Hawks Weekend Forecast

Hawks Preparing for Penguins in Chicago

Crew Preparing the Stadium Series logo at center ice of Soldier Field
Source Image: http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=706723&navid=DL|CHI|home

Tonight the Chicago Blackhawks resume their regular season schedule against the New York Rangers after a what seemed to be lengthy two week olympic break. While we got to witness an incredible Olympic show by all of the players representing their country's, it sure does feel good to have the boys back and ready to fight out the second half of the season. 

Returning with several medals, the Chicago Blackhawks team is geared up and ready to get back to playing with their team. With 3 gold medal olympians Toews, Keith, and Sharp, and three silver medalists Hjalmarsson, Oduya, and Kruger, the Hawks players should be able to carry their momentum back into the NHL season. On fire and named the top forward of the Olympics, the Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews will be ready to rejoin his teammates and lead his team onto victory. 

As the Hawks begin the second half of the season with a record of 35-11-14, they stand in third place behind both the Blues and the Ducks. While some of the players are still adjusting from the long trip, the Blackhawks may have a slow start but should be able to find their groove against the Rangers. Although the Rangers have been struggling as of late while they stand in the middle of the pack, they should be fired up and ready to take on the Chicago Blackhawks. Following the game against the Rangers, the Hawks will head home to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday in the Stadium Series matchup at Soldier Field. An epic matchup and rivalry, the game on Saturday will definitely be a must watch. Although a cold forecast is predicted, fans throughout Chicago will be able to watch as the two teams battle for victory in the old time outdoor game. As the crews work to prepare the ice, both teams will be excited to take part in this extraordinary event in front of a sold out Bears stadium. 

According to the ESPN Chicago Blackhawks Report by Mike Mazzeo on February 27, 

"Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said he believes the key for his team -- which features 10 Olympians -- will be to put a lot of shots on net. Rangers backup goaltender Cam Talbot, who gets the start Thursday in place of Team Sweden's Henrik Lundqvist, hasn't played in a game since Feb. 6." 

Also, the Chicago Blackhawks acquired Peter Regin #2, a center, who will play on the second line with Patrick Kane. In what is to be an experiment by head coach Joel Quenneville, if Regin and Kane work well together, he may find himself a key on the roster.  

Blackhawks "17 Seconds"

17 Seconds: Two Goals and a Stanley Cup Championship

"17 Seconds" Intro by BHTV

source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDgJ4_MdJjU

"17 Seconds," is a documentary created by the Chicago Blackhawks that depicts the 2013 Stanley Cup championship game versus the Boston Bruins. While I could go on for days about how the film was perfected and inspirational, the only way I will be able to do the video justice is by telling you to simply WATCH IT!!!

 So remarkably done, the documentary walks the viewer through all of the emotions and joy that come from not only winning a championship game, but winning it in style. As depicted in the film, the Chicago Blackhawks would score 2 goals in 17 seconds to clinch the Stanley Cup Championship. While this extraordinary event may not seem so extravagant to some, for others it was a miracle. The Chicago Blackhawks filming crew does a marvelous job to say the least, and captures some of the most remarkable footage of a team who fought till the last second. 

From the players hoisting the Stanley Cup, to the post game locker room festivities, and even to the parade, the film is in short just remarkable. While most of us are not NHL payers who won a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks, the film takes us into the back seat of the lives of our players. 

One of my favorite parts of the film is the depiction of the Stanley Cup parade through the city of Chicago. Even though most of us were there to witness the millions of people who came out in dedication and celebration for our home team, not many of us were able to see what it was like from one of the busses. The footage from the perspective of the players as they make their way through the seas of red fans is just utterly jaw dropping. With crystal clear blue-ray picture, the video makes you feel as though you are apart of the same excitement that the players got to live. 

Although you may think the video is just one party after another, the film slows down and depicts the life-style of the players at their homes with the Cup. With a sneak peak into their private lives, the viewers are granted access into the lives of the players without the non-stop party of winning a championship seems to portray. 

Nonetheless, I recommend all of the Chicago Blackhawk fans out there to go out and buy the film, or at least watch it. For those like me, it will be footage that I can one day show later on day the road as evidence of the greatest 17 seconds in Chicago Blackhawks history. 

Show Hawks Pride

As the Chicago Blackhawks have become Chicago's team over the past 4 years, it is vital for all of our fans to stay up-to-date on all of their Blackhawks apparel and products. As Hawks Nation Store is now up and running, all of our products can be viewed and purchased through the following link.

http://www.cafepress.com/hawksnation

Although Hawks Nation offers a variety of different products and gear, My favorite product for all guys out there is the Hawks Nation logo and slogan "ringer T".

Hawks Nation Mens Ringer T
Direct link to Product:
http://www.cafepress.com/hawksnation.1250948102

Offered in 5 size variations and 3 different colors, this one of a kind ringer t is priced at a mere $19.19. 

Found in the Hawks Nation Store, The Ringer T has made a fashion comeback, and ours is a popular favorite. This classic style is sure to impress even the most discerning t-shirt connoisseur with an eye for retro-coolness. Great for relaxing in comfort year-round. The Ringer T includes the following characteristics: 

• 5.5 oz. 100% preshrunk cotton
• Double-needled neck and trim
• Standard fit - Not to tight and not to loose
• Light thickness so is not a heavy material

This is my favorite product offered on the Hawks Nation store because as an avid Chicago Blackhawks fan, I am a collector of Hawks apparel, more specifically t-shirts. Although plain white, I love the red colored collars, and I feel as though the style of shirt fits perfectly with the Hawks Nation logo. While not many people have this style of shirt, it is great to show off to friends and prove that you have "Earned Your Feathers."

USA v. Canada

The Biggest Rivalry in all of Hockey!

Four years ago in Vancouver Canada defeated U.S.A to take gold
source: www.neontommy.com

On Friday morning at 12 noon, United States and Canada will face-off in one of the biggest rivalries in all of hockey. While all sports fans from both USA and Canada will be watching, we can be sure that this game will be seen throughout the world. While this game will prove to be a long-lasting rivalry, it will also mark a rematch from 4 years ago in the Vancouver winter games when Canada defeated the United States in overtime and stole the gold. Although the game scheduled for Friday is not for a medal, the winner will go on to play for gold, while the loser will move to the loser bracket and play for bronze. If the pressure of everyone in the world watching on isn't enough for these players already, we must also recognize the fact that there are players from both countries who are teammates. While it is of utmost importance to win for the country, the winning team will also hold bragging rights. For the Chicago Blackhawks, one matchup stands out right away. All-star Patrick Kane will play against Captain Jonathan Toews. Even though best friends off the ice, both players will put friendship on the side as they battle for a victory. Along with Toews and Kane, players Duncan Keith and Patrick Sharp will also be on the ice in search of victory for Canada. 

So far in the tournament, U.S.A has dominated their opponents and have tallied 19 goals over four games. The only team to give the United States a problem thus far in the tournament has been Russia, who has since been knocked out of the quarter-finals by Finland. With an explosive offense and great goaltending, USA will hope to use their speed and puck control in order to take down the Canadian powerhouse. 

On the other side, Canada has also done really well in the tournament, but do not seem to be as explosive as predicted. With a close 2-1 win over latvia in the quarterfinal game, and an overtime win over Finland, Canada is still in search of their dominance with the puck. 

No matter what has happened thus far in the tournament, both teams will certainly leave everything they have on the ice Friday. Nothing else will matter but the fact that the game is United States v. Canada, and that the two close countries will be watching full spirited for their country to move onto the gold round. You can be sure that this game will be more than professional hockey players figure skating around each other.

Hawks Nation

HAWKS NATION

www.hawksnation.webs.com

source: www.hdpaperwall.com

While the Chicago Blackhawks are still on olympic break, we would like to take this time to promote our website at www.hawksnation.webs.com.

Hawks Nation logo

Hawks Nation is Dedicated to informing sports fans throughout the world about the history, pride, tradition, and recent events of the Chicago Blackhawks that aims to be the best sports team fan zone on the web.

With the slogan "Earn your feathers", The main business purpose of Hawks Nation is to provide timely information about the Chicago Blackhawks to all fans throughout the world. As one of the most well known hockey teams in the National Hockey League, or NHL, the Chicago Blackhawks have created a fan base that extends far beyond the city limits of Chicago. Due to the increasing demand for up-to-date information and news on the Chicago Blackhawks and its competitors throughout the league, this website serves to be a go to spot for anything and everything Hawks. 

Hawks Nation is the perfect spot for all of our readers to find scores, media, and articles. Hawks Nation strives to be the best website for all of the die-hard hawk fans around the world. If that is not enough, Hawks Nation also has a store available where viewers can purchase all different types of products with the signature logo and slogan. While Hawks Nation store has just opened, our customers can find all a wide product selection such as shirts, sweatshirts, towels, coffee cups etc. While the Hawks Nation Store only has one logo thus far, new product designs and slogans are on the way. Although new, Hawks Nation is rising fast and provides all need to know information that is currently surrounding the Blackhawks. With great pictures, movies, and social media, Hawks Nation proves to be your go to spot. 

Whether your a strong viewer of another website, or do not look at all, we believe Hawks Nation will be able to satisfy all of your Blackhawk desires. 

USA defeats Russia!!

USA Counts on Oshie in Sochi!

T.J. Oshie scores shootout goal to lead U.S. to victory
source: nytimes.com

This morning the United States took on Olympic powerhouse and host, Russia. A very competitive matchup, both teams came out hitting and skating hard. As a hockey fan, or just someone watching on, one would think the game was being played in the medal round.  With the United States coming off a 7 goal scoring frenzy against Slovakia on Feb. 13, they were able to gain some much needed momentum in order to take down the favored Russians. Playing in their home country would seem to be advantageous, but the U.S prevailed throughout the entire game. Headed into the third period in a 1-1 tie, the Russian team came out flying, but the U.S. put up a power play goal from Patrick Kane to Joe Pavelski to take a 2-1 lead early in third. Shortly after, the Russians Pavel Datsyuk scored a power play goal to bring his team back to even. Late into the third with only 4 minuted remaining, Russia took a shot form the point that went passed Jonathan Quick, but would be called off due to the net being dislodged before the shot. One might call it a miracle, but the U.S. held steady and finished off the third to take Russia into overtime. Both teams respectively playing amazing hockey, viewers from the United States were surely wide awake catching the action. As overtime would prove to be not enough, the game went into a shootout where both teams would have chances to win the game but were stopped on numerous attempts. With amazing stats on the shootout in the National Hockey League, T.J. Oshie was called upon numerous times to keep the United States in the game. With a Jonathan Quick save on Malkin, T.J. Oshie circled at center ice to begin his 5th shootout attempt. The rest was history as Oshie scored on the eighth round of the shootout and brought another one for the United States. Although Oshie has certainly taken over the world news and social media, the entire United States team played a strong game and deserve credit for the victory. With the 1980's "Miracle on ice" olympic game in mind, the United States men hockey team certainly pulled off another remarkable victory over Russia.

While it was only a preliminary game, the U.S. have certainly proved this morning that they have the determination and commitment to go for gold, and certainly will not go down without a fight. Only one game remains on sunday morning against Slovenia before the playoff rounds begin. In what should be a somewhat easy opponent, if the U.S. get another win they win surely lock in the top spot and earn themselves a buy heading into the next rounds.

Bring on the Ducks

HAWKS v. DUCKS: showdown in Anaheim

source: blackhawkup.com

Tonight the Blackhawks will take on the first place rival Anaheim Ducks. With only two games left before the two week olympic break, the Hawks need to hit the ice with a chip on their shoulder. After defeating the Ducks at home in the last matchup, the Hawks will be looking to gain two more points on the league leaders. While the Ducks have been struggling for victory in the past 9 games, the Hawks will be heading into Anaheim with momentum from the 5-3 win over the Kings. The Ducks currently have 3 points on the Hawks in the league standings, but overcoming some mid-season losses, the boys in red are ready to re-claim their number one spot. Puck drop is set to be at 9 P.M. and will certainly be an entertaining match-up. With Patrick Kane coming off a big game against the Kings, he is one to keep on eye on, along with goaltender Corey Crawford who has been struggling to find victory in the paint. On the other side, the Ducks will hope captain Ryan Getzlaf and stellar goaltender Jonas Hiller are ready to bring down a motivated team.

Tune Back in later for post game review, stats, and opinions. Along with a preview of the final game before the Olympians take off to Sochi.

Rally behind Kaner

KANE HONORS LATE GRANDPA"DONALD KANE"

Patrick Kane honoring his late Grandpa after a goal!
source: http://brobible.com/sports/article/patrick-kane-honored-dead-grandfather-really-cool-way-breaks-game/

The Chicago Blackhawks came off of a hard fought Overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks and headed into Los Angeles to face-off against the Kings last night. In need of some key victories before the Olympic break, and battling some past overtime losses, the Hawks had to hit the ice flying.

Just prior to the game, Patrick Kane received heart-breaking news that his grandfather, Donald Kane, had passed away. Bearing the awful news, Patrick Kane still suited up for the game and even had one stellar performance. Scoring 2 goals with 1 assist, Patrick truly showed the remarkable dedication he has for the game of hockey, his team, and most importantly his family. Everyone who has lost someone special in their life understands the pain Patrick and the Kane family must have been endearing, but to still put on your equipment and play a remarkable game is just incredible. Patrick Kane is an amazing young man with a big heart and an extraordinary amount of love for the game of hockey. I can only imagine how proud Donald Kane must have been of Patrick. After scoring one of his goals, Kaner symbolically pointed up in the air for his grandpa. Despite losing his best friend and grandpa, Patrick was able to rally the Hawks to a 5-3 victory.

Just moments after the matchup, Kaner was asked about his grandpa in an interview, and his words were certainly very heart-felt. The interview is posted below.

Our condolences are sent out to the entire Kane family and friends for their loss. 
Source: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/?id=555564

source: http://blackhawks.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/recap?id=2013020842&navid=DL|CHI|home

The Bickell Rumors Roar

RUMORS RISE: The Bickell Blame Game

Bryan Bickell
source: http://thehockeywriters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/0Y7A5074.jpg
What is the deal with Chicago Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell? As the Hawks season continues to press on, rumors and opinions have been circulating about Bickell missing out on games, being a healthy scratch, and poor play. Will he overcome injury? Is coach Q playing mind games? or has he actually been playing well? 

-Recommend you to read the articles below and give your input- 
Both articles provide different view points of the Bicell incidents, and are great reads for all those interested in the situation. I think valuable evidence is provided in both. 

ESPN: Chicago Blackhawks Report
http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/blackhawks/post/_/id/4680054/bickell-looking-for-mental-edge-again?ex_cid=espnapi_public

A recommended and interesting article to read, I encourage my viewers to check it out regarding the controversy of Brian Bickell. A little insight is given into the article below, but it is a great read and I encourage you to read the entire article.

According to a Chicago Blackhawks blog by ESPN, Bickell's play is stated to not be related to injury. the blog quotes Quenneville as saying "I think he’s fine, I just think having a little more confidence in what you’re able to withstand and what you’re able to do and won’t have a little bit of a hesitation. I think that’s going to come. There shouldn’t be a hindrance of an inability to do what he can do because he’s cleared to play. He’s just got to recapture it." According to the article, Bickell's struggles have been due to a lack of confidence in his game and coach Quennville believes that giving him time to think about the way he has been playing should give him an edge to get back on his horse. Will coach Q's tactic be enough to bring Bickell's drought back since winning the Stanley Cup? 

With his team behind him, Bickell will soon realize that he needs to step it up and get back into the swing of things. While landing a big contract following the Stanley Cup victory in June, Bickell may have taken his role for granted. Coach Q is one of the best coaches in the league and surely knows how to get the boys fired up.  

Committed Indians
http://www.secondcityhockey.com/2014/1/15/5311512/the-curious-case-of-bryan-bickell

On the other hand, a Chicago Blackhawks blog from SB Nation believes that Bickell's performance has actually been strong since suffering from ongoing knee injuries during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The blog states that "While the team and fans may expect more from Bickell because he signed a contract, perhaps these expectations are a bit out of touch with reality." Are fans really overreacting to the whole Bickell situation as secondcityhockey.com suggests? The blog post goes on to illustrate several stats that may have Chicago believe Bickell is actually playing well. Several stats from the blog post have been depicted below. 

1. Over his career with the Blackhawks, Bickell has maintained, even into this season, a rather steady Points Per 60 rate.
2. Bickell's own shooting percentage is actually up a bit this season from his last few regular seasons but when combined with his line mate's shooting percentages
3. His possession statistics indicate fairly consistent performances despite a few off games so this might be more of an indictment of the defense and/or goaltending.
4. Bickell's possession rates last season and this season show increases over those earlier in his career, and his individual numbers on a game by game basis this season are consistent with his teammates.
5. After returning from injury, Bickell continued to perform as he had earlier in the season.  Games 44 and 45 of the season were completely different from any other performances we have seen from him and he quickly rectified that situation by bringing his possession time back up.

Maybe Chicago fans are once again overreacting to the case of Bryan Bickell, but as secondcityhockey.com illustrates, his play during the course of the year will be just fine. Even though he has received a bigger contract, does not immediately make him put up numbers as great as that of Patrick Kane or Jonathan Toews. As the Hawks have struggled in the midst of the mid-season mark,  the Hawks community should not be out looking for players to blame. Bickell is a great hockey player that brings an abundance of skills to the deep Chicago Blackhawks roster. 

Schedule to come in Sochi

Soon to Light the Torch! 

www.justjaredjr.com

As the 2014 Sochi Olympics quickly approaches, and NHL teams begin to finish up there schedules before a 2 week olympic break, we will take a further look into the preliminary round schedules and times for the mens ice-hockey that will take place in Sochi. For our Hawks fans who wish to follow their favorite players, I recommend you to read up on our past blog post "2014 Sochi Winter Olympics" on February 6, which lists all 10 of our proud Chicago Blackhawks who have been chosen to represent their countries. Our Blackhawk Olympians are from all over the world, and although they are teammates today, starting on February 12 they will face-off against each other. In order to follow our Hawks players, we will provide you with a detailed schedule of the mens ice-hockey games, along with the channels in which the games will be broadcasted to ensure you can catch every game.

The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Mens Ice-Hockey schedule is as follows: 

PRELIMINARY ROUND

Date	Game	Time (ET)	Live TV
Wed, Feb. 12	Czech Republic vs. Sweden	12 p.m.	USA
Wed, Feb. 12	Latvia vs. Switzerland	12 p.m.	MSNBC
Thu, Feb. 13	Finland vs. Austria	3 a.m.	NBCSN
Thu, Feb. 13	Russia vs. Slovenia	7:30 a.m.	MSNBC
Thu, Feb. 13	Slovakia vs. United States	7:30 a.m.	NBCSN
Thu, Feb. 13	Canada vs. Norway	12 p.m.	USA
Fri, Feb. 14	Czech Republic vs. Latvia	3 a.m.	MSNBC
Fri, Feb. 14	Sweden vs. Switzerland	7:30 a.m.	NBCSN
Fri, Feb. 14	Canada vs. Austria	12 p.m.	USA
Fri, Feb. 14	Norway vs. Finland	12 p.m.	MSNBC
Sat, Feb. 15	Slovakia vs. Slovenia	3 a.m.	MSNBC
Sat, Feb. 15	United States vs. Russia	7:30 a.m.	NBCSN
Sat, Feb. 15	Switzerland vs. Czech Republic	12 p.m.	NBCSN
Sat, Feb. 15	Sweden vs. Latvia	12 p.m.	USA
Sun, Feb. 16	Austria vs. Norway	3 a.m.	USA
Sun, Feb. 16	Russia vs. Slovakia	7:30 a.m.	USA
Sun, Feb. 16	Slovenia vs. United States	7:30 a.m.	NBCSN
Sun, Feb. 16	Finland vs. Canada	12 p.m.	USA

Following the Preliminary round, there will be a playoff bracket in which the teams are ranked and organized based on their performance. Although each team makes the playoff bracket, their performance will determine which ranked opponent they will have to play in the 1st round. 

• More Information regarding the playoff bracket will follow as the teams are put into the bracket. 
• You may also wish to visit the Sochi Official website for all Winter Olympic information:  http://www.sochi2014.com/en/ice-hockey-round-preliminary-men

Schedule Source: http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/9/5292704/winter-olympics-hockey-schedule-2014-sochi