And is sporting a stitch mustache.

After (probably) suffering some really awful jet lag, Patrick Kane, the Chicago Blackhawks’ resident little shit, returned to practice with the rest of the team earlier today.

» Continue reading “Fresh Brew: Kane Returns”

Wave Those Towels! / Flickr: the_mel

After a disappointing and annoying exit in the first round of the playoffs last season, and a regular season that can be only described as bi-polar, Blackhawks fans, rejoice! Playoff hockey is coming back to the United Center tomorrow night! I for one have had the attention span of a fruit fly since the early morning hours of Sunday awaiting this day.

» Continue reading “Playoff Hockey: A Quick Primer for Fans at the UC”

Lots of NHL players would like to be in this group. (Photo: David Kindler/flickr)

The Chicago Blackhawks are the number one team NHL players would like to play on, according to the 2011/12 Player Poll, conducted by the NHLPA and Hockey Night in Canada. 14% of players polled picked the Blackhawks. Here’s how the Blackhawks fared in the other polls:

• Duncan Keith ranked fourth on the best skaters’ poll with 5% of the vote.
• Jonathan Toews is considered the fourth-smartest player in the NHL with 4% of the vote. He’s also ranked as the fifth most difficult player to play against with 4% of the vote, and the third best role model in the league at 10%. He’s the second-most popular choice to start a franchise. He came in at 18%, a distant second to (who else?) Sidney Crosby.
• Joel Quenneville is the second-most popular coach players would like to play for. He got 11% of the vote.
• The United Center is the second-favorite rink to play in, receiving 17% of the vote.

Ford ev'ry stream. Or sea... Brook. (Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

• Follow ev’ry raaaaainbooooow
• ‘Til you win a frickin’ gaaaaaame! Rodgers and Hammerstein are now rolling over in their graves. Anyway.
• The Blackhawks take on the Colorado Avalanche tonight at 8pm CT.
• Ray Emery is in net for the Blackhawks (@TramyersCSN), while Jean-Sébastien Giguère will be backing the Avs. (@adater)
• Patrick Sharp talks to the media about tonight’s game… and Brent Seabrook. (Blackhawks TV)
• The Blackhawks are not looking to improve their goaltending before the trade deadline. (The Fourth Period)
• They do have the ninth-most expensive defense in the NHL, though. (Puck Daddy)
• Finally… you know, if the United Center is going to charge people five bucks for a hot dog, the least they can do is pass a health inspection. Ew. (CBS Chicago)