Everything Else

Sky’s The Limit – Rangers vs Hawks Preview, Pregame Thread, Another Stupid Pizza Debate

By March 8, 2015 1133 0

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Game Time: 6:30PM Central
TV/Radio: NBCSN, WGN-AM 720
The Producers: Blueshirt Banter

For the first time since the trade deadline, the Hawks will get a lot at their new acquisitions against a non-garbage opponent, the New York Rangers. Though NBC surely didn’t plan on having neither Patrick Kane or Henrik Lundqvist available for the proceedings, this is still a solid matchup based on the standings. And considering how the Hawks looked on Friday night against the abject trash on ice that the Edmonton Oilers have been, the national TV audience had better brace itself.

Everything Else

It Still Points, Doesn’t It? Oilers 1 – Hawks 1 (Hawks win bake off)

By March 6, 2015 1040 0

Box Score

Event Summary

War On Ice

Natural Stat Trick

If I were going to try and excuse this effort, the one where the Hawks gave up 47 shots to the dead ass Oilers, I would say something like the following: It was clear there was an extra jump with the Hawks on Monday, juiced by a couple days off that were filled with two new acquisitions that were supposed to refocus the whole organization. So there was always going to be a come down from that, especially when the 29th placed Oilers came for a visit and the feeling, as it always is with them though it almost never works out that way, that the Hawks can just show up and win.

I’m not saying that was the case, but you could make this argument and it’s not total horse hockey.

Everything Else

Kick Him When He’s Down – Oilers vs Hawks Preview, Pregame Thread, Cryogenic Preservation

By March 6, 2015 1213 0

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Game Time: 7:30PM Central
TV/Radio: CSN Plus (Ch. 201), WGN-AM 720
Undeserving of Eichel & McDavid: Copper & Blue, Oilers Nation

With the calendar now having turned to March, the Oilers are now entering month five of irrelevance as far as the Western Conference playoff picture is concerned. They will once again be in the running for the top overall pick, depending on how the lottery balls bounce. But in their only visit to the United Center this year, the Hawks can ill afford any pity on even such a revoltingly piteous group as the Oilers.

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C’Mon Kimmo

By February 28, 2015 1307 0

It’s a rare weekend off for the Hawks, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t much to talk about. As you know by now, during the game last night the Hawks gave up this year’s 2nd rounder and a conditional pick next year that can be a 4th, 3rd, or 2nd depending on how far they go this spring for Kimmo Timonen.

It’s a strange one, for sure. Rarely, if ever, do you see a player who hasn’t played all year traded for, and actually a team giving up tangible assets to do so. This came only a few days after the Leafs trading for Nathan Horton, who is likely to never play again. Let us not say that NHL GMs haven’t gotten creative.

Everything Else

Five Man Acoustical Jam: Hawks at TB Diddler’s Preview/Pregame Thread/Guitar Tuning

By February 27, 2015 1180 0

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FACEOFF: 6:30pm

TV/RADIO: CSN round here, NHLN-US not round here, WGN Radio 720

FLASH BEFORE MY EYES: Raw Charge

If the Hawks got to find their defensive feet, and overall game without Patrick Kane, against an offensive soft underbelly ready for tickling against the Panthers, they will swing wildly to the other end of the spectrum tonight. It’s also the second of a back-to-back and while in previous years the Hawks have excelled in this situation, this year they’ve been stunningly mediocre.

Everything Else

Ridin’ The Storm Out

By February 25, 2015 1195 0

Hey the Hawks play that before every 3rd period at the UC, so I can use it.

Now that we have the cold light of day to refocus on everything, there’s some cleaning up to do.

While some have already begun speculating what the Hawks will do to fill in the gap left by Kane, that’s missing the point. The biggest problem isn’t at forward. It’s still on defense, and that’s where the Hawks focus has to be, for a multitude of reasons.

Everything Else

“Cha!” Said The Kitty – Panthers vs Hawks Preview, Pregame Thread, Teeth Gnashing

By February 24, 2015 1528 0

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Game Time: 7:30PM Central
TV/Radio: CSN, WGN-AM 720
It Never Snows In Florida: Litter Box Cats

Much like Joel Quenneville’s theory regarding 5-on-3’s, there was a school of thought that this 8 game homestand would go a long way in determining how the Hawks’ regular season will end up. And also similar to  Quenneville’s 5-on-3 power play units, this stretch has been frustrating and bordering on motionless, going down to the wire to salvage something other than “unmitigated disaster” as a result. That opportunity presents itself tonight in the form of the Florida Panthers on the front end of a home-and-home, where the Hawks can barely squeak out 9 points of a potential 16 with a win tonight coming off of three straight losses.

Everything Else

Darker Than A Black Steer’s Tookus: Bruins 48 – Hawks -8

By February 22, 2015 1042 0

Everything Else

Now We’re Gonna Be Face-to-Face: Red Wings 3, Blackhawks 2 (Red Wings win hot dog eating contest 2-1)

By February 18, 2015 1185 0

Box Score

Event Summary

War on Ice

Natural Stat Trick

Remember when these teams played in the same division? I’m glad they don’t anymore. If they did, I would have ripped out every one of my fingernails in frustration of watching Justin Abdelkader grab a handful of the closest sweater to him up and down the ice.

I’m getting annoyed just thinking about it. Let’s get to it.

Everything Else

All That’s Left – Canucks vs Hawks Preview, Pregame Thread, Fiber Optic Installation

By February 11, 2015 1202 0

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Game Time: 7:00PM Central
TV/Radio: CSN, SportsNet, WGN-AM 720
Dude, Is That Thing Cashed?: Nucks Misconduct, Canucks Army

Instead of playing up the blood feud between these two teams as has been customary during pieces like this over the years, what is now hot to do is lament how there is neither any sizzle or any steak to these matchups. Realignment and Mike Gillis torpedoing a perennial contender have made these games now just another date on the calendar for the most part. But that doesn’t mean that this isn’t a critical game for both squads tonight.