Results tagged “hockey”

  

Blackhawks Scorch Flames

Don't be surprised if our Editor-in-Chief is a little jumpy this week. He's got this silly fear of clowns and the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus comes to town on Wednesday. Taking over the United Center from Nov. 18-29, the "Greatest Show on Earth" once again exiles the Bulls and Blackhawks for their annual "circus trips." The Bulls open their West Coast swing on Tuesday night against the Sacramento Kings, followed by games against the L.A. Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trailblazers, Utah Jazz and Milwaukee Bucks over the next two weeks before returning to the Madhouse on Madison again. While the team's been able to return to Chicago to celebrate Thanksgiving with family between games, this year the Bulls play the Jazz in Utah on the holiday.

Like their United Center roommates the Bulls, the Blackhawks are off on the annual Circus Trip (more on that from Benjy in a bit) on a winning note after edging the Sharks 4-3 in overtime last night. Brent Sopel scored a little more than four minutes in to give the 'Hawks an early 1-0 lead that the Sharks would even up before the end of the first period. San Jose would strike twice more within the first two minutes of the second period to jump out to a 3-1 lead. The 'Hawks held firm and got two second period goals of their own, first from Patrick Kane and then, in the closing minutes, from John Madden to send the game to the final period at a 3-3 tie. After a scoreless third, it was a goal from Brent Seabrook in the opening minute of overtime that clinched the Blackhawks victory, their seventh straight win at home. Huet was in goal once again for the 'Hawks, allowing the three goals but also making 20 saves in the winning effort. After playing four games at home in seven days, the team now has a few days off before opening their two-week road trip in Calgary on Thursday (8:30 p.m., CSN).

Playing their third game in five days, the Blackhawks extended their win streak to, well, all three games as they up-ended the Maple Leafs 3-2 last night. Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith both netted goals in the first period to give the 'Hawks in early 2-0 lead. The lead was extended to 3-0 early in the second when Troy Brouwer tipped in a power play goal. It was the Phil Kessel show from the on as he scored for Toronto late in the second period and again early in the third to cut the lead to 3-2. Cristobal Huet held firm, allowing the lone third period goal on 11 shots from Toronto (Huet had 29 saves overall) to help the 'Hawks notch the win. The 'Hawks have now won sixth straight at home, dating back to October, but have only one game left, tomorrow night against San Jose (6 pm, WGN) before they head out on the Circus Trip.

It seems actually showing your team's games on local television can be financially beneficial. Who knew? The Blackhawks' local broadcast deal is one of a few being cited by Forbes' magazine as one of the reasons the the NHL's overall value jumped last year. As for the 'Hawks, the team also took a big jump in value to the tune of 26 percent. Of course, we're sure a young team, a fantastic season with a trip to the Western Conference finals and a rabid fan base helped. Now standing at an overall estimated worth of $258 million, the 'Hawks rank seventh in the league overall. In fact, the Original Six all rank in the top seven (Philly being the odd man out at No. 5). The jump was the largest one-year change in the entire league. You can check out Forbes' entire feature here. [via Crain's]

  

'Hawks Melt Avs In Shoot-Out

The Blackhawks used a big rally early in the third period to propel themselves to a 4-1 win over the L.A. Kings last night at the United Center. After a scoreless first period, John Madden got the 'Hawks on the board in the opening minutes of the second period. The Kings tied the game up halfway through and the game headed to the final frame tied 1-1. That's when the 'Hawks unleashed an offensive attack, scoring three goals in just over the first nine minutes of the period: back-to-back power play goals from Troy Brouwer (who also had two assists) and Jonathan Toews and then the final goal from Andrew Ebbett. Huet played well, making 17 saves on the night and, once more, the 'Hawks outshot their opponent by a wide margin, this time 29-18. The 'Hawks full week at home continues Wednesday when the Colorado Avalanche come to town (7:30 p.m., CSN).

The Blackhawks' road woes continued last night, dropping their third straight away game as the Avalanche edged the 'Hawks 4-3 in a shoot-out. It was a game of runs as the Blackhawks opened up a 2-0 lead in the first half of the opening period. Dustin Byfuglien got a power play game early on and Duncan Keith added a second goal a few minutes later. But the Avalanche countered with a three-goal run that spanned the rest of the first and most of the second period to take a 3-2 lead. The 'Hawks answered, courtesy of Andrew Ladd, to tie the game at 3-3. After a scoreless third period and overtime, it was on to the shoot-out where Patrick Kane was the only 'Hawk to net a goal and by a 2-1 shoot-out margin, the Avs took game. Niemi took the loss in goal for the 'Hawks making 17 saves in regulation, two in overtime, and six saves on eight shots in the shoot-out. The 'Hawks return home Monday night to take on the Kings (7 pm, VS), the first of four home games next week. If you haven't had a chance to catch the team live in person, now's a good chance to do it before the team goes on the infamous two-week Circus Trip.

  

Bulls Edge Cavs

The Wolves got the best of the Milwaukee Admirals last night in the latest leg of the Amtrak Rivalry by a 4-3 final. It also happened to be the first road win for the Wolves this season. Anthony Stewart opened the scoring halfway through the first to get the Wolves up 1-0 and Tim Stapleton made it 2-0 just a few minutes later. Not to be outdone, Milwaukee countered with a pair of goals of their own to make it 2-2 at the first intermission. In the second, Milwaukee got its third goal on a power play to take the 3-2 lead, but the Wolves answered when Arturs Kulda tipped in a shot from Stewart. The game remained tied at 3-3 until Stapleton got his second goal of the game halfway through the third to give the Wolves the edge and eventual win. Goalie Drew MacIntyre had 14 saves on the night and Chris Chelios had a pair of assists. The Wolves next travel to Grand Rapids for a game tomorrow night (6 p.m.).

  

Heat Burn Bulls

  

'Hawks Edge Habs

    

Bulls Bounce Spurs In Opener

We've been remiss in, until now, pretty much ignoring the Chicago Wolves. That changes today. The Wolves skated past Rockford 3-2 last night in a shootout victory. Tim Stapleton and Spencer Machacek scored the Wolves' goals in regulation and Stapleton netted the only goal in the shootout to give Chicago the victory. Goalie Manny Legace had 32 saves in regulation but, more importantly, had saves on all five of Rockford's attempts in the shootout. Former Blackhawks star Chris Chelios was credited with assists on both Wolves goals.

The Blackhawks have started in on another winning streak, taking their second game in a row courtesy a 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild last night at the United Center. Dave Bolland got the scoring started about midway through the first period and Troy Brouwer followed up with a power play goal late in the first to give the 'Hawks a 2-0 edge. Both teams went scoreless in the second, but the Wild cut the lead in half with a goal just a few minutes into the third period, an Andrew Burnette power play goal. The 'Hawks answered just a few minutes later as Patrick Kane showed some pretty nice skills in netting the 'Hawks third goal of the game.

      

Blackhawks Shutdown, Shut Out Predators

After a hot start to the season, the Blackhawks find themselves losers of two games in a row and with a few injuries that might keep some key players from their lineup. Brent Seabrook and Jonathon Toews are both questionable for tonight's game against Nashville after both suffered injuries from hard hits - possibly concussions - in their game against Vancouver earlier this week. The 'Hawks have been without Ben Eager for seven games due to a concussion. According to a report in the Tribune:

We'll hand it to the Blackhawks; it may not be a bear hell-bent on destruction, but we get a kick out of this commercial for next week's game against the Minnesota Wild, using Where The Wild Things Are for inspiration.

In spite of holding a 2-1 lead going into the final period of play last night, the Blackhawks let victory slip away as Vancouver rallied to top the 'Hawks 3-2. Duncan Keith got Chicago on the board first with a goal a little over mid-way through the first. Vancouver countered in the opening minute of the second period, but the 'Hawks answered with a Troy Brouwer goal late in the period to take a 2-1 lead into the second intermission. But Vancouver got two goals in the second half of the third - a power play goal to tie followed by Mikael Samuelsson's go-ahead goal - to take the lead for good. Antti Niemi had 28 saves on the night as the Cancuks became the first team this season to outshoot the 'Hawks; they did so by a 31-20 margin. After their hot start, the 'Hawks have now lost two in a row, a trend they hope to reverse starting Saturday night when they welcome the Nashville Predators to the United Center (7:30 p.m., WGN).

Chris Chelios is officially back in a Chicago hockey jersey after he signed today with the Chicago Wolves. The signing wasn't exactly a surprise, given that Chelios has been skating with the team recently, but still it's nice to have it official. Chelios, a Chicago-area native with a 25-year NHL career, will get his first start with the team this Friday when the Wolves take on Manitoba. Chelios has indicated he hopes his time with the Wolves will lead to a potential return to the NHL, though there's no indication is he wants that to be with the Wolves' NHL affiliate, the Atlanta Thrashers, or another team. There are still plenty of tickets available to this Friday's game at the Allstate Arena, where the puck will drop at 7-30 p.m.

Hockey insidiously worms it's way into your heart. We've heard enough dance rock bands in recent years to grow suspicious of any group that could be counted among that ilk. We don't wish James Murphy or The Rapture ill for influencing so many kids starting bands, but goddamn if have to suffer through another group of college kids caterwauling over a disco beat we're gonna start smashing 12 inch singles over somebody's carefully mussed head!

The Dallas Stars came to town and did something that other teams are having a hard time doing this year: beat the Blackhawks. Dallas edged the 'Hawks 4-3 last night at the United Center. After a scoreless first period, the dam broke in the second as the teams combined for five goals in that period alone. Dallas took a 2-0 lead before Troy Brouwer got Chicago on the board. After another Dallas goal, Jonathon Toews scored to cut the lead to 3-2. After a fluke bounce off the boards got past Huet for another Dallas goal in the third period, Niklas Hjalmarsson scored to cut the lead again, this time to 4-3 but Dallas held and came out with the win. Cristobal Huet jad 21 saves besides allowing the four goals. The 'Hawks get a few days off now until Vancouver skates into town on Wednesday (7:30 p.m., CSN).

Hot damn, the Blackhawks are on a roll to start the 2009-2010 season. The team is now 5-1-1, their best start in 27 years, after rolling past Nashville 3-1 last night. After a scoreless first period that saw the 'Hawks take 12 shots, Chicago wasted no time getting on the board in the second, scoring two goals less than thirty seconds apart in the opening minutes of the period. Dustin Byfuglien netted a power play goal 2:21 into the period and Tomas Kopecky added a goal at 2:49 in to give the 'Hawks a 2-0 edge. The Predators answered quickly themselves as just 47 seconds later Martin Erat got one past Cristobal Huet to cut the lead to 2-1. The Predators, though, wouldn't get many more chances at scoring. Duncan Keith added a goal in the third to extend the lead and Nashville only got off two shots in the final period. Overall, Huet stopped 12 of 13 shots while the Blackhawks managed to take 30 overall. Brent Seabrook had two assists: on the Byfuglien and Keith goals. If you haven't gotten a chance to see the 'Hawks in action, now's the time. Beginning Saturday (versus Dallas, 7:30 p.m., WGN), five of the next six 'Hawks game - taking us through the end of October - are at home.

The Blackhawks kept their hot start to the season going by winning their third game in a row and remaining unbeaten at home with last night's 4-3 victory over Edmonton. Patrick Sharp opened up the game with a goal in the first minute of play to give the 'Hawks an early lead. Edmonton answered less than two minutes later but Jack Skille would score as well to give Chicago a 2-1 edge. Kris Versteeg added a goal in the second period to give the 'Hawks a 3-1 edge, but it would take a Cam Barker power play goal late in the third to give the 'Hawks enough room to escape with the win in regulation. The Blackhawks sent a barrage of shots - 38 total - towards Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, who just last year helped the 'Hawks to the Western Conference finals. Said the Bulin Wall after the game, "It was weird to be on the other side. They actually have become a pretty good team." Pretty good is right; at 4-1-1 in the young season, the 'Hawks sit alone atop the division. The team is on the road tonight in Nashville (7 p.m., CSN).

If you gave up on the Blackhawks in their game against Calgary last night - and who can blame you as the Flames were up 5-0 a little over halfway through the first period - you missed a historic comeback by the Blackhawks who pulled out a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory. The huge early hole came via a meltdown that saw the Flames score all five goals in a five-and-a-half minute span in the first period. The first three Flames goals came in a 53-second span and led to goalie Cristobal Huet being yanked in favor of Annti Niemi who, just minutes later, allowed a pair of goals a minute apart. And then the 'Hawks hunkered down. After those two goals, Niemi wouldn't allow another shot past him, finishing with 13 saves and the 'Hawks defense held the Flames to only 10 shots total in the second and third period, as many as they had in the first period.

Retired NHL star Chris Chelios may make his way back into competitive hockey with a team in Chicago, just not the ones he's associated with. The former Canadien/Blackhawk/Red Wing vet skated with the Chicago Wolves and says he may sign with the team later this week and he hopes to pave the way for a possible return to the NHL. Said Chelios, "The Wolves gave me a great opportunity. It's going to fun and I intend to have a good time with these guys." The Wolves are affiliated with the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers. [ESPN]

The Chicago Blackhawks gave fans their money's worth at last night's home opener, edging the Colorado Avalanche 4-3 in a dramatic nine-round shoot-out win. The Blackhawks got on the board first thanks to a power play goal from Cam Barker. The Avalanche, however, bounced back in the second period with the next two goals to take a 2-1 edge. From there, the two teams exchanged goals as a total of five goals were scored in the second, ending with the teams tied at 3-3 (the 'Hawks got goals from Andrew Ladd and Duncan Keith). After a scoreless third period and overtime period, the teams moved to a shoot-out. The two teams extended the shoot-out to a ninth frame, the longest shoot-out in Blackhawks' history, when a goal by Andrew Ladd gave the 'Hawks a 4-3 shoot-out edge and a 4-3 win. Cristobal Huet stopped 16 of 19 shots he faced in regulation and overtime and came through with some key saves in the shoot-out, stopping 6 of 9 shots. The Blackhawks next welcome Calgary to town on Monday (7 p.m., VS).

Missed opportunities and a stellar performance by Chris Osgood spoiled the Blackhawks' return to our fair continent, losing their first game in regulation of the season to the Red Wings in Detroit, 3-2. It wasn't for lack of trying. Continuing the season's trend, the Hawks once again outshot their opponent (34-23). Their aggressiveness led to a 1-0 lead early in the second period, as the Wings turned the puck over trying to clear their zone, and Kris Versteeg passed to Patrick Sharp, who was just hanging out, whispering sweet nothings into Osgood's ear. The Hawks' previously perfect penalty kill faltered midway through the second as Niklas Lindstrom's shot deflected off John Madden's skate and past Cristobal Huet (0-1-1). With less than five minutes to go in the period, the Red Wings added a goal by Kris Draper and then a power play goal by Johan Franzen just over ninety seconds later. Versteeg cut it to 3-2 with a power play goal halfway through the third, but it wasn't enough to overcome Osgood's dominance, a disorganized five-on-three opportunity in which the Hawks managed just one shot, and shuffled lines and new faces due to their spate of injuries (latest news: Ben Eager was put on injured reserve prior to the game). The Hawks (1-1-1) make their United Center season debut this Saturday as they take on the Colorado Avalanche (2-1-0).

With all of the Olympics hoopla last week, we hadn't yet had a chance to preview the Blackhawks season, which opened in Helsinki, Finland against the Florida Panthers on Friday. After last season's renaissance on the ice, hockey has re-emerged as a sport we in Chicago care about, and we fans have high expectations for our Blackhawks in 2009-10.

Even a Cubs fan such as myself has to hand it to the White Sox: this "Well, if we can't be in the playoffs so we might as well completely screw up the playoff picture for someone else" attitude is pretty addictive. The White Sox downed Detroit 5-1 last night, forcing the Tigers into a tie with the Minnesota Twins heading into the last day of the season. Adding a little fun to the festivities, if the Twins and Tigers finished tied, the Twins host a playoff which will have to be played Tuesday because of the Vikings-Packers Monday Night Football game at the Metrodome. Anything that messes even the slightest bit with Bud Selig is totally awesome with us. Okay, but there was a game last night, too. Freddy Garcia looked sharp, pitching seven-plus innings, striking out seven, and giving up only a single run. Carlos Quentin had a two-run homer and Alex Rios also had a great night, knocking in three runs. The Sox wrap up 2009 against the Tigers today at 12:05 p.m. (WGN).