Brent Seabrook exults with Brian Campbell after scoring the Hawks' first goal. (AP)
Jerry Angelo deserves a thank-you note from the Blackhawks. By declining to make a selection Saturday on the first day of the NFL draft -- trading the Bears' only pick, a second-rounder, to Seattle for extra picks Sunday -- the GM in effect left the Chicago sports main stage solely to the Hawks. And they certainly stole the show, demolishing the Flames 5-1 to seize a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven series.
Never have I heard a louder extended roar at the UC than the eardrum assault unleashed by 22,563 fans during this national anthem. Even singer Jim Cornelison, accustomed as he is to the long-standing tradition, seemed stunned by the urgency of the applause, unable to suppress a grin before belting out a goosebump-raising rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. The full-throated fans sent a deafening message to the Flames that the home-ice advantage they enjoyed in Games 3 and 4 was going to be a distant memory.
The Hawks were in complete command from the first puck drop. Brent Seabrook began the onslaught with a power-play goal 9:19 into the opening period, and when Patrick Sharp and Kris Versteeg scored 19 seconds apart shortly afterward, it felt like we were all part of one long, delirious Amstel Light commercial.
"Chelsea Dagger" by The Fratellis is a rousing choice as the ditty that blares at the UC after every Hawks goal, but if the Amsterdam-based brew masters are going to keep using that same catchy tune in their beer commercials, they owe the Hawks a hefty royalties check for that first-period scoring binge.
So now most of us can sit back Sunday and see which Bulls team shows up for Game 4 of their series with the Celtics. Bears boss Angelo, on the other hand, will be hard at work, with nine selections to make on Day 2 of the draft (beginning with two third-round picks, Nos. 68 and 99 overall).
This was the first time since 1978 -- and only the third time ever -- that the Bears didn't make a single pick in the first two rounds of the draft. Angelo, having included his first-round pick in the package that landed Jay Cutler, admitted having spoken to the Arizona Cardinals early in the day about possibly acquiring Pro Bowl receiver Anquan Boldin, but said nothing could be worked out.
A pity for Bears fans. On this day, however, another PR coup for the Blackhawks.
Unfortunately I only got to see the first period but that was enough to see that the Black Hawks were taking it to the Flames big time. It was one of the most impressive display of puck domination I've seen. The Black Hawks were on that puck like a pack of wolves on a hamstung deer. If they come out in game six with that same determination the Flames will be extinguished.
Jerry Angelo is turning Chicago into a Hockey town, and quite frankly, it's working for me pretty good..good point, stu
watching future hall of fame left tackle Michael Oher sitting there at #18...that was the straw...snap
and Orton has a better RB now, too...
Green Bay and Minnesota got instant stud starters...and lol, 6..all we got is 6?
the Blackhawks made it all better, tho...but if they can win the West and pull off the big upset of you know who..
that 6-10 record the Bears pull out of their sorry rears won't feel so bad...well, I'm gonna enjoy it, but I'm thinking of the, well...no I'm not...screw the fanboys
and Go Blackhawks!!!
You are right Stu.
The Hawks dominated that game and the headlines.
So good to see this team back from the dead and people passionate about them once again.
If the Hawks play like that in Calgary, no amount of "bully tactics" carried out by the Keenan Boys will matter and we won't have to go to a heartstopping Game 7 at the UC.
Emerging Stars for Hawks: Brent Seabrook and Cam Barker
These two guys were particularly spectacular last night and have been so with more consistency of late (Game 4 was bad for everyone!).
Hitman - yes...we will all miss Johnny Unitas...oops - I mean Kyle Orton. The sad thing is like with most former mediocre chicago athletes, his "legend" will grow as more time passes.
don't lose hope, Tommy...you'll be able to see Kyle in the playoffs and the pro bowl...fortunately for me, tho...listening to you scream Caleb Hanie will be my reward...
Go Blackhawks!!!!
This post could go anywhere or nowhere, but I choose to put it on the Hawks thread because:
1. They're the closest to doing something special.
2. They could win the Stanley Cup and not get twenty posts for any one of their discussion threads.
I can't think of another time in my life since I was 12 when all sports were at the forefront of my mind.
a. Sox and Cubs--while floundering a bit, still are good enough to be going places so games are important.
b. Bulls--valiant effort against the Celts made "NBA Classic" games.
c. Bears--acquiring Cutler and following with a solid draft.
d. Blackhawks--growing be leaps and bounds and should make it to the second round
My wife is the antithesis of a sports fan. For example, I had to teach her that the hitter in baseball runs to first base, not third! She also abhors any semblance of violence which includes tackling (football), checking (hockey), hard fouls (b-ball), taking out the SS or 2b on a possible double play (baseball). She's doing spring cleaning and wants my full involvement and I can't get give it to her these days because of all this other stuff! I feel like I'm 12 years old!
These days are truly a special time!
Go Blackhawks!
Stu responds: Well said, Gig. We really need to stop and truly appreciate what's going on in Chicago sports right now, it doesn't get much better than this (at least not until somebody wins a championship!).