This past weekend, the best defenseman in Hawks history went into the hockey Hall of Fame. And nary a word was mentioned around town. Or at least that’s how it felt. Sure, there was a Bears game and the Bulls have started. But we know that’s not the reason. But instead of trying to improve on what my brother The Ombudsman wrote in yesterday’s Indian, I’ll just provide it here.
Boxscore: NHL
Advanced Metrics: Extra Skater
Taking his rightful place among the greats of the game: Blackhawks
Redefined American Hockey: ESPN
A very exclusive club: TSN
It’s not cheap in Canada either: Globe and Mail
Suppose it doesn’t come down to much more than “job done.” The Hawks were sloppy for most of tonight’s game. They were uninterested for a portion. They played just long enough to beat the West’s worst team, which for them isn’t all that long. Basically the end of the 2nd period (a period which they were outplayed) and most of the 3rd. It was enough, and I guess on the second of a back-to-back that’s enough. But maybe we should aim higher.
Whereas last night it was the Hawks top line that saw them have just enough against a huffing and puffing lower tier team, tonight it was the second line, be it Brandon Saad or Patrick Kane moonlighting on the 3rd. This is probably where I say that’s the mark of a good team, in that it’s someone different every night. Nothing revelatory about the win, but it’s a win. Let’s get to the bullets.
vs. 
FACEOFF: 7pm Central
TV/RADIO: WGN for both
GET YOUR BISCUITS IN THE OVEN AND YOUR BUNS IN THE BED: Defending Big D
At little while ago, this weekend looked like another cupcake gauntlet for the Hawks (mmmmm, cupcake gauntlet… ). The Stars and Oilers were both near the bottom of their respective divisions, and to be kind to them they were both struggling to adapt to new coaches. However, the volume has turned up slightly as the Stars have won three in a row – two in the home run derby and one in overtime. However, two of the wins came in Boston and Detroit, so it’s not to be sneezed at like some black mold. If this were NBA JAM, the play-by-play guy would tell us the Stars are heating up (yes, I know it only took three straight shots in NBA JAM to be on fire, but two shootout wins and an OT win don’t scream “on fire!” to me quite yet. So shut up).
Talent prevails: Comcast
Early and Often: Chicago Tribune
Wipeout: Hockeenight
Advanced Metrics: Extra Skater
Game Summery: NHL
They failed for Nail for a reason: Sportsnet.Ca
A good guy returns: The Score
This is funny, but will probably piss people off: PuckDaddy
Yes that makes sense: Globe and Mail
Anytime your favorite team is in that room its a good day: Chicago Blackhawks
On to the next one: Comcast Autoplay
Visiting Real Heros: NBC (AUTOPLAY)
Advanced Metrics from the Calgary Game: Extra Skater
Ball dropped: Sportsnet.Ca
The Ref’s role: TSN
In a game facing a goalie starting in his first NHL game, the Hawks certainly did their best to throw everything, including the kitchen sink, at him. They put 18 shots on him in the first and finished out with 44 total, the most of the year thus far. It seems to be a common theme that a back up goalie comes up huge against the Hawks and comes out with a win. It seems that trend holds true for rookie debuts. While Reto Berra didn’t have to make too many spectacular saves, he was solid in his first start while the Hawks showed some tired legs. It still ends up with 3 points in back to backs… I’m not pissed.
vs. 
FACEOFF: 2pm Central
TV/RADIO: WGN for both
SO VERY, VERY COLD: Arctic Ice Hockey
Hard to believe because the Jets have now been in existence for three years, but this will be the Hawks first trip to the MTS Center (Centre?). Or at least in the regular season. Of course, the narrative is all about Jonathan Toews coming home to play his first regular season game in his hometown and all that. Whatever. We’ve done this enough with the two trips Patrick Kane has made to Buffalo.
vs.
FACEOFF: 2pm Central
TV/RADIO: WGN for both
SO VERY, VERY COLD: Arctic Ice Hockey
Hard to believe because the Jets have now been in existence for three years, but this will be the Hawks first trip to the MTS Center (Centre?). Or at least in the regular season. Of course, the narrative is all about Jonathan Toews coming home to play his first regular season game in his hometown and all that. Whatever. We’ve done this enough with the two trips Patrick Kane has made to Buffalo.
Frozen Four in Chicago?: Crains
Basically his season is over, considering how much he dresses: TSN:
Scumbag: Denver Post
That goes without saying: Comcast
The Khabbi: Cheer The Anthem
