Overtime Agony

After one of the most intense series in recent playoffs history, the Blackhawks have fallen 5-4 in overtime tonight against the L.A. Kings. I can’t express how depressed I am that our season has come to a close but I am so outrageously proud that after being down 3-1, the Hawks were able to bring it to a game seven. The Hawks were on point tonight. They started with a lead in almost every game in the series. They followed through with the trend tonight when the “Hustle & Flow” line clenched an early score. The game was tit-for-tat but The Kings never had a lead. Unfortunately, Alec Martinez was able to tip the puck in 5 minutes 47 into the overtime period and just like that silence filled the United Center and a crowd of red dispersed into the heartbroken city streets. Still, the Hawks truly played exactly the way they should have tonight. Sharp found his way into the net. The Shaw, Saad, and Kane line was incredible. What an amazing band of playmakers. Saad had a truly incredible post-season. He put the team on his back in every series, and everybody noticed. Crawford won the series against the Wild. Overall, I am blessed to be rooting for such a talented team of strong willed guys who stop at nothing to make Chicago proud. Cheers to another beautiful season.

As far as the Kings go. I can’t discuss them much without throwing up a bit in my mouth right now but I will say this: Not surprised at Doughty’s talent. He’s an amazing player. I am surprised that Kopitar didn’t score this series. Mike Richards was a dirty S.O.B tonight. Jeff Carter killed it.  

I know that had we went on to the finals we would have brought home another cup. We came so close. But I have so many incredible memories of the season. Looking forward to October. Wake me up when September ends. Until then, go Rangers. 

Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Blackhawks Facebook Page 

Pride Parade

Okay  so this post has been sitting in my drafts  for a good month. As late as this is I couldn’t resist sharing this clip and reminiscing about the incredible Blackhawks parade I only wish I could have attended.

I remembered watching this last year on my couch  watching Conan’s “Chicago Week”. When the Kings won the Cup Conan compared their 2012 parade to ours in 2010. Check out the link, it’s classic. Little did he know we would be bringing the Cup back to the chi-city streets once again, with 2 million more fans ready to celebrate.

*A moment of silence for Corey Crawford’s mother for having to hear his speech at the parade.  #loveyoucrow

Tuuka Who?

Tuuka Rask, The Bruins’ Finish export and fatal weapon.

Image source: http://www.daysofyorr.com/2011-articles/october/five-predictions-for-the-2011-2012-boston-bruins.html

At the beginning of the Stanley Cup Final Series between the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks, Bruins’ starting goalie Tuuka Rask had been the talk of the town. He wowed everyone throughout the playoffs leading up to the final series and continued to impress into the final games. Every commentator seemed to vow he deserved the Conn Smythe playoff MVP award. The last three games of the series however proved tough on Rask who let in a combination of nine goals. Still Crawford was the goalie under scrutiny from the media after game four after the Bruins supposedly  found his “weak spot” or his glove hand. Crow kept his cool despite the negative spotlight and continued to impress with stunning saves in the following games. There is no doubt Crawford was the star of tonights Cup-winning game. He stopped plenty of almost sure shots that could have easily cost us the game. It seems as though the Hawks would agree that Crawford seemed the fitting player to receive the Smythe trophy.

Crow led the Blackhawks to victory in game six.

Image source:http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/212851641.html

The trophy instead was rewarded to Patrick Kane for his impressive goals in game five and for his hat-trick that helped the Hawks beat out the L.A. Kings. While Kane certainly deserves recognition for his great offensive role on the team even he agrees that he may have snagged the award from an overlooked Crow. Reading some recaps of game six and the victory online I am shocked there is not more credit for Corey. Still he proved victorious in his first ever Stanley Cup Final and I am so proud the Conn Smythe has been given to a deserving Blackhawk. 

 

Kane receiving the Trophy in TD Garden after the ceremonial Cup hoisting.

Image source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/patrick-kane-wins-2013-conn-smythe-trophy-032434971.html

P.S. I don’t mean to hate on Tuuka. Mad respect, that dude can play! Did I mention I love Crawford? Cool.

 

Game #6 Play by Play

Image Source: https://www.teetransfers.com/chicago-blackhawks-stanley-cup-championship-primary-logo-2013-iron-on-transfers-heat-transfers-p-19150.html

HAWKS WIN! Once again I have been lucky to witness the Chicago Blackhawks bring the cup home to Chi-city! In case you missed the game, or it all just went by too fast here is a period to period recap:

Both Patrice Bergeron for the Boston Bruins and Jonathan Toews for the Hawks were back on the ice in the first period after major injuries in game #5.

First Period:

The Bruins dominated offensively. Still, the Blackhawks Defense was on their game tonight making for lots of puck action in the neutral zone. A few minutes in 41 year old Bruin Jaromir Jagr was checked hard by Bickell and retreated to the bench in less than mint condition. The Bruins amped up their pressure on Crawford with Lucic leading the period in shots on goal. Paille also had several chances on goal. Crawford proved himself to be quite the warrior this game starting with the multitude of impressive saves in the first period. With twelve minutes and forty one seconds to go in the period though Kelly breaks through with a goal for the Bruins with an amazing assist by Tyler Seguin and one by Paille. This boosted the morale and momentum of the home team who continued to dominate. A power play occurred for Boston when Johnny Oduya was sent to the bench. Play was paused when Corey Crawford was hit in the mask with a puck and mask issues ensued. Once that was resolved the Bruins played a great power play with 5 shots on goal but no breakthroughs. At this point it is clear the Crawford is the shining star of the game with Seabrook and Keith backing him up with an incredible defensive line. Towards the end of this riveting period Andrew Shaw is suddenly knocked out on the ice by a puck shot up by Thorton with under four minutes to go. Finally the Bruins receive another power play opportunity when Rozsival is penalized for high-sticking. And the period is over. Eight Bruins players had at least one SOG this period.  Bruins leading with 12 SOG and one goal.

Milan celebrates his goal on Crow.

Image Source: http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2013/06/24/chicago-blackhawks-beat-boston-bruins-to-win-stanley-cup/

DOUBLE CLICK TO VIEW GIF of Shaw’s facial injury.

Source: http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2013/6/24/4461190/andrew-shaw-injury-blackhawks-bruins-fans-video

Second Period:

The Bruins power play is carried over into the second period but is killed yet again by an impressive defensive line. Still the Hawks manage to get another penalty soon after, much to Coach Q’s frustration, after Shaw takes a punch at Kelly. During another PP (power play) for the Bruins Toews get a hold of the puck after a neutral zone face-off and scores a shorthanded goal right through the thighs of Tuuka Rask! This goal tied the game reminding the Hawks they had a shot at the stakes. Soon after though another Bruins PP after Seabrook is called for tripping. This is the fourth power play against the Hawks tonight. Despite heavy pressure they are able to snipe yet another PP opportunity from Boston. With about six minutes left in the game the Hawks finally get their opportunity to strike back when Seguin is called out to the box. The power play was not very strong for Chicago however with only one hopeful shot on goal which was thrown out by Chara. Of the Hawks’ 15 SOG, 4 of them were shot by Sharp. The second period ends with a tied game, 1-1.

Third Period:

Jagr who had been benched due to the injury in period 1 was back on the ice and making an impact. The intensity was high and both teams were playing an impressive game. Offensively the Bruins continued to rev upthe pressure but the Hawks continued to deliver defensively. Crow (Corey Crawford’s nickname) was still on fire. With seven minutes and forty nine seconds left in game #6 Milan Lucic scores leading everyone to believe there would no doubt be a game #7 back in Chicago. Everyone but the Hawks. They refused to give up hope and were forced to finally upgrade their offensive game. Opportunity came when Kelly was penalized for high-sticking giving the Hawks their second PP with only a few minutes left in regulation time. The power play however couldn’t have been weaker. Toews suffered a sever blow by Chara which ended up dislodging the net, but he continued the shift. Andrew Shaw continued to appear and disappear on and off the ice due to bleeding caused by his earlier injury. Coach Q called Crow out of the goal with a minute and twenty seconds remaining in a final effort to score and boy was he glad he did! Bickell tied the game soon after and seventeen seconds later Bolland with an assist by Oduyawins the game for us! Coach Julien takes Tuuka out of the net in desperation but with mere seconds left it is too late. The Stanley Cup belongs to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Image Source: http://www.wtae.com/sports/chicago-blackhawks-win-stanley-cup/-/9681176/20701052/-/i3s00iz/-/index.html?absolute=true

It Ends Tonight

Source: http://lcehockey.tumblr.com

Tonight is the climax of the NHL season. Though this season was short due to the lock-out, it was my first to ever follow beginning through end. Lucky for me it has been possibly the most riveting season to ever be a Blackhawks fan. I was able to witness the beautiful, history making 24 game streak without a regulation loss. I watched hours of overtime and I clogged up the dashboards of all of my followers on Twitter with anxious commentary. The Blackhawks have played one hell of a season. The chemistry and devotion visible on the ice has inspired me in so many ways. Anytime I feel tired or lazy, thinking of how many times those players have stood up after an injury or continued to play valiantly into triple OT, I force myself to reevaluate my dedication and inner strength. Tonight is the night that the Hawks have awaited, prayed for, and played for all year. Tonight they have the opportunity to hoist the cup and be inscribed once again into hockey history. I look forward to an intense and passionate game #6 and hope the Blackhawks continue to give it all they got.

According to NHLtonight’s tumblr account:

Patrice Bergeron has been listed as day-to-day.

The Blackhawks are optimistic that Jonathan Toews will play in game 6.

A recap of Boychucks blow to Toews, cause of his Upper Body Injury. Double click for GIF.

GIF via Twitter/@YahooPuckDaddy
Read more at: http://nesn.com/2013/06/johnny-boychuk-levels-jonathan-toews-as-blackhawks-center-attempts-shot-gif/

Brad Marchand “The Little Ball of Hate” Vs. Andrew Shaw

Throughout this Playoffs series Bruins left wing Brad Marchand has been referred to as the “Little ball of hate” and it has been hinted that Andrew Shaw is his Blackhawk equivalent.  There is no doubt that both of these players have quite the tempers, Marchand broke his stick in frustration in Game #4 of this season and Shaw is not shy about getting in the middle of a fight, but I wanted to learn more about each and test their common comparison

http://www.csnchicago.com/blackhawks-talk/gif-marchands-unhappy-stick-break

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DOUBLE CLICK TO VIEW GIF

Shaw is newer to the NHL. Shaw got in a fight in the first NHL game he ever played against the Philadelphia Flyers in 2012. For being so fresh to the professional league ice he has certainly made his name known. He totaled 41 goals and  66 assists this regular season and has been playing a very smart offensive game for the Hawks. Marchand played his first HNL game in 2009 and since then has been proving himself as an impressive offensive player. He helped lead the Bruins to the cup in 2011. In the regular season Marchand has scored 67 goals and 66 assists. In the 2013 Playoffs Marchand has scored 21 points and Shaw, 20. Both have spent impressive time in the box during regular season, Marchand has 183 minutes in penalty and Shaw, 361! These two hot heads sure do clash on the ice, as seen through their multiple fist fights particularly toward the end of game #3.

http://galleries.apps.chicagotribune.com/chi-photos-blackhawksbruins-game-3-20130617/

Pictures by the Chicago Tribune

As a loyal follower of Andrew Shaw on twitter I have been able to get a glimpse into the man behind the aggressive exterior. I have to say… I’d rather have Shaw on my side in a brawl any day.

Some Shaw tweets that are gold…

If you haven’t been watching the Stanley Cup Finals…

After defeating the Minnesota Wild in their first Western series, and a last minute miraculous comeback against the Detroit Red Wings, then finally beating out the LA Kings in a TRIPLE OVERTIME game the Western Conference Champions, the Chicago Blackhawks are now head to head in a tied (2-2) series against the Eastern Conference Champs the Boston Bruins. Game 1 was an intense game. The physicality and intense pace of the game reflected the immense talent and drive of both teams. The game was held in Chicago and was won by the home team in overtime. The next game starting with the Hawks seeming to dominate the Bruins defensive zone. The next two periods however showed a turn around and the Bruins seemed to outplay the Blackhawks despite a tie going into overtime where the Bruins finally scored on an altogether tired and weak front by the Hawks. The fight for the cup was then transported to Boston where the Bruins dominated game 3, the first game in the series which did not require OT (overtime), which they won 2-1.

GAME 4:

The Blackhawks got their mojo back and it was evident within the first few seconds of the first period. The first goal came from a slap shot by Michael Handzus during a Bruins power-play (Diss!).  The Hawks continued to  domineer the ice until Saad slipped during a defensive play during the second Bruins power-play and Bergeron evened it out by scoring. With each strong Blackhawks play and break of tie, the Bruins evened it out soon after. There were some memorable goals by Sharp, Kane, Kruger, and Toews on our end until the 5-5 tie at the end of third period. Sharp made Chicago proud when he scored during a Blackhawks power-play breaking the Hawks’ sour streak of wasting 20 power play opportunities in a row! For those who don’t know, a power-play occurs for one team when the other is short a player due to a penalty. The game had some visceral brawls; At one point Duncan Keith was sticked in the face by Jagr. During overtime Brent Seabrook brought it home for the Blackhawks tying the series and providing hope to fans who look forward to once again having the home-court advantage for Game 5.

This picture found on Pinterest should explain a lot. Each team plays a series of seven games against another. Whichever team wins four games first advances.

My discovery

Ironically my first real brush with love for hockey was at a baseball game. I wasn’t a huge sports fan in general to begin with when I went to a White Sox game to spend some time with my dad and a family friend. It must have been the summer after my freshman year of high school. I can’t recall whether or not the Sox won or lost that night (telling of where my interest in baseball lays) but after the game no one left the stadium. Rather everyone was more glued to the jumbo screen at  U.S.Cellular Field than they had been when the players where on the diamond. The crowd was whooping and gasping on account of the Stanley Cup Final which was being projected onto every screen of the stadium. The Blackhawks were playing the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime and every Chicagoan was on the edge of their seat. I was too and I didn’t know why. I had never really seen a game of hockey before in a serious way. The fast pace of the game drew me in. After watching hours of slow batting and running bases I was ready to be enthralled by the physicality and swiftness that hockey had to offer. I had heard of Patrick Kane solely because of some rumor that he had a fling with a senior at my high school but I had never seen him play. Suddenly I saw him handle the puck into a small nook of the Flyers net with lightning speed. An anxious silence fell over the crowd of fans, wearing White Sox gear on their heads but keeping the Hawks in their hearts, as the refs deliberated the goal. It was hard to tell from the ice but after instant replay number three it couldn’t be clearer that the Chicago Blackhawks had won the championship title thanks to the help of Kane’s backhand miracle goal and Toews’ assist. Everyone in the stadium jumped and screamed and hugged strangers. I was clueless and elated. I had never even heard of the Stanley Cup before but I felt suddenly as though I were as much of a Blackhawks fan as anyone else celebrating that night because I saw Kane snipe that goal. I didn’t need my father to explain any technicality, the game of hockey was simple and gripping, understandable but never boring. I had finally found a sport I could find as entertaining as an episode of Gossip Girl. Sidenote: I know find hockey much more entertaining than Gossip Girl. My father was thrilled. He had been watching Hockey when Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita (the ultimate power couple) graced the ice. He took me and my friend to the closest sport outlet which stayed open late to sell shirts that had been made for this moment.  Since July 9th 2010 I have had an unquenchable thirst to learn as much about hockey as I can and have stayed loyal to the Hawks. While tweeting surely satisfies my instantaneous need to blab about hockey I wanted a medium through which to document my journey to becoming a hockey fan who knows what they are talking about. As the Hawks  approach another Stanley Cup title (fingers crossed! They are currently tied in their series with the Boston Bruins 2-2) I found this an opportune time to do so! Go Hawks!