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Chicago Blackhawks

Mixed Reviews on Blackhawks Moves

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By Paul M. Banks It’s the 4th of July, ready for some hockey? It’s time to celebrate America’s Birthday by vivisecting the roster decisions made by one of the premier franchises in Canada’s national game. On July 1st, “Canada Day” or their version of Independence Day the Hawks made the biggest headlines in the NHL as the league officially opened its free agency period. I … [Read more...] about Mixed Reviews on Blackhawks Moves

It’s Ok to root for Chris Chelios

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By Paul M. Banks One of the weirdest aspects of a rivalry is when a player changes teams, and goes to his former team’s bitterest of rivals. Even though he’s been wearing a Detroit Red Wings sweater now for 9 years (the same number of years he was “committed to the Indian”) when Chris Chelios came to town and you just had to root for him, even though he helped do the … [Read more...] about It’s Ok to root for Chris Chelios

Henrik Zetterberg: Crusher of Blackhawk Hopes and Dreams

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By Paul M. Banks Although the end was not pretty, it was quite a memorable season for the Chicago Blackhawks, who long surpassed expectations: reaching the Western Conference quarterfinals for the first time since 1995. As I predicted exactly on the Big Hair Hockey Show podcast, they lost to their bitter rivals the Detroit Red Wings in 5 games. One of the biggest reasons why … [Read more...] about Henrik Zetterberg: Crusher of Blackhawk Hopes and Dreams

KANE! Patrick Not looking SHARP this series

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By Paul M. Banks In Kane and Sharp, the Chicago Blackhawks possess two young star forwards named Patrick. "Sharpie" the lesser known of the two, is having a much better Western Conference Finals than "Kaner." Down 3-1 to the Detroit Red Wings, the Hawks will need both of them, (and a more reinforcements) to be on their A game if Chicago is going to stand any chance of … [Read more...] about KANE! Patrick Not looking SHARP this series

Dale Tallon: Architect of Blackhawks Success

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By Paul M. Banks Heading into 2008-09, the season of Chicago Blackhawks renaissance, it was thought in certain circles that Hawks General Manager Dale Tallon could be on the way out. Tallon was more Bill Wirtz’s guy than he was Rocky Wirtz’s guy. After NHL coaching legend Scotty Bowman joined the Hawks organization (pronounced “organ-I-zation” in Canadian English) as … [Read more...] about Dale Tallon: Architect of Blackhawks Success

NHL Western Conference Finals Preview

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By Aylin Diaz of Chics Hockey and the Big Hair Hockey Show The Chicago Blackhawks have lifted themselves to their first Western Conference Finals in 13 years.  They are matched up against their hated rival and reigning Stanley Cup winner, the Detroit Red Wings.  The Chicago Blackhawks are topped off with a corps of young players such as Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Jonathan … [Read more...] about NHL Western Conference Finals Preview

Trendy to be a Blackhawks Fan

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By Paul M. Banks During the Bill Wirtz era, it was not uncommon for the Chicago Blackhawks to draw less than 5,000 fans for a game. Earlier this decade, they finished dead last in the NHL in attendance. This season however, the Blackhawks set a National Hockey League club record by attracting an average of 21,783 to their 40 home dates at United Center (also, 40,818 filled … [Read more...] about Trendy to be a Blackhawks Fan

The Shots are on Vancouver

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By Paul M. Banks In the Chicago Blackhawks-Vancouver Canucks Western Conference Semifinal series, most of the statistics are remarkably even. The one exception: shots on goal. The Hawks hold a decisive edge, accumulating a 31 shot advantage. Even though they’ve taken more shots than a college fraternity pledge during hazing week, the numbers of total goals scored in this … [Read more...] about The Shots are on Vancouver