Now that our Winter of Discontent is in full swing, the bitterness and anger only seems to be rising from everyone. Both owners, players, and especially fans seem like they could boil over at any moment. Maybe that’s what this whole thing needs. Only then does it feel like something will be at risk. But there’s a couple themes from both sides that they keep putting out there that just don’t add up.
Hogs loss recaps: (Saturday) (Sunday)
Mark McNeil gets profiled: (BTN)
Something about that second photo makes the whole story uncomfortable for me: (PD)
They’re going to talk some more, but I can’t pretend its encouraging anymore: (PHT)
Duncs gets it: (CSNChi)
Friedman thinks both sides need to shut up, and then we need to stay away: (CBC)
I hadn’t been to a Wolves game since their inaugural season in 1994 on Hanson Brothers night, which was two lockouts ago. I hadn’t been to the Horizon at all since Adam Jones, Justin Chancellor, and Danny Carey were polishing off the last notes to “Lateralus.” So to say I was in for a new experience of sorts would be right on the mark last night.
I hadn’t seen the new re-model of the interior of the Horizon, and I have to say I’m a fan. It feels cozier than it did, the sight-lines for hockey are better than they were, and it just feels like a more-modern arena, whereas the old layout felt dated probably from the moment the place opened. The constantly turning concourse could have used some work, but there’s only so much you can do. And the search for a beer other than Coors is mind-numbing. If Killion ever makes the trip there he’s probably going to have a seizure.
Anyway, other thoughts on my night watching the Hogs and Wolves:
For those of you watching the game between our two most local, actually-playing professional teams, you can use this to discuss what’s going on. Or maybe just the frustration that we’re not talking about the opener. Or whatever you want. Fire.
It’s now officially our first NHL-less weekend. I won’t be navigating the fucking Red Carpet Ceremony trying to peddle Indians while suburban people look at me weird and the Ice Crew takes pictures on my spot. Oh how I’ll miss that. Anywho, what’s out there as alternates?
Today I was supposed to be starting the first real Committed Indian of the year, wrapping up work just in time to take in Flyers-Bruins before watching the Kings raise a banner instead of watching Joe Saunders try and wheeze and stumble his way through the Yankees lineup. Or the Steelers and Titans, which I don’t think anyone outside of Pennsyltucky really cares about, and that includes Tennessee.
But I’m not, obviously.
Happy 10-11-12.
The NHL and NHLPA met again: (ESPN)
Which allowed the game of; “you go first,” “no you go first,” to continue: (PHT)
Wysh thinks sides conceding things will help negotiations: (PD)
As someone who pays no attention to their health this is terrifying: (TSN)
Speaking of bad health: (TFP)
CSN takes a look at Eddie O before he goes into the USAH HOF, and when PHT picked up the story they attributed it: (CSN) (PHT)
Oh yeah, actual hockey: (Blackhawks.com)
Well, we come to it. Your other AHL option in the “area”, but the one that will probably interest you most. There are many benefits to the Hogs, and one crucial drawback. But we’ll focus on them here.
Venue: The Metro Center, or I guess now it’s called the BMO Harris Bank Center. Which only makes me want to call it the BM Center, and I think that’s pretty apt because it’s in Rockford. But anyway, people who have been there (namely Chris Block) say it’s a pretty cool place to see a game because it’s small. That makes the atmosphere a little more tense and the sightlines great. So there’s that. It’ll be a much more intimate setting than the airplane hangar the UC can feel like at times.
Friends, we here and at many other blogs are accustomed to seeing our stuff borrowed, gleaned, stolen, whatever verb you want to use. I’ve grown a thick skin over it. But CSN Chicago has caught me when I’m bored, angry, and with not much else to do. So it’s time to cry havoc and let slip the hogs of War! (Dogs of wars)
A few minutes ago on twitter, CSN producers Katie Fowler, T.K. Gore, and John Ship not only are claiming the #ShawFacts as their own, but garnered a local Emmy nod for it. But as well all know, this was the creation of good friend Forklift at hockeenight.com.
This aggression will not stand, man. We have not bound together in a long time, we have not unleashed the unholy hell that can be you, dear reader when you have a cause. The time has come to draw swords together.
Oh, and in case you need proof: read the last paragraph of Fork’s entry here in January – http://hockeenight.com/2012/01/25/vacation-mode-predators-3-blackhawks-1.aspx
Katie Fowler’s twitter is @KatieFowlerCSN
TK Gore is @TKGore
John Shipp is @JohnShip99
Rain fire on the site’s contact page: csnchicagowebsite@comcastsportsnet.com
We will defend Fork’s honor, whatever the cost may be!
I guess it’s a regular thing now. I mean, we’ve got nothing else to talk about. So let’s get to what we can.
It’s even more infuriating that there’s no NHL with the first update. Because normally I would see what Phillip Danault is doing in the QMJHL and I would picture him on the ice down the road with what I was seeing on the UC sheet. But I don’t have that picture, and I can’t see Danault doing any of this without some weird internet feed, and I just want to kick a cat. Because he’s didn’t stop crushing skulls this weekend.
