It's NYE, so of course we've been inundated with year end lists for the last week or so. Let me add to it. After careful consideration (about 4.3 minutes), here are my Top 10 Blackhawks hockey moments of 2010. I limited this list to events that I personally witnessed or attended - this helped narrow down the choices quite a bit. The top five picks were pretty easy (and shouldn't be a surprise), but the bottom five took a little more thought.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Blackhawks' New Year's Resolutions
So the Christmas Holidays are over (and a happy belated one to all my readers), so all that's left to do is to get stinking drunk on NYE, nurse and bitch about the inevitable hangover on New Year's Day and make resolutions that are forgotten by Valentine's Day. Seeing as they are rather busy lately, and still a little shaken about losing their Captain for two weeks (MY CREYS), I'd like to do the Blackhawks a favor and make their 2011 New Year's Resolutions for them:
Bryan Bickell: To never use that I-Pass again.
Dave Bolland: Must remember to only pick your nose when you're safely in the locker room, *not* when being interviewed on camera between periods.
Nick Boynton: Don't make any stupid plays that everyone on Twitter blames you for.
Troy Brouwer: Make sure every goalie in the Western Conference knows that your ass smells much better than Buff's.
Brian Campbell: 3/13 - Spearing Penalty. MAKE IT COUNT!
Corey Crawford: Make everyone chant "Niemi Who?" Oh, and practice not being so damn emo in photographs.
Jassen Cullimore: Call Brent Sopel - ask how he became one of the most maligned athletes in Chicago to a folk hero in a matter of months.
Jake Dowell: Get some national attention for being the grinder with the biggest heart in the NHL.
Jordan Hendry: Use that Walgreen's gift card from Coach Q to buy some more butt salve for all that time sitting in the press box.
Niklas Hjalmarsson: Contemplate asking Bobby Hull for hairpiece advice. On second thought, just keep that head shaved.
Marian Hossa: Pick up the scoring pace - show Crosby how a God grows a mustache.
Ryan Johnson: Remember not to hide under the bench when "Chelsea Dagger" plays.
Patrick Kane: Use that voice recorder that Toews ordered off the TV for you, so you can remember those girls' names when you wake up the next morning. Oh and SCORE MOAR PLZ.
Duncan Keith: Stop putting in your dentures using the Norris Trophy's reflection.
Tomas Kopecky: Super Glue. Helmet. USE IT.
Jeremy Morin: Get a second gold medal for the US at the World Juniors. And be on the ice for playoff hockey come April.
Fernando Pisani: To play 60+ games this season.
John Scott: Fight BizNasty.
Brent Seabrook: Sign a contract extension before May. WITH THE BLACKHAWKS.
Patrick Sharp: Play in the All Star Game in Carolina. And have a Halloween costume in 2011 that doesn't involve tights.
Jack Skille: Limit crashing into the net and taking it off the moorings to once a game. Also read "Finish What You Start."
Viktor Stalberg: Remember to cuss under your breath in Swedish every time someone asks if you've gone to IKEA with Hjammer lately.
Jonathan Toews: Get better quickly. Then score a hattie against the Blues and moon Davis Payne.
Marty Turco: Find every person that used the #TurcoSucks Twitter hashtag and sign them up for free consultations with a bed wetting expert.
Coach Joel Quenneville: Ignore those phone calls from your wife post game when she tells you one day your face will be permanently purple if you keep getting so upset.
Oh yeah....
Chicago Blackhawks: SUCCESSFULLY DEFEND THE STANLEY CUP IN 2011!
I meant to do an amusing post about Blackhawks Xmas presents, but due to hinky internet connectivity and general holiday busyness, you're stuck with this lame attempt at humor. I have some time before the January doldrums hit full stride, so I hope to have a little more content up here in the coming days. In the meantime, EVERYBODY HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY NEW YEARS!
Bryan Bickell: To never use that I-Pass again.
Dave Bolland: Must remember to only pick your nose when you're safely in the locker room, *not* when being interviewed on camera between periods.
Nick Boynton: Don't make any stupid plays that everyone on Twitter blames you for.
Troy Brouwer: Make sure every goalie in the Western Conference knows that your ass smells much better than Buff's.
Brian Campbell: 3/13 - Spearing Penalty. MAKE IT COUNT!
Corey Crawford: Make everyone chant "Niemi Who?" Oh, and practice not being so damn emo in photographs.
Jassen Cullimore: Call Brent Sopel - ask how he became one of the most maligned athletes in Chicago to a folk hero in a matter of months.
Jake Dowell: Get some national attention for being the grinder with the biggest heart in the NHL.
Jordan Hendry: Use that Walgreen's gift card from Coach Q to buy some more butt salve for all that time sitting in the press box.
Niklas Hjalmarsson: Contemplate asking Bobby Hull for hairpiece advice. On second thought, just keep that head shaved.
Marian Hossa: Pick up the scoring pace - show Crosby how a God grows a mustache.
Ryan Johnson: Remember not to hide under the bench when "Chelsea Dagger" plays.
Patrick Kane: Use that voice recorder that Toews ordered off the TV for you, so you can remember those girls' names when you wake up the next morning. Oh and SCORE MOAR PLZ.
Duncan Keith: Stop putting in your dentures using the Norris Trophy's reflection.
Tomas Kopecky: Super Glue. Helmet. USE IT.
Jeremy Morin: Get a second gold medal for the US at the World Juniors. And be on the ice for playoff hockey come April.
Fernando Pisani: To play 60+ games this season.
John Scott: Fight BizNasty.
Brent Seabrook: Sign a contract extension before May. WITH THE BLACKHAWKS.
Patrick Sharp: Play in the All Star Game in Carolina. And have a Halloween costume in 2011 that doesn't involve tights.
Jack Skille: Limit crashing into the net and taking it off the moorings to once a game. Also read "Finish What You Start."
Viktor Stalberg: Remember to cuss under your breath in Swedish every time someone asks if you've gone to IKEA with Hjammer lately.
Jonathan Toews: Get better quickly. Then score a hattie against the Blues and moon Davis Payne.
Marty Turco: Find every person that used the #TurcoSucks Twitter hashtag and sign them up for free consultations with a bed wetting expert.
Coach Joel Quenneville: Ignore those phone calls from your wife post game when she tells you one day your face will be permanently purple if you keep getting so upset.
Oh yeah....
Chicago Blackhawks: SUCCESSFULLY DEFEND THE STANLEY CUP IN 2011!
I meant to do an amusing post about Blackhawks Xmas presents, but due to hinky internet connectivity and general holiday busyness, you're stuck with this lame attempt at humor. I have some time before the January doldrums hit full stride, so I hope to have a little more content up here in the coming days. In the meantime, EVERYBODY HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY NEW YEARS!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Recapping A Week Of Blackhawks: Or, How I Stopped Moping & Loved The Blog
Hi peeps!
First off, I'd like to take a moment to thank those who said some kind words or sent some good karma in the recent past for my dad and my family - it means a lot to me. He has been home from the hospital and is doing well, but he will have some major surgery mid-January. Until then, I'm just trying to keep a positive outlook so I don't have panic attacks every five minutes. Hockey is a great distractor.
Ok, onto the hockey.
Since I last posted, the Hawks have gone 1-2-1. Is this a coincidence? I'd like to think not, but being superstitious, I guess I'll have to attempt to post more than once a week. I won't go into each game into too much detail, since in all honesty my recall's a bit fuzzy on a couple. Or I could be just blocking them from my memory. In any case, since I've been on a kick I introduce the...
TRON RATING SYSTEM!
[humor me ok?]
First off, I'd like to take a moment to thank those who said some kind words or sent some good karma in the recent past for my dad and my family - it means a lot to me. He has been home from the hospital and is doing well, but he will have some major surgery mid-January. Until then, I'm just trying to keep a positive outlook so I don't have panic attacks every five minutes. Hockey is a great distractor.
Ok, onto the hockey.
Since I last posted, the Hawks have gone 1-2-1. Is this a coincidence? I'd like to think not, but being superstitious, I guess I'll have to attempt to post more than once a week. I won't go into each game into too much detail, since in all honesty my recall's a bit fuzzy on a couple. Or I could be just blocking them from my memory. In any case, since I've been on a kick I introduce the...
TRON RATING SYSTEM!
[humor me ok?]
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Sometimes, Real Life Gets In The Way
I've made it a point not to talk much about my personal life on this particular blog. Indulge me for a second.
I will not be posting as much on here in the weeks and possibly months ahead. My dad is ill and at this point they're not really sure what's wrong with him. There are ideas, and it starts with the letter "C" and as it is to be expected, I'm rather upset about it. I'll know more within the next couple of days, but add this plus the holidays and the most stressful period of the year at work, and my brain and psyche is the consistency of Spaghetti-Os right now.
I believe in the power of karma and good thoughts, and any you can send my family's way at this time I would surely appreciate it.
I will not drop off the face of this earth. Hockey and photography and even this blog will be a welcome escape for me in the coming days, especially if things get really rough. I will try to keep things here light hearted and amusing for my own sanity and for yours.
Thanks for reading this. And giving me an opportunity to vent.
-mel
P.S. As not to be a total downer, here is a Toews-Face from the last game vs. Dallas. OOF.
I will not be posting as much on here in the weeks and possibly months ahead. My dad is ill and at this point they're not really sure what's wrong with him. There are ideas, and it starts with the letter "C" and as it is to be expected, I'm rather upset about it. I'll know more within the next couple of days, but add this plus the holidays and the most stressful period of the year at work, and my brain and psyche is the consistency of Spaghetti-Os right now.
I believe in the power of karma and good thoughts, and any you can send my family's way at this time I would surely appreciate it.
I will not drop off the face of this earth. Hockey and photography and even this blog will be a welcome escape for me in the coming days, especially if things get really rough. I will try to keep things here light hearted and amusing for my own sanity and for yours.
Thanks for reading this. And giving me an opportunity to vent.
-mel
P.S. As not to be a total downer, here is a Toews-Face from the last game vs. Dallas. OOF.
(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Monday, December 6, 2010
Weekend Recap: The Good, The Bad & The Fugly
Game 28: Vancouver Canucks 3, Chicago Blackhawks 0
Box Score
Highlights
Game 29: Chicago Blackhawks 4, Calgary Flames 2
Box Score
Highlights
Now that the Bulls have claimed the Saturday night slot at the UC (who decides that?), this is the end of the back-to-back games at home for the remainder of the season. Which is fine with me - I quite like the Friday night/Sunday evening home game combo. Coming off a heart attacking inducing win vs. the Blues on Wednesday, hopes were high that the Hawks would come out flying versus their #1 non-division rival, the Canucks. Um. not so much. But I will get into that....heeeerrrrreeeee:
The Good
- The Blackhawks outshot their opponents 32-18 & 32-26 on Friday and Sunday respectively. This is much better than earlier in the season and reminiscent of the way the Hawks dominated the shot sheet last season.
- The Hawks dominated long stretches of the game vs. the Canucks. That's all fine and dandy, unfortunately they had nothing on the board to show for it.
- Dave Bolland not only goaded a Sedin into a penalty on Friday (old habits die hard), he scored two on Friday and was 50% at the dot versus the Flames. Sure, one of the goals was a empty-netter, but BABY STEPS. I'll take what I can get at this point.
- Speaking of faceoffs, Captain Tazer was 29/45 (64%) at the dot in those two games. Solid, solid, SOLID.
- The Hawks were 4/9 on the power play versus the Flames. This included their first 5-on-3 goal of the season.
- While Turco didn't really get much help vs. the Canucks, he was just average, which isn't going to cut it when the opposition's goaltender is doing headstands. Crawford on the other hand, while a little shaky in the first vs. the Flames, stood tall in the third, stopping all 10 Calgary shots. His best sequence was backstopping those three straight Hawks penalties in the last frame. From all appearances Corey's going to get the start Wednesday versus Dallas.
The Bad
- While Mr. Luongo undoubtedly stood on his head versus the Hawks (I'll give him more credit when he can do that twice to us in the post season), it wasn't as if there weren't opportunities. Both Kane & Bolland IIRC had wide open nets that they just whiffed on, and I know there were several other excellent chances to put the puck behind Borat. On the flipside, the Canucks seemed to cash in on every opportunity afforded them. If you do that against a good team, you're going to lose 99 out of 100 times.
- Looks like the bad penalties at bad times bug have struck the Hawks again. Yay.
- John Scott's ice time TOTAL in these two games: 10:04. The fighting's a novelty, and I know we've been bit with the injury bug, but if Snuggles' isn't going to help take a little more of the load off our top players, he needs to sit. Plenty of kids in Rockford could give you some extra minutes for the same amount of a cap hit.
- On the flipside, Duncan Keith was back up to 29:39 against the Flames. DO NOT WANT.
The Ugly
- Our penalty kills sucks it right now. In two games we allowed the opponent to convert 3 of 13 opportunities (77% kill rate). Currently we're 25th in the league, only killing off 79% of our penalties - Montreal leads the league at 90.1% If we're going to continue to get penalized as we are wont to do as of late, this MUST improve. Yesterday, I actually cheered when the Hawks killed off their third penalty as they let the Flames convert on their first two opportunities.
- So Patrick Kane lasted all of 23 seconds versus Calgary before he was hit into the boards (it was clean) and his left leg twisted awkwardly. The reports are "it's not serious" but he'll be out "for a bit." In the land of Upper and Lower body injuries, who the fuck knows how long that will be. I'd hate to rush him, but Hossa needs to get healthy, stat. Sharpie and Toews are the only legitimate scoring threats we have on the ice right now, and at this point we can't let too many games slip away. I CRY.
- They're showing Sid vs. Ovi Winter Classic commercials on NBC already? I hope I'm too hungover on New Years Day to witness the mainstream media fellate those two.
I have to say, those are two of the best Toews-Faces of the season. Jebus.
So, tomorrow night I may be adventurous and go to a book signing attended by one Mr. Dave Bolland. If I do, I'll have PICTURES!
Box Score
Highlights
Game 29: Chicago Blackhawks 4, Calgary Flames 2
Box Score
Highlights
Now that the Bulls have claimed the Saturday night slot at the UC (who decides that?), this is the end of the back-to-back games at home for the remainder of the season. Which is fine with me - I quite like the Friday night/Sunday evening home game combo. Coming off a heart attacking inducing win vs. the Blues on Wednesday, hopes were high that the Hawks would come out flying versus their #1 non-division rival, the Canucks. Um. not so much. But I will get into that....heeeerrrrreeeee:
The Good
- The Blackhawks outshot their opponents 32-18 & 32-26 on Friday and Sunday respectively. This is much better than earlier in the season and reminiscent of the way the Hawks dominated the shot sheet last season.
- The Hawks dominated long stretches of the game vs. the Canucks. That's all fine and dandy, unfortunately they had nothing on the board to show for it.
- Dave Bolland not only goaded a Sedin into a penalty on Friday (old habits die hard), he scored two on Friday and was 50% at the dot versus the Flames. Sure, one of the goals was a empty-netter, but BABY STEPS. I'll take what I can get at this point.
- Speaking of faceoffs, Captain Tazer was 29/45 (64%) at the dot in those two games. Solid, solid, SOLID.
- The Hawks were 4/9 on the power play versus the Flames. This included their first 5-on-3 goal of the season.
- While Turco didn't really get much help vs. the Canucks, he was just average, which isn't going to cut it when the opposition's goaltender is doing headstands. Crawford on the other hand, while a little shaky in the first vs. the Flames, stood tall in the third, stopping all 10 Calgary shots. His best sequence was backstopping those three straight Hawks penalties in the last frame. From all appearances Corey's going to get the start Wednesday versus Dallas.
The Bad
- While Mr. Luongo undoubtedly stood on his head versus the Hawks (I'll give him more credit when he can do that twice to us in the post season), it wasn't as if there weren't opportunities. Both Kane & Bolland IIRC had wide open nets that they just whiffed on, and I know there were several other excellent chances to put the puck behind Borat. On the flipside, the Canucks seemed to cash in on every opportunity afforded them. If you do that against a good team, you're going to lose 99 out of 100 times.
- Looks like the bad penalties at bad times bug have struck the Hawks again. Yay.
- John Scott's ice time TOTAL in these two games: 10:04. The fighting's a novelty, and I know we've been bit with the injury bug, but if Snuggles' isn't going to help take a little more of the load off our top players, he needs to sit. Plenty of kids in Rockford could give you some extra minutes for the same amount of a cap hit.
- On the flipside, Duncan Keith was back up to 29:39 against the Flames. DO NOT WANT.
The Ugly
- Our penalty kills sucks it right now. In two games we allowed the opponent to convert 3 of 13 opportunities (77% kill rate). Currently we're 25th in the league, only killing off 79% of our penalties - Montreal leads the league at 90.1% If we're going to continue to get penalized as we are wont to do as of late, this MUST improve. Yesterday, I actually cheered when the Hawks killed off their third penalty as they let the Flames convert on their first two opportunities.
- So Patrick Kane lasted all of 23 seconds versus Calgary before he was hit into the boards (it was clean) and his left leg twisted awkwardly. The reports are "it's not serious" but he'll be out "for a bit." In the land of Upper and Lower body injuries, who the fuck knows how long that will be. I'd hate to rush him, but Hossa needs to get healthy, stat. Sharpie and Toews are the only legitimate scoring threats we have on the ice right now, and at this point we can't let too many games slip away. I CRY.
- They're showing Sid vs. Ovi Winter Classic commercials on NBC already? I hope I'm too hungover on New Years Day to witness the mainstream media fellate those two.
TWO FOR TOEWS-FACES
(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
I have to say, those are two of the best Toews-Faces of the season. Jebus.
So, tomorrow night I may be adventurous and go to a book signing attended by one Mr. Dave Bolland. If I do, I'll have PICTURES!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Game 27: Chicago Blackhawks 7, St Louis Blues 5
Box Score
Highlights
I'll just stop apologizing for these late ass recaps - it's just gonna be the norm around here, especially this time of year. Besides, I know the three of you who visit regularly come for my witty banter and Star Wars references and not for the up-to-the-minute analysis.
Lots of highlights in this one, mostly good. Let's forget about that 15 minute span in the late 2nd/first half of the third where I was ready to kick small children. For the second game in a row, we got an excellent fight out of John "Snuggles" Scott:
I dislike Cam Janssen on principle, he being a Blue and an annoying asswipe, but I'll give the man credit for hanging in there. I guess he was playing the waiting him out game, and it was nearly successful. What was more amusing to me, was the interview Scott gave after the game to WGN Radio. It's a bit long at 13 minutes, but worth a listen:
After listening to this, I appreciate Scott more for his obvious sense of humor and he sounds fairly intelligent to boot. So I'll try to limit the hatin' on little ol' Murdersaurus.
Awards...
The Han Solo Award (Best Overall Performance)
Tomas Kopecky
There's been a lot of angst and groaning directed at TomoKop as of late, because let's be honest, he hasn't done jackshit since about game ten of the season. Perhaps he showed up in this game to honor his fallen comrade, Marian Hossa. Whatever got into Kopecky worked as he scored the first goal of the game, had three assists and a team leading +3 in just 11 minutes of ice time. Do I expect this out of him every game? Hell no. I guess that's what made this performance most astounding - bravo!
The Wedge Antilles Award (Unsung Hero)
Jeremy Morin
Odd that I just saw this kid and his team get their ass kicked in the AHL over the weekend, and just a few days later play like he means never to go back there. On the scoresheet, it says he just potted an assist (his first NHL point), but he did so much more than that. His play along the boards and behind the net was the catalyst for the Hawks' first two goals. He also got into a scrap in the third, impressive for a 19 year old kid whom to look at, you wouldn't think would be one to drop the gloves. I really hope he sticks with the big kids this time around, because I think he's for reals. Plus it might shut everyone up on how badly the Hawks supposedly fucked up by trading away Byfuglien.
The Jar-Jar Binks Award (Most Annoying/Asinine Person or Object)
Nick Boynton
I know everyone's piling on the guy for colliding with Hossa in practice, causing Panda to miss the next couple of weeks - if you don't believe me, check out #BlameBoynton on Twitter. But I'm not even going to go there - it was an accident. The Hawks had the Blues on their heels, with a 5-1 lead, and Boynton decides to get into a fight with Crombeen midway through the 2nd. Why, I don't know. There was no reason to, and Nick can't fight to save his life as it is. That seemed to give the Blues a spark, and lookee, they score three straight goals to give myself and Hawks Nation heart palpitations. Add that to the usual bag of defensive gaffes, and I see no reason for Boynton to dress for the next game or two. Sadly though, I think we'll still see him on the ice on Friday.
Highlights
I'll just stop apologizing for these late ass recaps - it's just gonna be the norm around here, especially this time of year. Besides, I know the three of you who visit regularly come for my witty banter and Star Wars references and not for the up-to-the-minute analysis.
Lots of highlights in this one, mostly good. Let's forget about that 15 minute span in the late 2nd/first half of the third where I was ready to kick small children. For the second game in a row, we got an excellent fight out of John "Snuggles" Scott:
I dislike Cam Janssen on principle, he being a Blue and an annoying asswipe, but I'll give the man credit for hanging in there. I guess he was playing the waiting him out game, and it was nearly successful. What was more amusing to me, was the interview Scott gave after the game to WGN Radio. It's a bit long at 13 minutes, but worth a listen:
After listening to this, I appreciate Scott more for his obvious sense of humor and he sounds fairly intelligent to boot. So I'll try to limit the hatin' on little ol' Murdersaurus.
Awards...
Tomas Kopecky
There's been a lot of angst and groaning directed at TomoKop as of late, because let's be honest, he hasn't done jackshit since about game ten of the season. Perhaps he showed up in this game to honor his fallen comrade, Marian Hossa. Whatever got into Kopecky worked as he scored the first goal of the game, had three assists and a team leading +3 in just 11 minutes of ice time. Do I expect this out of him every game? Hell no. I guess that's what made this performance most astounding - bravo!
Jeremy Morin
Odd that I just saw this kid and his team get their ass kicked in the AHL over the weekend, and just a few days later play like he means never to go back there. On the scoresheet, it says he just potted an assist (his first NHL point), but he did so much more than that. His play along the boards and behind the net was the catalyst for the Hawks' first two goals. He also got into a scrap in the third, impressive for a 19 year old kid whom to look at, you wouldn't think would be one to drop the gloves. I really hope he sticks with the big kids this time around, because I think he's for reals. Plus it might shut everyone up on how badly the Hawks supposedly fucked up by trading away Byfuglien.
Nick Boynton
I know everyone's piling on the guy for colliding with Hossa in practice, causing Panda to miss the next couple of weeks - if you don't believe me, check out #BlameBoynton on Twitter. But I'm not even going to go there - it was an accident. The Hawks had the Blues on their heels, with a 5-1 lead, and Boynton decides to get into a fight with Crombeen midway through the 2nd. Why, I don't know. There was no reason to, and Nick can't fight to save his life as it is. That seemed to give the Blues a spark, and lookee, they score three straight goals to give myself and Hawks Nation heart palpitations. Add that to the usual bag of defensive gaffes, and I see no reason for Boynton to dress for the next game or two. Sadly though, I think we'll still see him on the ice on Friday.
TOEWS-FACE!
(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
And now I must bid you all adieu. Sleep is important!
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