Final Breath: Sharks at Hawks Game 4 Preview/Pregame Thread/Backyard Grill-Fest

by SamFels on May 23, 2010 11:00 AM CDT

San Jose Sharks at Chicago Blackhawks, May 23, 2010 2:00 PM CDT

Robert_de_niro_is_the_voice_of_lino_in_shark_tale_wallpaper_8_800_medium

vs.

GAMETIME: 2pm Central

TV/RADIO: NBC (South of the 49th), TSN (North of it), WIND-560

Another apology: I echo McClure in being extremely sorry we didn't get anything up yesterday. Head of Cyber Division was working a double, and both McClure and I were helping The Professor move (a lot of you know who that is) before I was on Indian duty. I assume GMH was at her monthly Skulls meeting. Won't happen again, at least for a week.

Anyway, we're hoping today is the day we've waited for for 18 years. That ended in Edmonton in four games, with Dirk Graham declining the opportunity to touch the Clarence Campbell Trophy. Johnny, take your cue. We stand at the precipice once again. I'd love to sit here and tell you the Sharks will just roll over and let the Reaper embrace them, but this Sharks team almost certainly won't. Though they threw their best punch on Friday and still came up empty, I doubt they're going to chuck it. So the Hawks will have to be on their game. And there's no reason not to be. Leave it all out there, and you'll have at least 6 days off before you get an opportunity of a lifetime.

It's not that the Hawks were bad on Friday, either. They just faced a team that was playing for its lives that is also extremely skilled, and there were a couple calls that certainly didn't help (hey look, I'm a Scum fan!). I can't recall the Hawks being jittery in their zone or not getting bodies in front or turning the puck over, the Sharks just played very well. Niemi once again declined them, and the Hawks eventually found their way. It was back and forth for a lot of it, except for the 3rd, which was torture. Quite simply the Hawks cashed in on the mistakes the Sharks made. Boyle firing off-balance with Toews in handshake distance, leading to Weapon's breakaway. Nabokov, Boyle, and Heatley turning into the Nairobi Trio (much dap to whoever gets that reference) while Buff waltzed into the slot for Bolland to find. So keep doing that, and it's all over.

But the Hawks shouldn't have to depend on Niemi today. They should come out breathing fire and crapping lightning, or however that's supposed to go. The Sharks "d" has struggled when attacked, and Thornton has been pinned in his own zone at times with whoever he's playing with. The Hawks don't have to change much. But get a lead early, and more than one goal. Let's see how much fight they have then with the building rocking and the Abyss quickly approaching. The Canucks sure didn't. Niemi had a tendency to let softies in early in the first couple rounds, let's not even give him the chance to do so.

Oh, and McClure wanted me to mention the ice will be shit. But that's part and parcel of playing deep into the spring. I don't know what you can do about it.

To The Cliffs!

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Comments

I think there's a pill for this

sorry we didn’t get anything up yesterday.

Sorry, I couldn’t resist

Maybe, just once, someone will call me 'Sir' without adding, 'You're making a scene."

by cdz3210 on May 23, 2010 11:06 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs

About last night... don't worry - it could happen to anyone.

"What doesn't kill us makes us stronger."

by Byfuglie33 on May 23, 2010 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Ernie Kovacs

Does that make Pat Foley into Percy Dovetonsils?

by TPM08 on May 23, 2010 11:10 AM CDT reply actions

I think Percy looks

more like Pierre McGuire with a toupee.

Maybe, just once, someone will call me 'Sir' without adding, 'You're making a scene."

by cdz3210 on May 23, 2010 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions

The real question:

How does a youngster like Sam know about the Nairobi Trio?

by Badgerdano on May 23, 2010 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe a parent was a fan

or he’s a fan of 50s television. (IMHO, the comedy and variety shows from the 50s will always be the best era) I know that PBS had a Best of Ernie Kovacs series quite awhile back that ended up on videotape and is now on DVD.

Maybe, just once, someone will call me 'Sir' without adding, 'You're making a scene."

by cdz3210 on May 23, 2010 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Game 4 Mind Games

This will be one of those games that you can win or lose based more on your head than your legs. Obviously, the Hawks need to purge their minds of any thought with a shelf life longer than the next shift.

I have no advice to offer the Sharks, but I sincerely hope they accept that offered today by San Jose Mercury columnist Mark Purdy, who basically says it’s time to give up, no chance, not gonna happen, can’t win the series. But please guys, don’t get swept, is all we ask. In other words, play to lose.. just don’t lose today.

I don’t think Mark Purdy quotes are going to replace Vince Lombardi’s on locker room walls anytime soon.

"..and what's on your Christmas list, partner?" P. Foley
"I expect to get leather goods for Christmas.. a belt in the mouth, and a boot in the ass." D. Tallon, 1985

by Gate3anuhHalf on May 23, 2010 11:23 AM CDT reply actions

Purdy is a tool

Shark fans hate him…he doesn’t know a hockey puck from a road apple.

by rumpledforeskin on May 23, 2010 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions

With Crosby touching the Conference trophy

last year and then going on to win Lord Stanley, I was wondering what the Conference champions will do this year.

Maybe, just once, someone will call me 'Sir' without adding, 'You're making a scene."

by cdz3210 on May 23, 2010 11:39 AM CDT reply actions

Best I could come up with quickly for Fire and Lightning

ART.I§8-11; AM I-XXVII
James Madison is my Hero!

by Toews-makes-funny-faces on May 23, 2010 11:44 AM CDT reply actions 7 recs

Got a little captain in you?

Did anyone else notice Buff do the Captain Morgan pose after he scored the goal? I’m trying to link the photo, we’ll see if it works. Either way I think it would make for a nice photo shop picture.

by awayne87 on May 23, 2010 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions

FtF's pre-game

sounds like an obituary. Jeez.

I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of a ruling class. Especially since I rule. -Randal Graves

Writer at windycitygridiron.com -/-I http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers

by Kev H on May 23, 2010 11:47 AM CDT reply actions

As it should.

by alpo on May 23, 2010 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions

no kidding

like a slow funeral march. good god.
as far as the ice goes, the weather’s not doing us ANY favors today for the game. But at least I’m not perpetually cold anymore!

by puppetmasterp on May 23, 2010 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions

Well

that and complaining about how they hate big buff’s attitude. Plus they have day delays on joining. What a bunch of…..

I'm Lloyd Pettit's love child!

by Black JEM on May 23, 2010 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions

"SCH NYC" meetup reminder

For anyone within a reasonable distance. Verstig stepped up and organized it. Details are in the fanpost he made. Should be a fun event if only a few of us.

by it'snotsomuchmeasitisroenick on May 23, 2010 12:02 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Congrats to CNS for making it into the CI!

Some of his best recent work is in there.

by Katherine215 on May 23, 2010 12:09 PM CDT reply actions

Congrats CNS

I still want to know who “Some drunk moron claims Havlat is better than Hossa….” is!

ART.I§8-11; AM I-XXVII
James Madison is my Hero!

by Toews-makes-funny-faces on May 23, 2010 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks guys

that wouldn’t be me though!

Well, folks, I want to thank you for being here for the recording of my live comedy album. Funny material and laughter will be dubbed in later.

by ChicagoNativeSon on May 23, 2010 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Closing it out on our home ice would be nice

Let’s end this today…. Go Hawks.

by 2883 on May 23, 2010 12:32 PM CDT reply actions

How much does STL suck?

No hawks on NBC in the Metro East because NBC is airing the f#I%@(% cards game. Does anyone in the area know if its going to be on any other channel?

by lawyeti on May 23, 2010 12:42 PM CDT reply actions

You could try online feeds instead:

stoogetv.com channel 3, password = stoogetvcom

or atdhe.net

by Germware on May 23, 2010 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions

thank you

by lawyeti on May 23, 2010 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions

The game in Canada is on CBC and not TSN. They’ve switched the last couple of years for some reason after Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.

2010 PLAYOFFS: CONFERENCE FINALS
Calling on the Captain:
Can he lead the 'Hawks to their first Finals appearance since 1992?

by hawks61 on May 23, 2010 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions

if you're in st louis,

you can typically find it on channel 7, 11, or 13. it will be on one of those channels, just not sure which one.

by redfaction37 on May 23, 2010 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions

thanks

by lawyeti on May 23, 2010 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Graduation, uggghhh

I have my daughters graduation ceremony at 2:00 and all I want is to see her and get a few photos. Too bad I didn’t change my name to Anderson instead of R… I may be able to arrive late, could care less about a damn seat, I’ve got the long lens on the camera and am good to go.

I really want to see this game more than any other, well I haven’t missed any yet.

by CaptDirk on May 23, 2010 12:43 PM CDT reply actions

congrats to your daughter

by lawyeti on May 23, 2010 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks...

She has reading problems and worked her butt off the last two years, so did her mother and I helping her, through the tears. Obviously she’s more important than a game, I’ll go after the first, get some pics and then after the game I’m taking her to dinner.

by CaptDirk on May 23, 2010 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Congratulation to your daughter

and to you and your wife.

by Badgerdano on May 23, 2010 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions

If you have an iphone, cbc has an app that you can purchase live broadcasts of single games for 3 dollars.

The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway

by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on May 23, 2010 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Ya know what

IF (I’m trying to avoid jinx, I don’t care if we’re up 3-0) we win the Campbell Trophy, I say touch, hold, whatever. Dirk didn’t touch it in ‘92, and they didn’t win another game, after they won 11 fucking straight in those playoffs…that’s the last time this city saw that trophy.

What the hell, pick it up Johnny!!!

"What the hell, let's review it." - Dale Tallon
"They are!" - Pat Foley
"What a farce." - Dale Tallon

by HawkVision on May 23, 2010 1:09 PM CDT reply actions

Pick it up and smash it over Betteman's head, WWF style.

BY GAWD, KING! HE’s WEARING THE CRIMSON MASK!

I'm not superstitious. I'm just a little stitious.

by AirTrafficAJ on May 23, 2010 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe . . .

Burish should hump it . . . hard.

It looks like they've exorcized their dragons.

by Gus Savage on May 23, 2010 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions

I posted this before Game 6 vs. VAN, hope it works again today!

The Blackhawks Prayer (I hope you all like it!)

For Our Banners in the Rafters,
Hockey be our game,
Our time has come,
it will be done,
as in ’34, ’38, and ‘61.
Give us today our series win.
Forgive us our penalties
as we punish those who penalty against us.
Lead us not to just winning
But to make it a decisive kill.
For all of the Glory, the Prestige and the Eternal Enshrinement,
For us and the fans forever.
Game On

ART.I§8-11; AM I-XXVII
James Madison is my Hero!

by Toews-makes-funny-faces on May 23, 2010 1:11 PM CDT reply actions

You and Puppet

Nice posts on FtF. You two represented us well. Thanks!

by Badgerdano on May 23, 2010 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions

You sit there and your heart aches, waiting on something beautiful

Well this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for, a chance at redemption, a chance to lift the Clarence C. Campell Trophy for the first time in 18 long years. It’s been quite the journey to get back to this point, but it’s well worth the cause. Back in 1992 I didn’t think it would take 18 years to get back to this opportunity, but it has, and it is what it is.

If the Niemisis is strong early and if the ‘Hawks could ever score the first goal at home and in the 1st period, which has only happened once in 7 games at home in the postseason, they may be well on their way. As Sam has already mentioned they {the Sharks} won’t go away quietly.

In the previous 2 rounds the ‘Hawks have had 3 opportunites to close out their opposition and have been successful in 2 of them and in both occasions it’s been the Killers that have paved the way. So with that is today’s tune When You Were Young by the Killers.

2010 PLAYOFFS: CONFERENCE FINALS
Calling on the Captain:
Can he lead the 'Hawks to their first Finals appearance since 1992?

by hawks61 on May 23, 2010 1:17 PM CDT reply actions

We're Not Dead Yet

Although after the enormous defensive breakdown leading to Buff’s OT winner demonstrates, SJ may only have about as much life as this frail, playoff-bearded dude, Shark fans are hangin in hoping John Cleese and his club aren’t available today…

by rumpledforeskin on May 23, 2010 1:23 PM CDT reply actions

The funny part...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh8mNjeuyV4

by rumpledforeskin on May 23, 2010 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Thanks for that

LMAO

by CaptDirk on May 23, 2010 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions

Happy Birthday, Brian Campbell!

But when it was suggested to him that Toews v. Kane seems likely to become a sidebar to every future international hockey tournament, he smiled and said: "I'd like us to win something together, too."

(Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.)

by chiblackhawks on May 23, 2010 1:32 PM CDT reply actions

Happy Birthday Soupy!

by VerStig on May 23, 2010 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions

this game needs to rock

Watch out Jaws, here comes the UH-60s.
Self-Proclaimed President of the Castro Boobird Face Kicking Club

by jesus christos on May 23, 2010 1:44 PM CDT reply actions

Some more delusion from those that live in the "Bay Area Bubble":

“We get to live in the Bay area, where there’s art, culture, diversity, innovation in technology, amazing schools, smart people, and plenty of Indian restaurants.

Sure, Chicago’s got some of each of those things, too, but we don’t have to shovel snow in the winter. We’re still more awesome than they are."

- I hope we beat their asses just so I can stop seeing this drivel (and yes, I know I could just stop going to their blog :))

by asglass on May 23, 2010 2:01 PM CDT reply actions

I happen to love snow

My complaint is we don’t get enough of it here!

by Badgerdano on May 23, 2010 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions

I stayed in Chicago

instead of going back there EVEN with the snow. I think that says volumes about how great Chicago is.

Watch it with the jinxing!
Time for some thrillin' heroics!

by shinkicker on May 23, 2010 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions

by burpchelischili on May 23, 2010 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions

by shinkicker on May 23, 2010 2:08 PM CDT reply actions

I'm confident you can catch up.

by Badgerdano on May 23, 2010 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions

The hole is psychological.

Dr. Milbury has spoken.

It looks like they've exorcized their dragons.

by Gus Savage on May 23, 2010 2:14 PM CDT reply actions

and so it begins ...

LETS GO HAWKS!!!!!

by Hawkynite! on May 23, 2010 2:14 PM CDT reply actions

for random stragglers, first period thread is up

http://www.secondcityhockey.com/2010/5/23/1484123/sharks-hawks-game-4-1st-period

But when it was suggested to him that Toews v. Kane seems likely to become a sidebar to every future international hockey tournament, he smiled and said: "I'd like us to win something together, too."

(Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.)

by chiblackhawks on May 23, 2010 2:15 PM CDT reply actions