Forget the loss. Wasn’t the Blackhawks’ field trip to Wrigley Field fun? Well, now that we’ve all had two days to unwind from the thrill of outdoor hockey in the Winter Classic, we can refocus on the important stuff, which this weekend means Sunday’s game against Calgary at the United Center.
So just how good are the Blackhawks? It’s too early in the season to start making any postseason predictions, but here are some interesting Blackhawks numbers to stoke the conversation.
41
Team-leading number of points (goals plus assists) collected by winger Patrick Kane, last season’s NHL Rookie of the Year
9
Length of Chicago’s winning streak in December, best in Blackhawks history
2
Blackhawks’ rank in the Western Conference Central Division, 8 points behind Detroit
2.54
Goals allowed per game, down from 2.82 last season
3.57
Goals scored per game, up from 2.85 last season
15
Number of players on the team’s 23-man active roster who were born in Canada
20
Number of wins through 35 games
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Five on one
Our panelists might look like they know what they’re talking about, but they’re really no brighter than a paper cup. Oh, sorry, Stanley. Play along at redeyechicago.com/facebookfives.
The topic: The Blackhawks played at Wrigley. What else should happen at that stadium?
Jimmy Greenfield: The Cubs should win a World Series there. Then blow it up and build me a bathroom I can be proud of.
Tracy Swartz: Hell should freeze over. Oh, wait.
Michael Hines: Barack Obama’s inauguration ceremony. Or a wicked scrapbooking fair.
Brian Moore: Oh, I don’t know. Maybe celebrate a World Series title this century?
Stanley’s Cup: The ultimate ursine showdown: Cubs vs. Bears.
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watch dog
By Whizzer
Here’s what I’m watching this weekend.
COLLEGE
International Bowl, at Toronto
Connecticut vs. Buffalo
11 a.m. Saturday, ESPN2
Why? ‘Cause I’m a sucker for bowl games.
NBA
Bulls vs. Minnesota
7:30 p.m. Saturday, WGN
Bring on the beat down.
NHL
Blackhawks
vs. Calgary
6 p.m. Sunday, CSN
Keep on chugging, boys!
