No. 1 in attendance in the NHL. Franchise-best nine-game win streak. Winter Classic at Wrigley Field.
It's a great time to be a Blackhawks fan - again.
Dan McNeil wrote recently for us about how the Hawks' success has taken him back to when he was a 10-year-old Blackhawks fan.
For me, it takes me back to getting to the Stadium before the doors opened and racing to the second balcony for standing-room only space. If we got two deep we would feel lucky.
I'm not at that level for Thursday's game at Wrigley Field, but I'm really looking forward to it. I have the "cheap" seats ($75 a pop), and while the sight line may not be optimal, it's still going to be a blast.
Unfortunately, it looks like Chris Chelios won't be playing. Doesn't look like he's long for Detroit, either. Always like seeing someone in my age group still competing. I'm sure Cheli will be at Wrigley somehow. As big a Cubs fan as he is, can't imagine him missing this thing.
I heard today there's going to be a rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." I'm guessing during the third period maybe during a TV timeout, and my guess is it will be sung by former Hawks greats.
Former Cubs greats also will be on hand, like Ryne Sandberg, Fergie Jenkins and Billy Williams. As well as celebrities like Vince Vaughn.
I'm sure some fans will try to make it an all-nighter Wednesday and head right to the game. I've considered it, but my stamina isn't what it once was.
Can't wait to see what the Wings have to say about the visiting clubhouse at Wrigley and how far they'll have to walk to the field. That's a long walk in baseball cleats. Can't imagine doing it in skates.
And the word is the ice is holding up great, even with warmer-than-usual temps.
Forecast is for low 30s with the possibility of snow.
Perfect.
This season has been like a perfect storm for the Hawks. They resurrected their fan base with unprecedented speed. And they turned it around on the ice.
This is no fluke. This isn't hype. This is a quality team and the best sports story this city has going right now.
As an old Wings fan coming in for the game from Detroit, I can't wait for the puck to drop. I'm happy for the Hawks that they're on the rebound. Original six games being as rare as they are now, I love the "new" old rivalry that is developing.
The forecast sounds great. Hope my seats are OK. Section 218 row 10 "limited view." I can't wait to say I've finally been to a game at Wrigley. Now if only there isn't an iron beam in my sight line...
Roman - thanks for this post! I love the Bears but I'm tired of the post-mortem.
I don't remember the Hawks being this good in all the years I've been in Chicago. I hope this year is the beginning of the fall of the Red Wings, and nothing would be sweeter than watching the Hawks push them off their pedestal.
I am happy for the Hawks. I was at Jewel today shopping and I saw an old guy with what looked like the very first ever Hawk's jacket on. It was red, had the Indian on the front and the huge letters spelling out CHICAGO like a rainbow draped across the back. I could appreciate how he feels. That is exactly how I will feel when the Bulls make it back.
Text me a photo Roman to cold for me.
Happy New Year brother
And Happy New Year to all the Pressers!
GO CUBS in 09!!!!
Well, the game itself was anti-climactic. However, I still think the Hawks may be just one player away (if not two, but I'm optimistic--the other could be a defenseman who moves guys away from the front of the net). That player, in my mind, should be a very good center. We really need that and more experience (like the Wings have so much of) and we'll be right there fighting for the Cup.
Hold your heads high Chicago hockey fans. In spite of these games against the Wings, this team is on the rise and will be there for the next decade.
Note to Hawks: Next time pick a patsy.
Anti-climactic as Gig said.
Roman responds: What would be the point of picking a patsy? It's a great rivalry. And besides, it's not something you want to do every year.
Roman, I defintely think its something to do every year, especially if it sells. Gimmicks like the Winter Classic is like making a movie - the audience needs a payoff after that huge buildup. And you ALLWAYS want to send the local fans home happy. Hawks need to pick another team. You don't pick Clubber Lang for the charity event.