Versus Frustrates Me

Last year the NHL on Versus decided to shut the Kings out from any type of national coverage, and once again, they decided to keep it as minimal as possible for this So Cal team. Hey, I love minimalism and everything, but only for my living spaces and furniture within. When it comes to hockey, I want more Kings exposure during more hours of the day.

For the 09-10 season, Versus decided showing one game involving the Kings was enough, but it's blatantly obvious as to why this game was chosen. If it's not obvious, then you need to open your eyes or just have me spell it out for you. This one Kings game was chosen because it was against the Chicago Blackhawks rather than any sort of potential the Kings merit.

Seriously, folks; what Kings game is going to get the most national draw possible? A game against a team that has been put through the hype ringer and drawn as thinly as possible. Yes, people can easily just get the Center Ice package to watch all things Kings, but my point here is not that. It's the fact that this team is, once again, attempting to get out of the usually damp and dusty cellar but are being stunted by a league that views this team as the red-headed step child. I really don't think giving them some national coverage it's that difficult. Why can't Versus just show a hockey double header every night of the season? I really don't think that channel is making its money through bull riding. Ultimate fighting, yes; bull riding, no.

X-posted to A Queen Among Kings

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We Have Our Final Matchup

Well…that’s that I suppose.

I could get all angry and critical at this point. I could yell and curse about our lack of energy. I could complain to the referees (the penalty on Kronwall was already ridiculous enough though). I could yell at Huet for a ridiculous game four. I could shout about the stupid, pointless penalties we took. I could criticize the defense for not knocking that pesky Holmstrom out of the way. Or I could, plain and simple, scream at the entire team that we, straight up, did not show up. But, I’m not going to do any of those things. I will though commend Detroit on their skill and general dominance throughout the entire series.

But, Lord, I am hoping the Pens take it to them. So I’ll be putting on my Pittsburgh hat and jumping on the bandwagon once again this year. Who’s ready for a rematch?

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Winter Classic

My local team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, is not part of the Winter Classic. In a way that adds to the enjoyment. Watching a game with no vested interest in the outcome is quite liberating. The timing is unusual - Canadian aren't used to watching NHL games in the afternoon. Collectively, we love the game so much that Saturday night - arguably the best night of the week - has been devoted to the game.

It's funny to see Ty Conklin wobbling through the halls of Wrigley field on skates, emerging onto the modern day urban frozen pond. Conklin is the only player to have participated in all three Winter Classic matches. Wonder if his trade clause only includes moves to the game's host city?

Chicago hockey fans can delight in seeing not only their home town team's rebirth but also in the chance watch local legend Chris Chelios. Chicago fans have waited a long time for the Hawks to be a playoff contender, and even amidst some of the game's cheesiness, their love for the game is coming though loud and clear.

The anthems are now over, the puck is about to drop, and like you, I'm off to watch some upscale shinny. Enjoy.

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It posted twice. :( Damn laptop.

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The Blackhawks are on dominate-mode. This has lead to the breaking of the franchise record for a winning streak. We set the bar at 9 after Sunday’s win against the Wild.

It all began on December 7th with a 7-1 win against the Coyotes. Then Huet got his first shutout of the season with a 2-0 win over the Senators. A hard fought battle against the Avalanche followed. It was followed by a 3-1 win against the Blue Jackets. Then we commanded an absolutely dominating 9-2 slam of the Oilers. The Flames couldn’t win the next game in overtime. We finished off the three-game Canadian road trip with a win against the Canucks. The following game against the Flyers at the United Center really showed how much the Hawks have improved and the most recent game against the Wild was the kicker. When your team can hold the zone for a solid 20 seconds when shorthanded on a 6 against 5, you have to be pretty proud.

Patrick Kane has accumulated 12 points on the streak. Jonathan Toews has 8 points. Kris Versteeg has 7 points. Duncan Keith has a +12 on the streak alone (he’s +19 on the year).

Knock on wood; let’s keep this up!

Winter Classic in 2 days!

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The Magic Uniform

The Blackhawks have just released a new children's book…

"The Magic Uniform" was written by Comcast SportsNet's Josh Mora and illustrated by his wife. "It's touching story of a boy who loved everything about the game of hockey. He was so obsessed with his beloved hometown team that he even believes he can help them win by wearing his 'magic uniform.' Through the eyes of a grandfather, telling the story of the boy and his magic uniform to his granddaughter, readers of any age will learn how being a hockey fan is truly magic."

Brian Campbell, Kris Versteeg and Adam Burish are doing signings and readings at some Borders. Until, of course, some kid says, "Burish, my dad thinks you're a loser!"



All of the benefits are going to Blackhawks charities.

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Welcome To Quenneville

If you didn't know about the Blackhawks recent coach brouhaha, here's what happened.



Joel Quenneville's 'stache.

Four games into this season, Denis Savard was axed and replaced by Joel. After we beat the Phoenix Coyotes, he was fired. Not really the best way to keep everyone's interests at heart, I think. Little Kane cried. Dale Tallon, during the press conference, looked like his mom had died. McDonough…looked…normal. And there was Scotty Bowman looking solid and stern. Obviously it wasn't just Tallon, it was a group decision.

Personally, I thought he was doing a good job. We went up from 71 points during his first year as a coach to 88 points last year. We didn't start this season the greatest; we only had one win in the first four games. So this apparently shows that if you're not absolutely perfect, you're out (get ready for a Huet trade! Seriously, he needs to pick himself off the ice…but that's a completely different issue).

"It was a flat camp and we got out of the gate flat," Tallon said. "It just didn't seem that we carried over the energy that we had to finish the year last year. We felt we needed to send a message and invigorate this team."

I guess the days of good 'ole heart-to-hearts are over.

"It's about moving forward, about achieving and winning and developing a consistent approach. And we felt we needed a more experienced person in that position and that's why we made the decision."

Now's the time we need experience? What about two years ago when you hired him in the first place?

Savard took the blow well and will probably be offered a different position. That's what the organization told us at least (they also told us, over the summer, "Savard's our man." Whom can a fan trust?)

As for Joel, he's posted a 2-1-2 record so far. And I agree with a lot of philosophies (like zone coverage vs. man-to-man), and his 'stache is ridiculous.

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Blackhawks Musical

Now for your listening pleasure...

1. PYT (Pretty Young Thing) – Michael Jackson

We drafted Pat Kane, enough said.

2. How Fortunate The Man With None - Dead Can Dance

This was when old Bill Wirtz died. It, of course, is never fun to see your owner die, but on the other hand, he was an evil dictator to the entire organization. It wasn't happy, but still nice to have a change coming.

3. Get The Party Started - P!nk

Rocky finally put the first home game on TV (November 11th against the Detroit Red Wings) after years of having to listen to home games on the radio, and on my birthday!

4. U Can't Touch This - MC Hammer

In November we were 8-3-2, and 5-1 at home. We were dominating, and the Blackhawks organization was beginning to test new wings.

5. Alone I Break - Koяn

When Jonny boy sprained his knee in the game against Los Angeles on January 1st. The one we lost terribly. Then, we started to go down hill...

6. Stupid MF - Mindless Self Indulgence *Explicit*

We went 4-9-1 and Khabby went 0-8 in January. Lalime thankfully went 4-1, but the Bulin wall's performance was absolutely terrible. I didn't know what was wrong with him, but he needed to get knocked out of whatever slump he was in.

7. Beware Of The Boyz – Jay-Z

Toews and Williams came back after their injuries and we started to dominate again. In February we went 7-4-2, and in March we went 8-5-2. We honored Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, and Tony Esposito during these months, and we began to actually become relevant again.

8. Stayin' Alive – The Bee Gees

At the end of the year, we were extremely optimistic and held onto our playoff hopes until the last two games of the season.

9. Let's See How Far We've Come - Matchbox 20

The Hawks used this song in their season recap video.

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Calder Trophy Conference Call

I’m listening to it right now and I have to admit, I find it very amusing. It features Nicklas Backstrom, Patrick Kane and Jonathon Toews and outside of the monotonous typical responses, there are little nuances that I’m enjoying. Click to listen.

• Toews follows up all of Kaner’s responses with “yeah I agree” or “I think Patrick said it.”

• You can tell Nicklas Backstrom doesn’t do that many interviews. After the question, “can you give us your thoughts on all of the other great rookies in the league?” he responds with, “I think there's a lot of good players, I mean, I think a whole bunch of young players have stepped up this season, I mean, I think it's special for us. I think there are many good, young players.” There are many good, young players…interesting Nicklas. Then after the question, “could you share the best tip you’ve received this year?” he responds brilliantly with, “I think there's a lot of young players out there…I don’t have a good answer, sorry.” Oh poor Nicklas.

• Toews responds in complete French to some callers…and I wonder what all of the laughing was about…

• Whoever transcribed it on the Blackhawks website made Nicklas Backtrom sound like an idiot. Whereas the mass amount of fillers Toews and Kane used weren’t included…mysteriously.

• Kane sounded as though he’s been talking to the media for years, as usual.

Who do you girls think is going to win it?

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My Blackhawks Training Regimen

The post-season is here and we have a lot of work to do, not because we are in the playoffs. We are NOT in the playoffs and that is why this post-season has to be the most fruitful yet.

I have decided to formulate my own post-season training regimen for each of my boys. So, get to it! Chop chop!

Cam Barker – As a defenseman, you haven’t done us very good. I have a few words to say to Savvy: try the boy as a forward. You’ve scored more goals as a defenseman than some of our forwards have as forwards! You need to work on that goal scoring ability this off-season. Keep scoring them goals Cameron and making me happy. Your case of Hansbrough Eyes isn’t too disturbing...

Dave Bolland – Please, find the weight room. Find it, and spend every waking moment in there until you gain an extra 20 pounds. Whenever I watch you play, I feel like you’re going to break! Knowing your weight makes every check a nail bitter.

Rene Bourque – You need to get a speech coach. I’m tired of hearing you say, “ya know” a million times in every interview! Damn it Rene! It’s crazy annoying. It has almost come to the point where I have to walk out of the room every time you’re on the TV talking. Someone tell this boy what he’s doing! On another note Rene, you need to learn how to smile. I don’t think I have seen a real genuine smile come out of you. Lighten up boy! If you score a goal, I want to see those pearly whites! You’ve really brought it all out to the table in recent games; keep it up.

Adam Burish – If you are going to claim the position of an enforcer on our team, you also need to find the weight room. You already receive a sick pleasure when you maul a guy but that also needs to be accompanied by a strong body. If you plan on facing off against the likes of Chara, you need to be a mega beast.

Dustin Byfuglien – You, Big Buff, need to drop some of that big. Spend some time getting buff and dropping some of that fluff. Those late night snacks and Mickey D’s runs probably aren’t doing you any good. After all, a Buffer Buff is a better Buff.

Corey Crawford – *Pinches Chubby Cheeks* You are adorable! But adorable isn’t going to continue your success. I suggest you watch Khabby’s playing, not his personality, and learn. Play continuously over the summer and improve. If you are going to be our goalie of the future you need to keep on giving it to us, Butterfly style. Bowchikabowow.

Martin Havlat – Marty, take a rest. Rest those sensitive bones and joints of yours. You can’t suffer another shoulder injury. Jump back in when you’re ready.

Jordan Hendry – Keep up the good work boy. Your defensive domination has taken us all by surprise…but I like it. Work hard this off-season and you should be on the rise.

Niklas Hjalmarsson – Three Words: Rigorous training program. I love you boy, but I’m not sure if you’re ready for the NHL just yet. Having negative numbers, as a defenseman, isn’t something I call good. You are, without a doubt, the best looking chap on the team but you’re also at the tail end in measurable skill. You need improvement in ALL areas.

Patrick Kane – You, Bolls and Buff need to team up and work on those buns, hips and thighs. Your skill is absolutely unfathomable but you need to get bigger, it’s as simple as that. Keep practicing those sweet as pie passes, they complete you, my sweet little candy cane. Also, take some advice; stop trying to run through the other team’s defensemen, you can’t do that so easy in the NHL.

Duncan Keith – I don’t have much to say to you. You are one of the top defensemen in this league and you are showing it. I’m sure my dad would have a lot of criticisms for you but, me, I don’t have many. My only suggestion for you is to work on your checking ability because, to be frank, it sucks. You, boy, need to get angry out there. Aggression is your friend.

Nikolai Khabibulin - *Sigh* You definitely aren’t my favorite player on the team and you know it. Your mission is to train Corey as your replacement. You’re too modest, my friend and I’m sick of it. Take some lessons from Langer and Wiz in personality and then maybe you can be a little more likable. You used to be good, and then you came here and stunk it up. Maybe if you were actually good then I’d soften up to you slightly but complaining about “back spasms” and missing how many games? I’ll give you the fact that you’re better than Lalime (who’s consistency is absolutely ridiculous) but, to be frank, your talent is shot.

Andrew Ladd – You, like most of your peers, just need to work on the generalities. Tighten up your skills and you should be fine. Besides that, I want you to spread that Stanley Cup knowledge around; spread it around like butter on bread. You are a youngling with some extra experience; disperse it amongst your herd.

Robert Lang – I know it hurts your fragile joints and I know you are slowing down by the day but, you need to push through this off-season as best as you can. Maintain is the key word. Yes, the threatening osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis might bite you in the butt in the future but if you have aspirations of staying on this team than we can’t have you slipping off this path of success you are on. Keep lightening up the mood during practice; we love you Langer.

Yanic Perreault – No more senior bowling with Langer. It’s crunch time now Yanic because you, my friend, are on the chopping block. We wanted to trade you at the deadline but the cold hard fact is that no one wanted you. No more pool aerobics; it is time to jump in with the younger guys and try your hardest to keep up.

Brent Seabrook – Two words for you: boxing lessons. You’re a big biscuit but you’re a little doughy. You can’t win a fight to save your buns. Of course, you bounce back because of your rather elastic nature but we need to toss you back in the oven to harden you up a little bit more.

Patrick Sharp – You know what got you your success this year; keep it up. You’re sharp as a blade; I want you as sharp as a single atom tip formed by chemically assisted spatially controlled field evaporation, AKA The sharpest thing known to man. How does 50 goals sound next year? I believe you can make it. Continue the good work my man.

Brent Sopel – As the scariest mofo on the team you really need to use that to your advantage. I can’t stand watching you get knocked down. How tall are you? 6’2’’. How much do you weigh? 205. Let’s pull it out my brother. Pull out those guns and start bruising some of our opponents. I know you’re capable of giving hard checks, so let’s see more of that! Pair up with Duncan Doughnuts and work.

Jonathon Toews – Listen to what I said for Kane. No more attempts at running through the other team’s Ds. It worked once. And again, kind of. But I honestly don’t want to see any more broken plays because of you trying to be the star. Wait a little while until you can do that 50% of the time. You, like Kane, also need to get a little bit bigger. You’re not a man just yet.

Jason Williams – If you are resigned – which I have no doubt that you will – then you need to work on your defensive strategy. Sure, you’re a forward but you also need to be able to stop the puck if it’s coming your way. If Cameron and Susan are on the ice then boy you better get your act together and help those brothers out! Spend a few weeks working on the defensive side this summer.

James Wisniewski – Anger Management. Yes, you are a junkyard dog, yes, you’re an enforcer, but getting angry over really minor things isn’t going to help you in the long run. I want you to keep sticking up for your boys but please, relax; you can cut down on some pointless penalties that way. Also, regardless of what the guys say, keep that shirt off in your interviews; I enjoy those tattoos, even if your skin is absolutely effervescent.

Andrei Zyuzin – Oh Susanna. You have negative numbers. Defensemen with negative numbers anger me. So, my dear Susan, if you want my loyalty back, and you want to stay off the trade block than work your butt off this post-season. Go find Yanic and work out with the younger boys.

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A Capital Loss

The game was a few days ago, but I haven't had time to relive the amazingness because of other school commitments. I will now take the time to gloat and giggle over the wonderful, and appropriate, 5-0 shutout.

The pre-game honoring of Tony-O wasn't bad. Rocky Wirtz made another sweet reference to home games on TV when he spoke, the crowd roared and I gave him a silent salute from my couch. My favorite was the little montage:




I knew from the beginning that Kane and Backstrom were facing off. Two spectacular rookies they are and all I could think about was seeing them fight. That would just MAKE the game.

The first intermission began with a bang 4-0: a beautiful tip in by Williams from Wiz; a rather dirty, jam-the-goalie-down, goal by Toews during Lepisto's power play; a wonderfully placed slap shot from Yanic; and to top it all off, Sharpie's, easy-as-pie, hit into the 2 hole. Khabby didn't make any absolutely amazing saves during the first intermission but he did a good job. Wiz was mic'd up/live wired/talky talk boxed/whatever-you-want-to-call-it'd during the game and they showed some funny scenes of him touching the line judge's butt and saying "ohh ohh" when he was on the bench. What a rapscallion. Be careful James Wizniewski, we all know you have a big mouth and a junk yard dog demeanor but, I'd prefer it if you didn't make some unfriendly enemies.

My rather vocal hopes that Kane and Backstrom would battle it out were almost forgotten.


A little Semin on Burish. (Sorry Burish...I Just had to say it.)

The second period was full of angry Capitals. Alex "the great" Ovechkin was on a rampage; slamming our biggest guys (though not so 'tough' in Seabrook's case) into the boards whenever he had the chance. Though Big Dustin Byfuglien got a nice, crowd roaring slammer in, eventually. Then Ovie gave Khabby a little shot after the whistle blew and Toewser Laser flew over there and some punches flew. My happiness could not be expressed as I saw Kane and Backstrom pushing and shoving off in the corner of the screen. Both Toews and Ovechkin received roughing penalties; I gave Toewser a vocal kudo. Rene Bourquenstein (my own nickname, teehee) broke away within ten minutes and tapped it in smoothly. The second period ended, 5-0.

Dan and Eddie interviewed the great Tony-O during the second intermission:



I may be slightly ashamed that my brother and I couldn't breath because we were laughing so much. When Tony said, "hey Dan", I pretty much pissed in my pants. That's OK, he's an old guy and a jolly one to boot.

The third period began 5-0 but the defeat in the eyes of the Capitals was only a dull glimmer; they were coming out with a vengeance. At the same time we were leaving the locker room with a mission also: stop them. And at all costs we did. Khabby made a few spectacular saves. The crowd began to shout, "Khabby! Khabby! Khabby!" Sound familiar? "Tony! Tony! Tony!" was the usual chorus at the old stadium (and none of the announcers forgot to remind us all through out the game). Khabibulin, now fully charged with the sight of a shutout on the horizon, began to play at top speed. He finished with an absolutely fabulous diving save. The crowd went wild.

A shutout on the very night we honored one of our goalie greats. An appropriate finish.

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Hello, My Name Is Amy And I Like Hockey

(^Was just watching Hot Rod AKA The Worst/Best Movie.)

Hello fellow hloggers, my friends call me Angry or Sexy Mama(Don't ask.), and this is my introduction posty.

1. Where you're from, what you do - basic things.

I’m from the burbs of Chicago. A small little town where all my class mates like to get drunk and do dough nuts in their cars around the big ball park, naked, while the cops chase them. (Seriously happened twice this year.)

But besides that, I’m a junior in high school; I play Badminton and have a mild obsession with photography. But otherwise, I spend mindless hours on the computer doing random things.

2. Your team and why you like them.
Chicago Blackhawks all the way baby. I learned how to ice skate by watching them when I was a wee child. And the fact that Bill Wirtz died last year just makes my life that much better. Not because he died, my sincere condolences to his family and friends, but because he didn't know what he was doing; He kept all of the fans out of the loop and pretty much ruined the whole Blackhawks civilization. Next year is going to be amazing with Rocky Wirtz and McDonough on the throne.


3. Your least favorite team and why.
Naturally I don’t like the Blues or the Red Wings. But besides that, I’m bitter at the Kings for absolutely kicking our sorry butts in January…

4. Your favorite player of all time and now.
I have a few. I would say Radulov because 24 goals so far for a rookie is pretty damn good. He’s Russian, and I like making fun of my foreign friends when they make common English mistakes. Out of the Blackhawks...basically everyone. Kane/Seabs/Big Buff because everyone makes fun of them. Havlat because he has a funny accent. Burish because he always has a grin on his face after his fights. Sharp because he’s simply alive.

5. If you had to punch one hockey player or member of the NHL organization, who and why.
Khabibulin because he's...maybe a little sexist. And Gary Bettman because he denied us an outside game...waaaa!

6. What you'll be looking forward to in this group blog.
Learning about other people/teams. Being able to rant to a mass group. Coming together with my fellow hockey lovers to form one organism...or not...that’s ok.

7. What you don't like in general.
Personally, I don’t like my mom’s homemade tacos or enchiladas.

8. What role do female fans play in keeping the game alive.
I think the role of the female fan is to bring a different passion and intensity to the game of hockey. I sometimes think guys are a little more laid back. Whereas when I’m watching a game and a fight/goal happens, I explode and run around the house laughing/screaming/causing-general-havoc. Unfortunately there are the ‘puck bunnies’ whom just make me disappointed with the female sex. And unfortunately being a female fan of hockey, everyone assumes you’re a puck bunny. But puck bunnies have no direction in life and just want a lay and some cash. Fans have no life, so they fill that void with heart racing hockey.

9. What role do female fans play in picking heroes for the community.
Female fans look into the whole aspect of the player: ability, personality, character, looks, etc. When it comes to a hero, he has to have the character and personality, as well as the ability. I used to enjoy watching Khabibulin...until I realized that his personality wasn’t as enjoyable. The hero has the whole package, and he has the great leadership that all his teammates can follow. He can’t be the butt of the team regardless of how good he is or looks.

10. Hockey just isn't the same without heart-pounding FIGHTS!

11. If you were on a deserted island, which player would you pick to stay with you.
Hordichuk because he’d make me laugh.

Or Brent Seabrook because he’s buff, yet sweet, so I could force him into making me a shelter. He’d get the food, water and fan me when I got tired.

12. Crosby, Ovechkin or Phaneuf.
Hmm…this is hard. Ovechkin is kind of crazy/psychotic looking...hopefully he gets his 60 this year but...damn. Crosby is too good looking, that’s a no... Phaneuf...is a defenseman...I would probably be one too if I played hockey, and he’s a lefty, me too! So we’ll go with him.

13. The player you'd like to take for a:
Grand night out: Umm...Rene Bourque because he looks really serious.
Movie: Chelios because he would make old man comments.
Boring event: Lang because he would keep me entertained.

14. If you could make your own team, regardless of whatever players, what would it be called and where will it be/how would it be like.
I would go with, The Fairbanks Frostys. That way we could have frosty the snowman as our mascot, and everyone would just bean him with snowballs during intermission. And I would sit in my little box and laugh hysterically every time.

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Because we all love hockey players, terrible acting or not

Chicago Blackhawks presents... hockey players who will never pursue a career in acting!

"Soda"

I love how Havlat just looms over Kane. HAHAHA. Kane looks like a nerd. XD A super-awesome-at-hockey nerd. And Toews staring Kane down to get the soda. LOL

"My Goal"


Show off. XD

"Fifteen Years"


Way to rub it in. HAHAHAHAHAHA



Oh Seabiscuit.

Don't you just love the horrible acting??? The bad jokes??? I love it!!!! I miss when the Canucks did these types of commercials, but great for Blackhawks fans to finally be able to watch their team on TV, especially at this time when they have booming young talent.

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