When Jonathan Toews scored that OT GWG in Game 5 of the 2014 playoffs, I remember celebrating by my lonesome at a random bar in Honolulu while on vacation. I had to ask the bartender to change the channel from golf to hockey. The TV was small and far from where I was sitting. And the volume was off.
Not only was it the Stanley Cup Western Conference Quarterfinals but the victory was against the bitter rival Blues. David Backes was the St. Louis captain. Ryan Miller was the starting goalie. Barrett Jackman, Steve Ott, and Maxim Lapierre were constant thorns in the side.
The Hawks also entered that postseason with championships in 2010 and 2013 but got eliminated by the Kings in the conference finals that year before rebounding for their third Cup in 6 seasons the season after. After 2015, though, things haven't been the same as far as playoff success.
Today, I'm not sure if the rivalry with the Blues is as bitter as it used to be or even if a rivalry exists beyond the decades of lore that came before. The same could be said about the vaunted rivalry with the Red Wings who were temporarily back in the Central Division last year.
Perhaps there's perpetual animosity with the Predators for there to be a brooding rivalry with them. Then again, games in recent years have been relatively tame and the rivalry could be more between the Chicago and Nashville fan bases than between the actual players and coaches.
Oddly, the Hawks farm team has fairly fierce rivalries brewing amongst Central Division foes. Games against the Chicago Wolves, Iowa Wild, and Grand Rapids Griffins are especially filled with hard hits, cheap shots, post-whistle shenanigans, trash talking, and vitriol.
The Blackhawks square off against the Blues in a matinee showdown today back home at the United Center. On Sunday, the Sharks roll into Chicago for the final game of the month before December hits a frenetic pace with a game almost every other day until the winter holidays.
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Roster Updates
Derek King said Wyatt Kalynuk will play tomorrow. Tyler Johnson will need some more time.
Head coach Derek King has already confirmed Wyatt Kalynuk to make his season debut for today's game. Caleb Jones likely sits. Also, Riley Stillman's timetable is still unknown. And Tyler Johnson is skating but still seems far from being healthy enough to return to the lineup.
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IceHogs Updates
We're thankful for another GAMEDAY and we celebrate #HockeyFightsCancer Night tonight at the BMO!
The IceHogs have 3 games in 3 days with the Chicago Wolves (Hurricanes AHL affiliate) sandwiched between the Milwaukee Admirals (Predators AHL affiliate). Tonight the Hogs try for their 3rd consecutive win. They are presently 5-6-1-0 and next to last in the Central Division.
Firstly, congratulations to 2021 3rd round defenseman Taige Harding for getting awarded twice this month. It's no small feat for any player at any level to gain accolades no matter the criteria. Could these feathers in his cap be harbingers for a productive pro future?
Yet, while it's great to earn the honor of Defensive Player of the Week -- or whatever the time span may be -- and put up offensive stats, the more interesting question is how did said player fare defensively. It's one thing to put up goals and assists but were they reliable in their own end?
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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