Much has been made of the Chicago Blackhawks' top line struggles during these 2010 Stanley Cup Finals. At least up until game 5, when the Hawks' young stars and big names broke through to help give Chicago it's most dominating game of the postseason. But what about the Philadelphia Flyers? Captain Mike Richards, regular season MVP Chris Pronger, and key offensive weapon Jeff … [Read more...] about Flyers’ Biggest Stars Aren’t producing in the Finals
2010 Stanley Cup Finals
Fans of Blackhawks down, concerned about game 5
The mood along Madison Street and throughout Blackhawk Nation is markedly different than it was just one week ago. Last week, in Chicago fans' minds, the Hawks had already won the Stanley Cup. The next four games were a mere formality. Now, however, that opinion has turned from supreme confidence to overwhelming worry. The worry that Blackhawks fans are feeling today is not … [Read more...] about Fans of Blackhawks down, concerned about game 5
Chicago Blackhawks playoff winning streak ends, still up 2-1
For Blackhawks fans the sound echoing in the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia is a lot like the air rushing out of a dude after said dude has been punched in the gut. The 4-3 overtime loss to the Flyers in game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals wasn't debilitating by any means but it was definitely a wake up call that there is still work to be done. By Peter Christian … [Read more...] about Chicago Blackhawks playoff winning streak ends, still up 2-1
More with Blackhawks Adam Burish
Hands down, Chicago Blackhawks forward Adam Burish is the best soundbite in the city. In a world of “we’re just working hard,” “focusing on ourselves right now,” and “just need to play our game,” his golden quotes glitter even more brightly. So when I saw his table at Stanley Cup Final Media Day, I made sure to spend a good chunk of the day there, recording the … [Read more...] about More with Blackhawks Adam Burish
Marian Hossa Hex wears off with 2 more wins
One of the Stanley Cup storylines being run into the ground during the 2010 Finals revolves around the Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa, and the fact that he was on the last two Stanley Cup losers. On Memorial Day, Hossa himself took a big step towards laying that oft-repeated storyline to eternal rest. By Paul M. Banks … [Read more...] about Marian Hossa Hex wears off with 2 more wins
Top two picks of ’07 Draft not impacting Stanley Cup very much
The 2010 Stanley Cup Finals features a match-up between the #1 and #2 overall picks in the 2007 NHL Draft. The Chicago Blackhawks took Patrick Kane first overall that June; the Philadelphia Flyers followed up by taking James Van Riemsdyk second. This marked the first time in NHL history that two Americans were picked 1st and 2nd overall in the same draft. Both of these young … [Read more...] about Top two picks of ’07 Draft not impacting Stanley Cup very much
Stanley Cup would make Blackhawks Dramatic Franchise Transformation Complete
As recently as 2006-07, if you attended a Chicago Blackhawks game, you'd see the 300 level was about as populated as a nuclear testing site. For the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, people will pay north of $400 to STAND in these sections. With three more wins, Chicago can drink from the Stanley cup of life in 2010, and give this original 6 franchise a metamorphosis that would make … [Read more...] about Stanley Cup would make Blackhawks Dramatic Franchise Transformation Complete
BlackHawks Niemi wins Game 1 battle of Goaltenders
If one thing can be said of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals match-up of goaltenders it's this- no one expected these two (Chicago Blackhawks: Antti Niemi and Philadelphia Flyers: Michael Leighton) to be here. Cristobal Huet, the Hawks' multi-million dollar man with serious self-confidence issues was the team's starter up until midseason when the stellar rookie Niemi replaced … [Read more...] about BlackHawks Niemi wins Game 1 battle of Goaltenders
Stanley Cup Finals: The Story Lines
The Stanley Cup Finals are only a day away, media day is over and we are getting antsy! We've already stated why the Blackhawks will win or lose, as well as the Flyers. We've already shared who the top 16 players to keep an eye on in the series are and yet we still can't stop talking about the Cup. What on Earth can we do? Another draft of sorts? Absolutely. By Peter … [Read more...] about Stanley Cup Finals: The Story Lines
Stanley Cup Finals: Impact Player Draft
As much as we try to spread the word about the glorious sport of hockey, we know that more often than not our words fall on deaf ears. We preach about the game, the athletes, the history and the fans but rarely do we or does the game get an increase in followers. Well, now is the perfect time to jump in. by Peter Christian and Bryan Vickroy … [Read more...] about Stanley Cup Finals: Impact Player Draft