I can’t remember when I’ve walked out of the UC more confused. Usually I’m feeling good, dejected, or indifferent. But I don’t know what to make of tonight.
I’m cheating again. Usually I’d quickly sum up the game, then go to the bullets of what you might not have seen. But just like I did the last time I wrote a wrap, this one feels like a prose. So follow me after the jump, and we’ll go through it together.
vs 
Game Time: 7:30PM Central
TV/Radio: CSN, NBCSN (national), WGN-AM 720
Computer Blue: Hockey Wilderness
While the Hawks first game of consequence in the month of April did not go as planned against the Trailer Park Boys, the Hawks are still in the conversation for home ice provided they get some help while taking care of their own business. And that business involves the Wild tonight, where the Hawks can clinch no worse than the third seed in the Central with a single point.
Tonight: Blackhawks
Finding a role: CSN
Give us the Preds please: ESPN Chicago
Getting lucky again: CBS
Just no: PD
I guess I never noticed: BG
The Rockford IceHogs seem to be peaking at the perfect time of the season. Winners of eight of their last ten games, the Hogs have assured themselves of the team’s first trip to the AHL postseason in five years.
The IceHogs have avoided lengthy slumps that have doomed past campaigns. The worst stretch of hockey for Rockford came from November 28 to January 19, when the team was 8-9-4-1 in 22 games.
The Hogs tend to jell in the spring and this season has been no exception. What has been the difference is the team’s 15-4-0-1start. With 41 wins this season with seven games to play, the AHL franchise high water mark of 44 victories (set in 80-game seasons in 2007-08 and 2009-10) is certainly within reach.
You can point to a lot of factors that have gotten Rockford to this point. Here are some players who have provided a recent jump in the step of the IceHogs.
We figured with the weather getting warmer we should probably air ourselves out a bit. Gettin’ kinda rank and all. So Thursday night, we’ll be at A.J. Hudson’s (Ashland and Grace) for the Hawks-Blues game. They’ll have a Niklas Hjalmarsson signed jersey to raffle off, I’ll have some of our shirts, and other shenanigans. With HockeeNight having their usual rabble-rouse to close the season on Saturday, you could have yourself quite the weekend. Hope to see you there.
Box Score
Event Summary
War On Ice
Yes, this is frustrating. It’s made even moreso because the of the Blues factor. It always has been and always will be. But there are still bigger things at stake considering what actually took place tonight, so let the river rats enjoy the two points for now.
vs. 
FACEOFF: 6:30pm Central
TV/RADIO: NBCSN, WGN RADIO 720
METH COUNTY PICAYUNE: St. Louis Gametime
Well it’s a whole St. Louis-Chicago thing tonight, ain’t it? Not that any St. Louis resident will be aware that there’s a hockey game tonight. But there is, and it’s an important one, and this could be the first of up to nine contests between these two teams in the next three weeks. Tasting your lunch again? Thought so.
