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
Paul Banks
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
Exclusive with Gene Keady
Paul M. Banks Current Big Ten analyst Gene Keady is a former basketball coach and NFL quarterback. That’s right, Keady was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 19th round with the 223rd pick overall in 1958. However, he’s most notable for being the head basketball coach at Purdue University from 1980 to 2005 and his famous combover hairstyle. Keady became the … [Read more...] about Exclusive with Gene Keady
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
White Sox CF Issues
By Paul M. Banks White Sox centerfielders are like Bulls post-players or Bears QBs prior to the Jay Cutler signing. There’s nothing close to a blue chip stock in the portfolio, so all you can do is take the collection of junk bonds you have, and try to maximize your return. 31 year old DeWayne Wise was a career minor leaguer for a reason, there’s no reason to expect his … [Read more...] about White Sox CF Issues
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
Inside-Out Sox Exchange
By Soxman and Paul M. Banks In a role reversal, our South Side super hero Soxman grabs the interview reigns to lead this week’s Sox exchange, as Paul M. Banks has been completely consumed by the three P’s…Play-offs, Politics, and Pitching (for his local softball team) In this week's exchange, our sports media dynamic duo discuss the AL Central race this young season, the … [Read more...] about Inside-Out Sox Exchange
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