at 
Game Time: 2:00PM Central
TV/Radio: NBC, CBC (Anglo), TVA (Franco), WGN-AM 720
Waste Of Mind: Anaheim Calling, Battle of California
Yes, they are in fact still playing. And the Western Conference Final at long last begins this afternoon in Orange County, where the Ducks look to advance to their first Cup final since 2007, and the the Hawks attempt to win their third Cup in six seasons.
In the post Niedermayer and Pronger Era of the Anaheim Ducks, the strength and success of the franchise has hinged on the depth of their forward corps. And make no mistake about it, this can be a large, nasty, unpleasant lot to play against that is not short on skill either.
In the post Niedermayer and Pronger Era of the Anaheim Ducks, the strength and success of the franchise has hinged on the depth of their forward corps. And make no mistake about it, this can be a large, nasty, unpleasant lot to play against that is not short on skill either.
vs
Game Time: 7:00PM Central
TV/Radio: CSN, SportsNet, WGN-AM 720
Dude, Is That Thing Cashed?: Nucks Misconduct, Canucks Army
Instead of playing up the blood feud between these two teams as has been customary during pieces like this over the years, what is now hot to do is lament how there is neither any sizzle or any steak to these matchups. Realignment and Mike Gillis torpedoing a perennial contender have made these games now just another date on the calendar for the most part. But that doesn’t mean that this isn’t a critical game for both squads tonight.
vs
Game Time: 7:00PM Central
TV/Radio: CSN, SportsNet, WGN-AM 720
Dude, Is That Thing Cashed?: Nucks Misconduct, Canucks Army
Instead of playing up the blood feud between these two teams as has been customary during pieces like this over the years, what is now hot to do is lament how there is neither any sizzle or any steak to these matchups. Realignment and Mike Gillis torpedoing a perennial contender have made these games now just another date on the calendar for the most part. But that doesn’t mean that this isn’t a critical game for both squads tonight.
vs. 
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.
Despite what the empty talking heads on TSN and NHL Network would have everyone believe every March, the NHL Trade Deadline is no longer the cornucopia of big name player swaps that it once was. That title has been usurped by the draft, and with a major new wrinkle in the CBA, it stands to get even more silly.
I should probably warn you. There’s going to be a lot of teeth-gnashing from the Triumvirate here before the trade deadline about a second line center. Yes, it mostly has to do with Ryan Kesler, and that’s heightened by our unconditional love for that player. Yes, he’s hated by a large swath of Hawks fandom and Hawks players (I can only imagine how icy the handshake between him and Toews would be if he were miraculously acquired). I know he’s not coming, but you always dream. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not a screaming need for the Hawks, and the struggles of the second and third lines the past month (or two?) has highlighted it.
