The Sports Bank

Football. Soccer. Basketball. Gaming and Much More

vancouver canucks

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

Hawks-Canucks Playoffs on Big Hair Hockey Talk Show

By

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

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

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

Potential Blackhawks Playoff Opponents

By

By Paul M. Banks With just one more point, the Chicago Blackhawks will clinch their first playoff appearance since 2002. With postseason action on Chicago’s West side all but assured, it’s time to look ahead. Of course, the most boring and mind-numbing cliche in all of sports is "we don’t look ahead, we’re taking them one game at a time," but we’re not athletes here. … [Read more...] about Potential Blackhawks Playoff Opponents

Chicago Blackhawks Exchange

By

Paul M. Banks and Peter Christian talk about the topics most important to Hawks fans everywhere (PMB) What a difference your man-crush Patrick Sharp makes, the Chi was just 6-7-3 without him and (overlooking Sunday's dominating shutout performance by Vancouver's net-minder Roberto Luongo) the Blackhawks offense really gets a major boost from his presence. A lot of people … [Read more...] about Chicago Blackhawks Exchange

Hawks Looking Sharp for Playoff Home Ice

By

By Paul M. Banks Last week the Chicago Blackhawks lost and later regained the Western Conference’s fourth seed and with it the final home ice advantage for the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. They’re currently two points ahead of the fifth place Vancouver Canucks - who come to town Sunday for a slightly important regular season game- and five points ahead of the … [Read more...] about Hawks Looking Sharp for Playoff Home Ice