  Despite a slow start on the points sheet this year after leading the team in goals last year, Toews already is a legitimate first-line center in the league, he’s winning 60% of face-offs (4th best in the NHL), and is a team leading +11.   At 21, his maturity, leadership, and skill set are well beyond his years.  Now that he will be around for at least 5 more years, there’s no way that C is coming off his sweater as he continues to make Chicago proud.

Tune in Tonight at 730pm against the Nashville “why do they have a hockey team” Predators as the Hawks go for 9 in a row at the UC.

Tune in Saturday at 630pm as the Hawks visit the defending Cup champs, Sid the Kid, and Pittsburgh.

NQTC Reader JavierSandooski

Imagine if the Cubs locked up Alfonso Soriano, Milton Bradley and Kosuke Fukudome to solid long term deals. (Oh wait – they did? And it’s worked out terribly??) Now imagine the complete opposite — this is basically the move the Hawks are making with today’s official announcement of signing Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane (both 5 years) and Duncan Keith (13 years) to long term deals.

It’s a great move by the hawks, regardless of the fact that they may be somewhat overpaying these guys; reports have Toews & Kane hitting the cap at $6.3 million and Keith at $5.5 million. These three are each all-stars and most likely will be Olympians this winter in Vancouver. Toews is the youngest active captain in the NHL at 23 and the Hawks are dependent on him – they went 8-0 after his return from missing six games with a concussion – they went 3-3 in the 6 games he missed. Duncan Keith is one of the best defensemen in the league; and Kane has elite skills that don’t come along very often.

This move definitely sets the core of the Blackhawks in place for years to come: the three aforementioned, Hossa and Seabrook, and now the matter becomes who else is staying and who is going. Rumors recently have circulated, which basically have said anyone else on the team might be one of the guys to go (Sharp, Versteeg, Buff, Barker, list goes on). All I know, they better keep my boy The Hammer (PS – email me asap if you know where I can get a sweet Hjalmarsson jersey tee). Oh and I’d really like if they can keep Sharp and Versteeg. Now, enjoy this video made by my friend Pat starring my favorite Hawks player.

Here’s the problem with that bit of “news”.  It is not really possible with the NHL salary cap system that is currently in place.  The same Tribune article that is insinuating that these deals are essentially already done out of one side of its mouth is explaining how it is impossible out of the other side:

The salary cap this season is $56.8 million. It’s expected to remain the same or drop slightly next season, which could handcuff the Hawks, who already have 13 players signed for around $43 million for 2010-11.

With Hossa on the hook for 12 years at about $5.5 million per and Huet another $5.5 million, you would have to think that Kane and Toews will command at least that.  If they sign the long-term deal, maybe they would give a discount, but why would two kids with that kind of talent agree to be locked up at a lower rate than their value through their prime playing years?

The Hawks front office has worked many miracles the last few seasons, but this one would top them all.  The little problem of “math” seems to be an inflexible obstacle to the signing of all three of these budding young stars.  If it somehow happens, this Hawks team could dominate the next decade in Chicago.  NQTC reader DC Blackhawks said it best: “if they do [these deals], they will own the city.  Outside of MJ, few players have played in Chicago for 10+ years and their team was very competitive.”  He makes a good point, although I don’t know if I’d go that far.  Here was my response, “If they lock it up, maybe, but let’s see some cups first.”

Keep your eyes and ears open, an announcement about the extensions is expected in the next couple of weeks.

h/t: Ethan

Tough break for Toews as Mitchell came out of the penalty box seconds before slamming the captain with a vicious, clean hit.  Kris Versteeg followed up by going after Mitchell, which normally would draw criticism from this hockey fan.  I’m getting sick of players starting fights after clean hits, but in this case we’re talking about your team leader getting trucked.  It’s not that Mitchell shouldn’t have hit Toews, it’s just that when someone hits your captain like that, you stand up. 

You’ll also notice the score when the hit took place, with the Hawks up two to one in the third.  Vancouver went on to win the game with the Hawks taking a few penalties after the big hit.  A theme last year was bouncing back and seeing how a young team would respond in tough situations.  The performances last year should give fans every reason to believe that the Blackhawks will be fine going forward. 

Nashville comes into the UC tomorrow night and it looks like Toews and Brent Seabrook, who also sustained an injury in the third period Wednesday, will both be good to go.  Goaltending may be a bit of an issue this year, but I think we’ll find out tomorrow night that character, focus, and resolve won’t be.

Chicago Cubs

Corey Patterson: The word on Patterson was that he was the next Lou Brock.  After a good half season followed by an injury, his career sputtered out.

Mark Prior: The second pick in the draft behind Joe Mauer, Prior was amazing for a couple seasons, but injuries plagued his career.  He was recently in camp with the Padres but *gasp* went down for the season with an injury.

Kerry Wood: Remember 1998?  He was a rookie when he tied Clemens’ record for most strikeouts in a game with 20.  He always had nagging injury problems and never developed into the Cy Young caliber pitcher everyone thought he could be.  Eventually he was converted to a closer and he has had some success in that role.

Felix Pie:  All you need to know is he was supposed to be the next Corey Patterson.  Yikes.

Chicago White Sox

Gordon Beckham: All I hear Sox fans talk about is Gordon Beckham.  The shortstop of the future they say.  When he finally came up this season, he struggled a bit.  Recently he has been hitting better though, and time will tell whether he pans out.

Joe Borchard: He was given the largest signing bonus in MLB draft history (until Justin Upton surpassed it).  Unfortunately he only had one stint with the major league club, resulting in a .174 average.  After bouncing around a bit the past couple years, he finally had to undergo Tommy John surgery last season

Josh Fields: Fields came up in August in 2007 and hit 23 home runs between then and the end of the season.  Although he only hit .244, the City had high hopes for him.  Unfortunately Crede came back from injury and started most of the 2008 season.  Fields started this season at 3rd base, but due to poor hitting has been mostly relegated to the bench in recent weeks.

Brian Anderson: The next Willie Mays?  Even I thought so after his ridiculous season in center field a couple years ago.  He was suppsoed to be able to hit too, but unfortunately that never happened.

Chicago Bulls

Jamal Crawford: The Bulls used a lottery pick on this guy, who was supposed to be an elite scorer.  Unfortunately his poor poor defense and terrible shot selection doomed him to mediocrity.  He was recently traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where I’m guessing he will score about 17 points a game while shooting 38% from the field.

Marcus Fizer:  He was the big low post scoring presence the Bulls needed.  Until he sucked.  Terrible player.

Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler (Baby Bulls): Krause traded Elton Brand for the rights to select Chandler 2nd in the draft and then took Curry 4th.  Curry never tried and Chandler never developed into the elite defensive/rebounding  player he was supposed to be.  Until he got traded to New Orleans of course.

Tyrus Thomas: John Paxson traded Aldridge for Tyrus on draft day and most people thought it was a great move.  Tyrus is athletic and has a ton of upside and was only 19 years old.  Oops.  So far he has never taken the step from high talent/low IQ, and has been in all kinds of recent trade rumors.

Derrick Rose: Too early to tell, but most think he will be a perennial all-star at least and a hall of famer at best.  We’ll see.

Chicago Bears

Curtis Enis: His ridiculous college numbers at Penn State did not translate into much of anything.  He had a decent second season, almost breaking 1000 yards, but never made any noise in the NFL again.

Rashaan Salaam: After winning the Heisman in college, he rushed for 1,000 yards in his rookie season with the Bears.  Everyone thought he was going to be a starter in the league for a long time.  Too bad he could never cure his fumbleitis, and the injuries didn’t help.

Cade McNown: This quarterback from UCLA was going to be the best quarterback the Bears had since, well, ever.  Or so people thought.  He was young and perhaps did not deserve all the criticism and booing he got, but his performance on the field did not exactly light up any opposing defenses.

Rex Grossman: Oh the Sex Cannon.  There’s not much to be said about him that hasn’t already been said.  I love the guy, but he just couldn’t see over his line and made so many bad decisions.  He was the quarterback that went to the Super Bowl in 2006, however (note how I didn’t say he “took” the Bears to the Super Bowl).

Brian Urlacher: Hey hey!  Someone that actually panned out.  He was a safety in college, but the Bears immediately moved him to outside linebacker and eventually to the middle.  He was one of the dominant players at his position for the last decade.

David Terrell: The Bears needed receivers (sound familiar?) and turned to this standout from the University of Michigan.  Someone forgot to tell us he couldn’t catch the ball though.  Out of the league within a few years.

Chicago Blackhawks

Jonathan Toews: Toews and Kane are pretty much inseparable in this discussion.  The Hawks have finally begun to turn things around since old man Wirtz’s death.  Toews had a stellar rookie season, scoring the second most goals on the team behind Kane.  He was named a captain and helped lead the team to the Western Conference Finals this year.

Patrick Kane: Although he looks like he’s 12 and has a finesse (see: soft) game, he has been extremely effective for the Hawks.  He won Rookie of the Year and continues to dazzle hockey fans.  Also helped lead the Hawks to the Western Conference Finals alongside Toews this season.

Anyone Else from 1999-2006: I didn’t follow the team and I’m guessing most of you didn’t.  I have no real memory of a “chosen one” from the Hawks during this time.  If you can think of one let me know.  We’ll call these “the lost years”.

How after two games that were 2-2 in the third periods can the Red Wings have so thoroughly dominated the Blackhawks to think that Chicago has no chance to come back in the series?  Things got away from Chicago in the third period of Game 1, but nothing of the sort happened last night.  The Hawks looked poised to tie the series up in the last five minutes of regulation.  The Wings had a couple odd-man rushes, but the ice was definitely slanted Chicago’s way.  If not for one of Chris Osgood’s best games of the playoffs, this is 1-1 heading to the United Center.  Some thoughts on the game:

• Turnovers did it again.  It was Seabrook doing the damage for the second game in a row to give Dan Cleary the opportunity to score a breakaway goal, then it was Campbell that turned it over leading to the game winning 3-on-1 break.  You’re not going to make it through a game without any turnovers, but it’d be nice to have them not lead directly to goals.  Despite their huge mistakes it’s easy to have some sympathy since Campbell played one hell of a game before the gaff and Seabrook took a shot to the tots that would have crippled just about every player in the league not named Sean Avery. 
• I’m sure it’s happened, but I can’t remember the last time the Red Wings were outshot in a playoff game.  The Hawks have to feel good that they created some more opportunities last night.
• Even Patrick Kane got a shot in (three actually), but he’s still a -5 for the series and I’m pretty sure he still has no points.  Toews got both goals for the Hawks, with a centering pass that went of a Red Wing skate and a deflection in the third to tie it up.  Toews also showed some leadership out there, noticably playing hard. 
• The two day break will really benefit Chicago.  It will give them time to let the tough loss soak in, then get mad and refocus for Game 3.  With a young team losing a heartbreaker like that to go down 2-0 to the defending champs, I’d be worried with a game Thursday night, but Quenneville should be able to focus the boys for Friday, and I’d expect another strong game. 
• The Hawks started strong again, a welcome departure from last series.  They were flying around, hitting hard, and even put in the first goal again. 
• I really had a hard time with the officiating last night.  After the Hawks picked up a too many men on the ice call, it seemed like the make-up calls started rolling.  I’ve rarely seen Lidstrom take a penalty, much less two in one game.  And the trip call against Bolland was really weak.  It’s been a wide open style so far and penalties should be pretty obvious, so why the ticky-tack calls?  Let em play. 
• Once again, it was the depth of Detroit that doomed the Blackhawks.  If the secondary defensemen aren’t going to be able to stop Filpula, Hudler, Samuelsson, and company, then it will be up to Kane, Sharp, and Havlat to start putting some pucks in the net.  The way this series is shaping up, the Hawks are going to need more than a couple goals to win. 

Well, it’s a good thing for the Blackhawks, but now we get two days without a game for a plane ride that lands five minutes before it takes off.  Game 3 is Friday if you struggle with math and days of the week.

• The young stars for the Blackhawks would have to be super-human to not feel pressure going into Game 2.  Kane and Toews put up some awful stats in Game 1 and it’s on them to step it up tonight.  Kane was held without a shot just three times all season before Sunday, but now it’s four times and two of those have come against Detroit.  Kane mentioned that it felt like he was being triple teamed out there in Game 1, so hopefully for the Hawks he’ll be able to find some space and discover that magic he had against Vancouver. 
• I didn’t see Seabrook and Keith take a whole lot of heat after Game 1.  I thought these two had been a couple of the best defensmen in the entire league for the first two rounds, but a couple of bad turnovers in Game 1 were killers.  While guys like Datsyuk and Hossa struggle, the Hawks can’t afford to give away goals to other players. 
• One of the positives I saw from Chicago in the first game was their physical play.  The Wings played a real tough series against Anaheim before this one and if the Hawks can keep punishing the Wings with big hits, there’s a chance they could wear them down if they can extend this series. 
• Another good thing for Chicago is that being so young, there most recent playoff experience is the only kind they have.  The Hawks fell behind 1-0 in the Vancouver series and had a great comeback to win Game 2.  Just because this is a bigger stage, doesn’t mean they can’t handle it.  Look for a disciplined and spirited performance tonight. 
• Again, pay attention to the pace tonight.  After winning the first game, I can’t imagine the Wings would try and change styles, so it will likely be another wide open and exciting affair. 

That’s all I’ve got this afternoon, but I’m really looking forward to this one tonight.  6:30 PM CT, on Versus.

• Game 1 definitely lived up to the hype for the series.  Both teams were flying up and down the ice and testing the goaltenders.  As I heard the Pittsburgh-Washington series described, it looked like you were watching the game with the fast forward on the DVR.  I guess that answers the question regarding the pace the Red Wings would try to play at.  It’s going to be strength on strength as both teams prefer a wide open style. 
• The depth of the Red Wings was lethal.  The Filpula, Hudler, Samuelsson line dominated to the point that Quenneville switched Keith and Seabrook to match up with them in the third period.  Hjalmarsson, Barker, and Walker need to step up their play for the Hawks to have a chance here. 
• I probably should be careful using the word “lethal” in the last point, because it almost took on a very literal meaning when Ben Eager was upended and his skate sliced Adam Burish on his neck.  That was less than an inch from being disastrous.  Most of us remember the Richard Zednik situation from a couple years ago, and this could have been just as bad. Kudos to Burish for not being phased and playing a very strong game after that, until that double minor for cross-checking Draper twice in the last minute. 
• Where were the stars for the Hawks?  Kane and Toews combined for one shot on goal the entire game (Toews), while compiling a pair of minus-3’s.  Keith and Seabrook each had a turnover that led directly to the first two goals for the Wings.  NBC had an un-official count of 10 turnovers for the Wings and only 1 for the Hawks, but that was obviously wrong.  Both teams struggled hard in the turnover department. 
• Khabibulin was about as good as a goaltender can be while giving up four goals (the 5th was empty net).  Especially in the second period while Detroit had a few power plays he was outstanding.  The Hawks will need more of the same from Bulin, but it looks like he could steal a game in this series if he keeps it up. 
• Zetterberg and Datsyuk were amazing.  Every time there was a loose puck in their vicinity they got it.  There was one play where Zetterberg forced a turnover at center ice, went around three Hawks and Khabibulin thwarted his centering attempt; then he stole the puck again and created another chance.  While Toews and Kane disappointed, hopefully this is a glimpse into the future for those young stars. 
• The Hawks can be encouraged that they did not shy away from the big stage.  They came out in the first period and it looked like the rink was slanted their way.  There were also stints in which they dominated and peppered Osgood.  Burish, Eager, and company dished out some physical punishment too.  This game was 2-2 in the third and the Hawks had plenty of chances to take the lead.  I thought Versteeg and Campbell played great games with Versteeg creating chances and scoring, and with Campbell jumping into the play and even laying some big-time hits. 

Game 2 is Tuesday night in Detroit and will be on Vs. at 6:30 CT.

Bulls (The Coming of Age of A Legend):

After waking up early and returning from the Farmer’s Market (I bought some amazing honeycrisp apples), I popped on the Bulls game.  The Bulls started off playing very well.  Unfortunately Tyrus picked up two quick fouls and found himself on the bench until about halfway through the 2nd quarter.  In spite of Brad Miller’s terrible defense, they managed to put together a 16-4 run in the 2nd quarter and went into the half up 9 points.  Rose looked like he was having another great game, scoring 13 points while dishing out 7 assists.  It was a good half and the Bulls really looked like they could control the game.

Then everything just went crazy.  The Celtics quickly closed the gap in the 3rd quarter, but Rose would not give an inch in what was fast becoming a battle for the ages.  As Rondo and Rose dueled throughout the second half, trading baskets since neither was quick enough on the defensive end to stay in front of the other, the momentum switched back and forth.  The game had more lead changes than I could keep track of, and you could feel it on every play.  With some help from an energized Noah, some no/yes buckets from Tyrus, and a crucial missed free throw by Paul Pierce, the Bulls were able to send this game to overtime and eventually win it.

Before I get caught up in Derrick Rose’s unbelievable night (36 points, 11 assists, 4 rebounds), other credit/blame is due.  Noah played the best basketball he has all season.  He scored 11 points and snagged 17 rebounds, but more importantly he played high-intensity basketball every minute he was on the floor.  He added a steal and 3 blocks to that and as NQTC reader Gavin pointed out to me during the game, he was doing all kinds of things that weren’t going to show up on the stat sheet.  Hinrich also contributed in quiet ways, coming in defensively to help shut down Pierce and Allen.  Both of those guys had terrible days, and that can be attributed in part to the job done by Salmons, Hinrich and even Gordon.

Now about Derrick Rose.  His 36 points tied the record for a rookie playoff debut.  Not only did that tie him with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but it pushed him past the 2nd place man on the list at 35 points, Michael Jordan.  To truly appreciate what he did, I recommend reading Henry Abbott’s breakdown of Rose’s game.  His ability to get his teammates the ball in a position to score or make something happen is phenomenal.  He isn’t Chris Paul yet, but on a day like yesterday he could have been.  He was also able to knock down the open midrange jumper, making 5-7 from beyond 15 feet.  His explosive move to the basket was leaving the Celtics arguing with each other about missed assignments.

I think the question about whether he is merely a star or the next great superstar has been laid to rest.  Tonight was a coming of age for Rose.  He has had great games in the past, but on this stage, in an extremely hostile environment, he showed the confidence, leadership, and skill it takes to be great in this league.  I think with the right pieces next to him, he may even win a championship.  For some reason it makes me think of this video, sent in by NQTC reader Frank the Tank:

After the final whistle and getting off the phone with every single member of my family and about 5 other people, my adrenaline was still pumping.  Then I got a phone call from my friend Golan.

Cubs (Aramis Does It Again):

Ring ring.  It’s my phone, but I barely notice it from across the room as I’m jumping up and down screaming and freaking out.  The time is 2:40 p.m. and I just witnessed something that should never have happened.  The Bulls winning.  I finally run across the room and pick up the phone.

Golan: “Are you gonna watch this game right now?”

Me: “Which NBA game is on now anyways?”

Golan: “No I mean the Cubs game.”

Shit, I completely forgot about the Cubs game.  It started at exactly 2:40 though, so I popped it on.  I was having trouble sitting down and staying calm for most of the game.  My adrenaline was still pumping from the Bulls and I was getting excited for the Hawks game that night.  The first couple innings of the Cubs game barely caught my attention as I was chattering about a mile a minute about the Bulls to Golan, who had stopped by to watch the game.

In the 3rd inning Dempster started showing some cracks, giving up 3 runs and causing me to pay a little more attention to the game.  (This would not be Dempster’s last appearance in my story, by the way)  Nothing was going to bring down my mood though.  The Cubs got one back on a Fukudome double in the bottom half and I was confident we could come back.  Then in the 5th inning we did come back and tied it up 4-4.  We got another run from Miles and went ahead 5-4.

I had two notable conversations with Golan before he left around the 5th or 6th inning.  Both foreshadowed how the rest of the game would go.  The first was Golan thought Aramis Ramirez was one of the great clutch hitters in the league.  I gave him my usual spiel about how there is no such thing as clutch-hitting, but Aramis is a great hitter in any situation.  The second conversation was an argument where I tried to say the bullpen hasn’t been that bad this year with guys like Heilman and Marmol being pretty good and other guys like Gregg and Guzman rounding into form.

In the 7th inning, Cotts came on and walked the first 2 batters he faced.  Lou brought in Marmol who slammed the door on the Cards comeback attempt, retiring all three batters he faced.  Then he melted down.  He came on to start the 8th and gave up two doubles and hit Khalil Greene.  Thankfully Kevin Gregg had his good stuff (yeah apparently he has good stuff), and he got two strikeouts and a groundout to end the threat.  Unfortunately the Cards had tied it up 5-5.

I had a minor problem.  I had to get to my friends house so we could head down to the Hawks game.  I set my phone on 15 second refresh on ESPN.com and ran to the bus.  The Cubs weren’t able to win it in the 9th and I arrived at my buddy’s in time to see the 10th and 11th.  Golan, I want to apologize to you for our earlier disagreement.  I was completely wrong.  Aramis Ramirez is clutch, end of story.  When he stepped up to the plate in that 11th inning, I just kind of knew, and so did Aramis.  With one gigantic swing of the bat Ramirez did what he has done for the past 8 years: put on his hard hat and carry his lunchbox to work everyday and hit the ball really hard.  He has more home runs as a 3rd basemen than anyone in all of baseball since 2001.  It’s time he got his due as one of the greatest 3rd basemen of our generation.  He has quietly compiled some monster stats and deserves much more recognition than he receives.  Chicago teams were 2-0 so far.

Chicago Blackhawks (Toews Wins My Heart)

After arriving at the Hawks game we grabbed a beer and took our seats.  There was a sort of energy in the building that was intangible and yet you could cut through it with a knife.  I had been to the United Center many times and even seen a few Hawks games there, but this was different.  They always say playoff hockey is insane, but you have to actually experience it to truly understand.  After my ears almost exploded from screaming throughout the national anthem, Coach Ditka came out to drop the ceremonial faceoff puck and the game was under way.

The screaming had gone from essentially the beginning of the montages through the end of the national anthem (about 20 minutes) and my throat already hurt.  Then the first period started and the Hawks gave my sore throat a much needed rest.  They played some of the sloppiest hockey I have seen and made me question whether they were ready for the playoffs.  Calgary was more physical, more controlled and all around better.  It showed on the scoreboard too, where the Hawks trailed by 2 goals.  My understanding of hockey playoffs is that there aren’t a lot of goals scored because of how physical it is and how great the goaltending is.  We were all pretty disheartened and a collective melancholy had settled over the crowd.

Then the 2nd period started and everything changed.  Toews was able to score a pretty-looking goal early in the period during a power play, but the Hawks still started off slow and gave the Flames way too many shots on goal.  The Flames were still far more physical than the Hawks, however.  Everytime Burish came on the crowd would get excited for the Hawks to finally fight back.  The problem is Burish is terrible at hockey.  Every time he touched the puck he would make a bad pass or give it up.  Also whoever this Walker guy is, why is he on the team?  He is the worst player I have ever seen.  Anyways as the period wore on you could tell the Hawks were poised to break through.  They were starting to play more controlled and finally it happened.  On an amazing pass by Kane, Sharp just tapped it into the net in another gorgeous, crisp-looking goal that tied the game 2-2.

Even though the Flames were playing far more physical, the Hawks were clearly dominating the entire second period.  Toews scored another gorgeous looking goal in the waning seconds of the period and as the 3rd period started the waiting game began.  Quick note, Ryan Dempster was the celebrity contestant for the hockey puck shot game between the 2nd and 3rd period.  He wore a crazy looking plaid sport coat and was introduced as a Canadian.  The Sox-heavy crowd booed him but he was actually very good at handling the stick and almost made the impossible shot.

Anyways, the waiting game was brutal.  Besides one altercation that resulted in a 4-on-4, it was pretty much an excruciating 20 minutes.  I felt like that scene in Miracle where the US team is just counting down the clock and praying that the Ruskies don’t score.  And just like that movie, the Flames could not convert.  They had some decent chances early in the period but the Hawks clamped down for the rest and marched to a 2-0 lead in the series.

Jonathan Toews is everything I’ve heard about and more.  This kid is amazing.  His goals were beautiful and his energy and focus were admirable.  Sharp and Kane were also fun to watch.  This team is young and exciting and could make a run deep into the post-season.

Now before I end this Hawks game discussion, there is one thing I didn’t mention the whole time that may be the most important key to the Hawks win.  Khabibulin.  All I heard all season was about how the Hawks have two extremely expensive, yet average goalies in Huet and Khabi.  On this night, though, Khabi made some amazing saves.  Not one or two, but again and again from the drop of the puck to the final horn he was blocking the puck with everything he had.  One save actually looked like he knocked it off the blade of his skate.  If he can do what he did last night coupled with the Hawks high-powered offense, they are as good as any team in the playoffs right now.

Conclusion:

About halfway through the Hawks game, my friend asked me to check the White Sox score on my phone for him.  The White Sox?  I had completely forgotten about them in the craziness of the day.  Sure enough, the Sox had beaten the Rays 8-3 to make it a perfect 4-0 for Chicago sports teams yesterday.  Rose, Ramirez, Toews and Khabibulin all made my day amazing.  I don’t know when the next time 4 Chicago teams will win 2 playoff games and go 4-0 overall on the same day will be, but for now, I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did.  So what are you up to today?

The highlight for me involved free helmet night.  The first whatever-thousand fans received a Blackhawks hard-hat last night and when Toews tipped the puck into the net in the second for his apparent hat trick clincher, Hawks fans went all Wrigley bleachers and started hurling those helmets onto the ice in celebration.  Then because it wasn’t funny enough already, the goal was called back and everyone had wasted their giveaway.  Check out the video; the first three minutes are the best.

Thankfully, Toews would complete the hat trick later and the hats flew onto the ice again.  How were there so many hats left after the first one?!  I’m not sure if people were too attached to their hats the first time and were just drunk enough to throw them in the third, or if that many people held onto them the first time knowing the goal might be called back.  Actually, I suppose all those lower bowl fans that threw their helmets the first time reloaded and had to give up their free gift twice.  Dedication.  Here’s the second video:

Wild goaltender Josh Harding stopped 44 of the 45 shots the Hawks sent his way and was a major factor in killing off all eight of Chicago’s power plays.

The shaky power play is a familiar problem for the Blackhawks this season, but on that seems to occur less frequently as the season goes along.  The absence of Patrick Sharp doesn’t help, especially when facing the Wild and their league leading penalty kill.

Jonathan Toews opened the scoring at 10:03 of the second period, with assists to Havlat and Kane.  Hey, are they still doing that million dollar giveaway for a goal at 10:00 of the second?  It was pretty damn close to happening again, and on the Hawks only goal as well.  The Blackhawks enjoyed the lead for all of about 2:45 before Minnesota tied it up on the power play.

In the third period, the Hawks outshot the Wild 15 to 6, but it was Minnesota’s Peter Olvecky that recorded the only goal.  The game winner was Olvecky’s first NHL goal.  Congratulations kid, you son of a bitch!

Huet was in net again for Chicago and has started every game since Khabibulin’s injury.  He wasn’t terrible, but you have to wonder if he is getting tired since he hasn’t started a string of games like this all season. We’ll see if he gets the nod Tuesday night when the Hawks travel to Nashville.

After the brutal road stretch, the Blackhawks have 16 of their last 24 games at the United Center.  They remain 10 points behind the Red Wings in the Central and they’re tied with Calgary for the third most points in the Western Conference.  While a four seed  is the highest the Hawks can hope for if they don’t catch the Wings, it would be nice to have home ice for at least the first round.