The Sports Bank

Football. Soccer. Basketball. Gaming and Much More

stanley cup

Henrik Zetterberg: Crusher of Blackhawk Hopes and Dreams

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

Blackhawks-Canucks Series: Even Strength So Far

By

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

Blackhawks Face Much Bigger Challenge in 2nd Round

By

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

Blackhawks Playoff Series Getting Chippy, Punchy

By

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