By Paul M. Banks With the Chicago Blackhawks capturing the city’s heart this season, numerous second city citizens who previously ignored hockey are now finding themselves to be experts on the sport’s terminology. “Even Strength” is the term used to describe the portion of the game when both teams have the same number of attackers on the ice. It’s also the perfect way to … [Read more...] about Blackhawks-Canucks Series: Even Strength So Far
Chicago Blackhawks
Hawks-Canucks Playoffs on Big Hair Hockey Talk Show
The Big Hair Hockey Talk Show had me on a guest panelist for their Chicago Blackhawks/Vancouver Canucks preview on Sunday. You can listen to it here. And also check out The Hockey Chics blog here It's panel discussion time again on the Big Hair Hockey Talk Show. Joining us is Canucks Hockey Blog writer, JJ Guerrero (https://www.canuckshockeyblog.com). Also joining us Paul … [Read more...] about Hawks-Canucks Playoffs on Big Hair Hockey Talk Show
Blackhawks Face Much Bigger Challenge in 2nd Round
By Paul M. Banks In their 54th all-time Stanley Cup Playoff appearance, the Chicago Blackhawks advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals 4-2 where they’ll meet the 3rd seeded Vancouver Canucks. If that 54 sounds super-high, remember that the Hawks are one of the NHL’s original six franchises. This series will be the third all-time Stanley Cup Playoff meeting between the … [Read more...] about Blackhawks Face Much Bigger Challenge in 2nd Round
Kris Versteeg Latest of Young Hawks Stars to Emerge
By Paul M. Banks The rise of the Chicago Blackhawks franchise from obscurity to fan and media darling has been well documented. But there’s another (and even more positive ) story that also needs to be told. As bright as the present currently is, the future looks even better. The team’s leaders are a very young core of players whose best days are likely still in front of … [Read more...] about Kris Versteeg Latest of Young Hawks Stars to Emerge
Blackhawks-Flames Random Notes
By Paul M. Banks -Why does Jim Belushi have to be at everything Chicago sports related? (It now extends over into the Illini and SIU Salukis as well) For some odd reason (or should I say lack of reason) he appeared in a collection of Chicago “celebs” honoring the Blackhawks playoff appearance on the jumbotron at Game 1. He was rightfully booed. We need to extinguish … [Read more...] about Blackhawks-Flames Random Notes
Don’t Toews Calgary Bro
By Paul M. Banks The last time the Chicago Blackhawks won a playoff series in 1996, it was a first round triumph over the Calgary Flames. If history repeats itself in 2009, the series MVP could likely be Hawks Center Jonathan Toews, who was 8 years old back then. He was born the same year the Flames’ home arena, the Pengrowth Saddledome hosted Winter Olympic hockey in 1988. … [Read more...] about Don’t Toews Calgary Bro
Blackhawks Playoff Series Getting Chippy, Punchy
By Paul M. Banks Since the opening face off, the Chicago Blackhawks first round playoff series with the Calgary Flames has been a very physical one. Game one contained lots of good solid checking, but it didn’t have all the punches of games two and three. Monday night’s loss in Calgary saw even more checks get cashed in the currency of pushes, shoves and … [Read more...] about Blackhawks Playoff Series Getting Chippy, Punchy
Blackhawks Experiencing a Very Physical Series
By Paul M. Banks There’s one aspect of the game of hockey that makes the athletic achievements of the players all the more impressive: Most of the time, hockey players must perform their tasks aware that a giant Russian or Canadian man is speeding towards them on skates with the intent to kill them. Well, not literally kill them, but hockey is an extremely physical game and … [Read more...] about Blackhawks Experiencing a Very Physical Series
Blackhawks Battling Familiar Face in Postseason
By Paul M. Banks In order for the Blackhawks to reach the Stanley Cup Finals, they’ll have to first skate past Mike Keenan, the man who guided them to their last cup appearance. Keenan, currently with his 8th team, is to NHL coaching jobs what Elisha Cuthbert is to dating hockey players: they’ve been around the block a few times. The heavily-traded coaching commodity has a … [Read more...] about Blackhawks Battling Familiar Face in Postseason
Blackhawks Reach One Goal, Still Seeking Another
By Paul M. Banks This week the Blackhawks reached one milestone, but fell short of another. The Hawks established an all-time single-season attendance record Wednesday night before their contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets. It’s amazing what putting home games on television, welcoming back iconic players and broadcasters, hosting the Winter Classic, developing a … [Read more...] about Blackhawks Reach One Goal, Still Seeking Another