There is no use ignoring what is clearly the biggest sports story in at least a decade, and that is the spectre of the COVID-19 pandemic. And while the NBA had already been a bit more active in getting out ahead of things even with both the visiting Sharks and the Blue Jackets declaring their intent to play in front of empty buildings, the NHL still is insisting to this very moment that games will not be postponed or cancelled even as news of the NBA bringing things to a halt due to the infection in the Jazz locker room broke during the game. It feels like this might be the last game for the forseeable future, as shit is becoming real at a break neck pace. Both teams played like they were distracted for periods, and while the Hawks may have sold every ticket, it was sparse crowd that was even visible from TV. If nothing else, the Hawks braintrust will use the outbreak as a crutch to finally announce the sellout streak is over, and then brag that it took an act of god (or Satan) to halt them. With the win tonight the Hawks still remain mathematically alive, but then again, aren’t we all at this point?
Author: McClure
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Live From The Five Hole – Never Meant
After a week that flattered to deceive with hope but landed with a big, wet thud, Sam, John, and I hash out just what can be done from here for what feels like the 879th time since November of 2018. No subscription required, audio after the jump.
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Live From The Five Hole – Corona
In the wake of the trade deadline with not much new to discuss, Sam, John and I reach into the ol’ feedbag and answer a bunch of questions. No subscription necessary, links and such after the jump.
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Game #65 – Hawks 2, Panthers 2 (Hawks Win South Carolina Democratic Primary) – The Mistakes Are Obvious
Of course after they’re already out of it and have sold off what they can, the Hawks have now kept pace with three top flight offenses since the deadline, and bested two of them in Florida, which hasn’t happened consecutively since god knows when. And it certainly wasn’t ideal, but hey, a win is a win.
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Game #61 – Hawks vs Predators Preview – Where Are You?
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Game Time: 7:30PM CST
TV/Radio: NBC Sports Chicago, WGN-AM 720
Send David Poile To Gitmo: On The ForecheckIn a less-dystopian universe, one where each team played to what their roster says they should be, tonight’s matchup on West Madison would be one filled with Western Conference playoff intrigue. The Predators jockeying for home ice in the first round and the Hawks clinging to hold on to one of the last wild card spots. But instead, it’s the Preds still trying to figure themselves out as they keep running out of road in the regular season, and the Hawks actively imploding.
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Live From The Five Hole – 15 Minutes
With this being the presumable last recording before the trade deadline, Sam, John, and I play armchair GM/roster-bate. It’s even more riveting broadcasting than usual. Always free, audio always after the jump.
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Game #58 – Hawks at Flames Preview – Still Going At It
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Game Time: 9:00PM CST
TV/Radio: NBC Sports Chicago, CITY, CBC, SportsNet, SN360, WGN-AM 720
Which One Of My Garbage Sons Are You?: Flames Nation, Matchsticks & GasolineSo coming into this Western Canadian swing of five games, the Hawks were probably going to need three regulation wins to keep themselves reasonably fighting for a wild card spot in the west. To this point they have gotten exactly zero points in the first three games, so tonight in Calgary and tomorrow back in Winnipeg are absolute must wins. Generally those go about as well for the Hawks as hoping an unattended dog doesn’t eat a burger off the kitchen counter, but they’re going to play them anyway.
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Game #57 – Hawks at Canucks Preview – Seaward With The C-Words
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Game Time: 9:30PM CST
TV/Radio: NBC Sports Chicago, SportsNet+, SN360, WGN-AM 720
Slaying The Dragon: Nucks Misconduct, Canucks ArmyAfter a thoroughly embarrassing performance in Edmonton last night, the Hawks have no time to regroup as they continue their Western Canadian tour in Vancouver tonight against the Canucks, and just in time for Sedin Twin Night as 22 and 33 go into the rafters at Rogers Arena.
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Game #56 – Hawks at Oilers Preview – Phantom Limb
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Game Time: 8:00PM CST
TV/Radio: NBC Sports Chicago+, WGN-AM 720
Church Of McJesus Christ and Leon-Day Saints: Oilers Nation, Copper n BlueWell, the Hawks certainly won’t be able to say that they weren’t the beneficiaries of a bit of good fortune during whatever this so-called playoff push might become, as word just before press time leaked out that Connor McDavid will miss 2-3 weeks with a thigh bruise, which certainly puts him out for tonight’s tilt in Edmonton, and may very well keep him out of the lineup for the UC rematch the first week of March.
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Live From The Five Hole – Save It For Later
Sam, Pullega, and I examine what exactly this team is doing and where it’s headed after the break in into a possible season-defining road trip. As always, the links are after the jump and no subscription is required. (more…)