Game #86- Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Boston Bruins February 22, 2015 United Center A classic showcase game of the day featuring two original six teams. They have played over 600 games against each other with Boston holding a slightly better record over the 100 year rivalry. Both teams are having good years, the Hawks are at the top of the western conference and the Bruins are still in a solid playoff spot in the east. I have long been a fan of the Bruins for two reasons: first and foremost Ray Bourque. The dude was a stud on the blue line for years. Second, freshman year in college they were my go to team on Nintendo’s NHL hockey (another guy on our floor took the Kings). But tonight I am secretly cheering on the boys in black and yellow because the Hawks have become a bitter foe with the LA Kings in recent years. In fact the last four Stanley Cups have ended up in Chicago or LA. The Hawks fans were fired up for the game, and the intensity in the United Center hit a fever pitch when the now infamous singing of our national anthem began. If you have not seen a Hawks game, the fans scream as loud as they can during the anthem. Apparently this started in the 80’s, it is said to have began in 1982 but gained popularity in the 1985 game 3 conference finals vs. the Edmonton Oilers. It is an awesome sight to behold. Unfortunately for the home fans they didn’t have much else to cheer for during the game. The players seemed sluggish on the ice, the passing was not crisp, and overall they seemed off. After the first period the Bruins were up 2-1 but completely dominated the second with 4 goals and eventually winning the game 6-2. For me it was still really exciting. The ice was peppered with NHL stars from Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane to Pattrice Bergeron and Zdeno Chara (has a 110 mph slapshot). And although the home team lost, I just completed my 85th regular season game! As I mentioned in the Bulls report, Chicago didn’t do a good job of praising their teams history or present glory. Yes, there are the statues of Stan Mikita and Bobby Hull. There are the hanging posters of current players. But come on, this is an original six team! Where are old jerseys? Where are the original ticket stubs and media guides?

It’s crazy to me that a team that is 100 years old is not honored in their own stadium. Well, at least I met some friendly neighbors and was able to snag a ticket stub a little easier than the previous night…although they were not happy I was a Kings fan, as long as I was not flaunting it we were all cool. But surprised at how much they hate Dustin Brown and love Drew Doughty…