Poll: Which Blue Jackets, Blackhawks, and Indiana Ice games should I go see?

Alright, post your opinions or suggestions in the comment box please.

I narrowed it down to games which are feasible for me to go see from late September to mid-October (while my other half is away visiting family). Considerations I made in narrowing it down are the following:

• Is it a Monday-Thursday game or Friday-Sunday game?
• What time is the game?
• Do I have time to drive there (if working that night) and get home at a decent hour?
• Can I afford it?
• How much vacation time will I have?
• Chicago is a 2 hour drive; Indianapolis is 1 hour, and Columbus is 4 hours
• I am on Eastern Time, Chicago is on Central Time
• I work 9-5pm, M-F
• I can afford more Indiana Ice (USHL, junior hockey) games than NHL games (or at least can afford better seats at Indy)
• At least one game in Chicago, one game in Columbus, maybe one game where Chicago & Columbus are playing against each other, and maybe 2-3 games in Indianapolis

So, the game choices are:

• Pre-Season Games
  • Columbus @ Chicago, Tuesday, September 23, 8:30 pm ET (I will probably be in Chicago that day anyways)
  • Minnesota @ Chicago, Friday, September 26, 8:30 pm ET
  • Nashville @ Columbus, Friday, September 26, 7pm ET
  • Dallas @ Chicago, Sunday, September 28, 7pm ET
  • Buffalo @ Columbus, Thursday, October 2, 7pm ET
  • Colorado @ Chicago, Sunday, October 5, 7pm
  • Toronto @ Columbus, Sunday, October 5, 5pm
• Regular Season Games
  • Nashville @ Chicago, Monday, October 13, 8:30 pm
  • Nashville @ Columbus, Friday, October 17, 7pm
  • Vancouver @ Chicago, Sunday, October 19, 7pm
• Indiana Ice Games (all games at 7:30 pm)
  • Cedar Rapids @ Indy, Saturday, October 4
  • Fargo @ Indy, Friday, October 10
  • Fargo @ Indy, Saturday, October 11
  • Waterloo @ Indy, Friday, October 17
  • Des Moines @ Indy, Saturday, October 18

Good Luck in Buffalo…

Patrick Lalime.  It was such a delight watching you play for Chicago.  I will certainly miss that, and too bad I didn’t get to see you play in person.

Oh Captain My Captain (Blackhawks style)

Jonathan Toews named captain of the Blackhawks squad, becoming the third youngest in league history.

So though Kane has the Calder Trophy, Toews got the big C on his uniform.

More Blackhawks Stuff

An interesting bit about one of my favorite Blackhawks, Big Buff, Dustin Byfuglien.

Size of Byfuglien’s Heart Matters Most

All Blackhawks games to be televised next season

Owner Rocky Wirtz & President John McDonough announced yesterday that all Chicago Blackhawks games will be televised next season in HD. The vast majority will be aired on the regional sports station Comcast SportsNet Chicago, while about twenty will be aired on Chicago Superstation WGN. Any remaining games will be televised with other NHL partner stations (I guess that means Versus). Details are still be to worked out.

This is fantastic news. Previously, only the away games were shown on Comcast SportsNet Chicago. This year, with the passing of Bill Wirtz and the ascent of Rocky Wirtz, they began airing a select number of home games. Originally they planned on airing around 10, but they had began airing a few more in the final weeks of the season (one’s with “playoff implications,” the last one being tonight against Detroit) that was not in the original plan. This will be the first time since the 70’s that WGN has shown any Blackhawks games.

A lot has changed for the Blackhawks this season, which is great. They have a fantastic young team that I’m sure will only get better and will be a hoot to watch further down the road, if not already. Even though I am a Blue Jackets fan, it has been really exciting watching the ‘Hawks this season on TV. It will be even more exciting next season, I’m sure.

Yes, it is odd that the previous culture of Blackhawks management resisted so long airing the games for all to see. An interesting quote from the Chicago Tribune:

“For most franchises, televising games is as elemental as selling watered-down beer. But in the Blackhawks’ case, this was the fall of the Berlin Wall.”

Just hope that the ‘Bulin wall remains standing

Blackhawks Press Conference Part 1

Blackhawks Press Conference Part 2

Detroit @ Chicago Live Blog 1st Period

Honorary puck drop by Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks (he’s the man of the town this week).

Detroit has been extremely rough at the beginning. Many cheap shots against the ‘Hawks by Chelios & Rafalski. Chicago scores within 6 minutes of the period during a 5 on 3 power play in favor of the ‘Hawks.

Another Blackhawks goal shortly after. Faceoff and went in. Jordan Hendry had his first NHL goal of his career.

7:52, 3-0 Blackhawks. Looks like Robert Lang on this goal. What is wrong with Detroit this evening? Being complacent? Goalie change already. Hasek is out, Osgood is in.

14:20, Zetterburg just scored from 50 feet away, 3-1.

I apologize for only doing a period of game, but I need to finish up my time on the ‘net.

Thought while watching the Blackhawks Game

Sunday, January 13, 2008.

Blackhawks vs. Predators (in Nashville).

Comcast SportsNet Chicago

It is very odd to see the Cracker Barrel advertisement on the boards at the Sommet Center. Appropriate for the location (I think every exit in Tennessee has one), but still odd.

Also strange: The Shane Company advertised on the ice. I guess whatever generates the revenue.