It’s been a long time since we’ve had a chance to write about a Bulls-Blackhawks double-bill in the pages of RedEye. Too long.
The NBA lockout robbed Chicago of many doubleheaders this fall, but that’s about to change real fast. The condensed, 66-game NBA season means the Bulls will be playing four to five times a week, while the Blackhawks will see their usual three to four games a week.
Now’d be a good time to invest in a TV with picture-in-picture technology or, heck, just another TV altogether.
Why do we like Bulls-Blackhawks twofers so much? Because the nights go a little something like this.
6:40 p.m.
Puck drop in Pittsburgh, and Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are off and running with new linemate Jeremy Morin. Morin
6:43 p.m.
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville is already scowling, and nothing has happened yet.
6:53 p.m.
The Blackhawks turn a penalty kill into a prime shorthanded goal opportunity, but Brent Seabrook cannot connect off a nice Toews pass, and the Captain can’t get the rebound past Marc-Andre Fleury. Good-looking hockey.
6:57 p.m.
John “Murdersaurus” Scott pummels Deryk Engelland after Engelland viciously slams Marcus Kruger into the boards. We have blood!
7:01 p.m.
The Penguins score after Scott serves his penalty. It was worth it, though. SCORE: Pittsburgh 1, Blackhawks 0.
7:07 p.m.
The ear-caressing, spine-tingling sounds of the Bulls pregame introductions begin, and new pickup Richard Hamilton gets a rousing ovation. Not as big as DRose’s though.
7:10 p.m.
Rip Hamilton is wearing the mask, and Benny the Bull is wearing a Santa hat.
7:13 p.m.
Hamilton hits his first shot off a from-under-the-basket feed from Rose. I have a feeling we’ll see that a lot.
7:17 p.m.
It’s the first dunk of the night, via Luol freakin’ Deng.
7:25 p.m.
Let’s add a third sport, shall we? New White Sox manager Robin Ventura is spotted in the United Center crowd. Nice sweater, Rob. Can we call you Rob? No. OK.
7:31 p.m.
Joakim Noah throws up a 16-footer. His delivery is, um, unorthodox. Stick to the paint, Jo.
7:41 p.m.
Duncan Keith turns the puck over, and Pittsburgh scores on a breakaway. SCORE: Pittsburgh 2, Blackhawks 0.
7:51 p.m.
The Luvabulls are rolling around on the court in Santa suits. Ho, ho, ho!
7:57 p.m.
Dave Bolland is irritating opposing players. What’s new?
8:02 p.m.
In 55 minutes, it’s clear Hamilton is light-years better than Keith Bogans—and the Bulls might be even better than last season.
8:08 p.m.
Brian Scalabrine on the court. I repeat, Brian Scalabrine on the court.
8:10 p.m.
Halftime at the United Center. SCORE: Bulls 50, Indiana 42. In Pittsburgh, the Penguins score again to give themselves a 3-0 lead on the Blackhawks.
8:26 p.m.
First shot of the third quarter: Rip rips a 3-pointer. Boom.
8:32 p.m.
The Blackhawks finally get on the scoreboard. Toews, naturally. SCORE: Penguins 3, Blackhawks 1.
8:35 p.m.
The “M-V-P” chant echoes through the United Center as Rose steps up to the foul line. A “Champ-i-ons” chant would sound good next season.
8:40 p.m.
The Blackhawks comeback continues as Viktor Stalberg scores off a nifty pass from Kane. SCORE: Pittsburgh 3, Blackhawks 2.
8:56 p.m.
Blackhawk John Scott actually stops a breakaway with a beautiful stick move. Yes, John Scott.
9:04 p.m.
Blackhawks go on a 2-minute power play with 1:29 left and trailing by 1. This is for all the marbles.
9:08 p.m.
The horn sounds in Pittsburgh, and the Blackhawks’ winning streak is stopped at five. FINAL: Pittsburgh 3, Blackhawks 2.
9:12 p.m.
Taj Gibson fouls out. Which is sad, because he has to take his new beard with him.
9:19 p.m.
Boozer is blocked from behind as he goes up for a dunk. No. Just, no.
9:21 p.m.
THE BULLS ARE UNDEFEATED, THE BULLS ARE UNDEFEATED! They win 93-85 and finish the preseason 2-0.
