Everything Else

Along The Way I Had To Sell My Soul: Hawks at Kings Preview/Pregame Thread/Taste Test

By 1343 0

Hawk Wrestler vs. JerryLawler_crop_exact

FACEOFF: 9pm Central

TV/RADIO: WGN for the locals, NHL-N for the non-locals, Sportsnet for the Hosers, WGN Radio 720

SUNSET HONEYS THAT MAKE US SAY: The Royal Half, Battle of California, Jewels From The Crown

You would think that this would have been the game circled on the calendar before the Circus Trip started. And yet it doesn’t feel like there’s an extra charge about this one. Maybe it’s because it’s the last game of the trip. Maybe it’s because both teams know that these sorts of things in November don’t really matter. Maybe it’s because neither team has fired on all cylinders this year for the most part. Or maybe it does and I just haven’t noticed. I am kind of oblivious that way.

Everything Else

California Uber Alles: Hawks at Ducks Preview/Pregame Thread/Family Spa Day

By 1179 0

Hawk Wrestler vs. howard_the_duck

FACEOFF: 3pm Central

TV/RADIO: WGN for both

CONSEQUENCES SCHMONSEQUENCES AS LONG AS I’M RICH: Anaheim Calling, Battle of California

After taking a break from it last season, the Hawks return to their usual Black Friday matinee at one of the biggest hives of scum and villainy in the world, Honda Center in Orange County (at least for me personally). In the past, these games have been something of a looney bin. The last two times it happened, in ’12 and ’11, the Hawks managed goal-explosions in the 3rd period to win. That would be all right this time, as the Ducks remain something of a bogey team for the Hawks, beating them only twice in the past seven meetings.

Everything Else

You Made Your Bed And Now You’re Lying In It: Hawks at Avalanche Preview/Pregame Thread/Vomitorium

By 1242 0

Hawk Wrestler vs. AU7UN

FACEOFF: 8pm Central (about 6-beer o’clock for most of us)

TV/RADIO: CSN, WGN 720

SO BUTTONS: Mile High Hockey

Perhaps the Avs are being weighed down by everyone in the hockey world’s “I told you so’s”, but it has not been a very kind season to the Snow Drifts Of Denver. And we can’t say that it hasn’t been hugely satisfying to watch. Patrick Roy and Joe Sakic couldn’t wait to tell us how they had the system beat, and now it’s beating them over the head. Delicious.

Everything Else

You Made Your Bed And Now You're Lying In It: Hawks at Avalanche Preview/Pregame Thread/Vomitorium

By 1334 0

Hawk Wrestler vs. AU7UN

FACEOFF: 8pm Central (about 6-beer o’clock for most of us)

TV/RADIO: CSN, WGN 720

SO BUTTONS: Mile High Hockey

Perhaps the Avs are being weighed down by everyone in the hockey world’s “I told you so’s”, but it has not been a very kind season to the Snow Drifts Of Denver. And we can’t say that it hasn’t been hugely satisfying to watch. Patrick Roy and Joe Sakic couldn’t wait to tell us how they had the system beat, and now it’s beating them over the head. Delicious.

Everything Else

I Seem To Recognize Your Face: Hawks at Canucks Preview/Pregame Thread/Sauna & Steam

By 1036 0

Hawk Wrestler vs. All_canucks_logos

FACEOFF: 8:30pm Central
TV/RADIO: CSN, WGN Radio
VERDEAZZURI: Nucks Misconduct

Remember when this used to be the first game you’d circle on the calendar? It was only about two or three years ago when this had an argument at the best rivalry in the NHL. The main characters are mostly still here. Luongo and Kesler have gone but The Children Of The Corn, the festering wound known as Alex Burrows, the human jaw Kevin Bieksa, the overgrown elbow that is Alex Edler, and others still call B.C. home. And yet… the thrill is gone.

Everything Else

I Seem To Recognize Your Face: Hawks at Canucks Preview/Pregame Thread/Sauna & Steam

By 1260 0

Hawk Wrestler vs. All_canucks_logos

FACEOFF: 8:30pm Central
TV/RADIO: CSN, WGN Radio
VERDEAZZURI: Nucks Misconduct

Remember when this used to be the first game you’d circle on the calendar? It was only about two or three years ago when this had an argument at the best rivalry in the NHL. The main characters are mostly still here. Luongo and Kesler have gone but The Children Of The Corn, the festering wound known as Alex Burrows, the human jaw Kevin Bieksa, the overgrown elbow that is Alex Edler, and others still call B.C. home. And yet… the thrill is gone.

Everything Else

Friday Foofaraw, Hockey Edition: Oduya, Hossa, Whatever Else

By 1200 0

Before an intense weekend of late-night road hockey (i.e. getting more gassed up than usual for those of us without familial or employment requirements), thought I’d go through some stuff today that’s been on my mind. It’s not an “Angry At Numbers” piece entirely but won’t be devoid of that either.

Last night I referred to Johnny Oduya’s up and down season as something that should genuinely concern the Hawks and their fans going forward. Right now, the entire structure of the defense is dependent on Ebenholts och Elfenben taking on the top assignments. It frees up Keith to be the possession monster that he’s been (even more so than last year) and also gets the third pairing even cozier minutes. And it keeps Seabrook from having to do anything too hard, which is good because he’s still fucking up the lighter assignments he’s getting.