Knocked For A 'LU' 'LU'

Welcome to the NHL Big Ben Smith!!

      He claims he's not rattled, he claims the Chicago Blackhawks are not inside his head. He says game 7 is a 'great opportunity' and being part of it is 'fun'. (As much 'fun' as a postman has fending off a pitbull) He is saying all the right things that a starting goalie should say, but inside you know he is crumbling. The echoes of the UC crowd catcalling "Lu" "Lu" and Chelsea Dagger playing after the deciding OT goal are bouncing off the walls of his psyche. The 'He' I am referring to is Vancouver Canucks starting goalie, Roberto Luongo, in case you were wondering. The very same Luongo the Hoxx have knocked out of the playoffs 2 years running and now, remarkably, have a chance to run the total to 3. He has to be thinking, "NOT AGAIN!!"

Aw Crap!!!

     Roberto Luongo has been one of the top NHL goalies over the past several seasons, especially this year, having guided his team to the best record in the league and the President's trophy while being touted as a finalist for the Vezina trophy (league's top goaltender) His save percentage of .928 was 4th best in the league this year, while his lifetime save tally of .919 may end up be hall of fame worthy. But and there is a massive 'BUT' standing in his way of further career success and validation. That 'But' happens to be your beloved Chicago Blackhawks. Having been one of the elite teams in the league the last 3 years running, the Vancouver Canucks have been unable to advance past the Blackhawks no matter when they run up against them in the playoffs!!   In 2009 and 2010 the Blackhawks quickly made up early series deficits to soundly win both years 4-2. After last season, the Canucks, as well as Luongo, dedicated themselves to getting markedly better as a team and knock off anyone who crossed their paths come playoff time. Following the blueprint of hardwork and several veteran acquisitions, the 2010-11 season panned out as they'd hoped, bagging the best record in the NHL and looking decisively lethal for the upcoming playoffs. Just a week ago after a stellar season and a red hot start to the playoffs, the Canucks were on cruise control up 3-0 on Chicago and looking  like a shoe in to advance not only to the 2nd round but without a doubt to the Stanley Cup Finals.  Then they hit a speedbump. Dave Bolland rejoined the Hoxx off of the IR and the defending Stanley Cup Champs were suddenly a different squad. Game 4 was a pride salvaging effort for Chicago with the Hoxx winning 7-2. Luongo gave up 6 goals before being benched early in the 3rd period. Bolland netted a goal and 3 assists. Game 5, back to Rogers Place, surely composure would return and the Canucks would advance. The Blackhawks errupted for 5 goals over 2 periods chasing Luongo again!! I wrote after game 5 that Luongo was sliding and had to feel 'It' was happening again. Game 6 we headed back to the UC. If the Blackhawks could find a way to chase Luongo again and force a game 7 the series could possibly be theirs.......Then a new wrinkle; Having announced Luongo as starter in goal earlier in the day, game time saw Canuck rookie Corey Schneider in net. Canuck Head Coach, Alain Vigneault, took a bad gamble; he chose to bench his snakebit goalie Luongo in favor of a rookie.  The gamble backfired when on a penalty shot by Blackhawk Michael Frolik, Schneider hyperextended his right leg injuring his groin while letting in the tying goal. Schneider lay on the ice afterward roiling in pain. Now Luongo, who wasn't even afforded room on the bench to watch the game was pressed into action on short notice.....Another shot at redemption?? Yes. Did it pan out?? NO!!! Blackhawks rookie Ben Smith saw to that backhanding a wild rebound from his knees for the winning OT goal sending an already crazed UC crowd to rapture!! 

Not Zat one, Zat one!!!

        Vigneault's gamble made a tenuous situation even worse while creating even more unneeded drama for an already reeling Canucks team. Now a snakebit goalie, Luongo, benched 2 games in a row, and all but abandoned for game 6, only let into the game out of dire need, came up short in the clutch once again. Luongo was forced to do the skate of shame in front of a jubilant UC crowd.
      Roberto Luongo will get one more chance Tuesday night to get over the career hump that is the Blackhawks.  But, with all that's happened in the last 3 games (not to mention the 3 years cumulative)  plus the talk of Luongo possibly having an injured back, you have to like the Blackhawks odds. The Canuck coaches, players and fans can feel it all slipping away...again...The Chicago Blackhawks need only extend their stay in Luongo's brain through Tuesday then they can pull up stakes and move onto the second round!!  It won't take much Tuesday night to rattle Luongo and get his teammates to fold. If the Hoxx mass a 2 goal lead early the Canucks will dissolve like Alka Seltzer in water. The only difference is it won't cure the playoff hangover!!!   Chelsea, Chelsea I believe.......LET'S GO HOXX!!!!!!    Puck drops after 9 p.m.CDST in Vancouver Tuesday night.   Dave Kuhlman bullsbearscubssoxhoxx    dave@onyerleft.com

Why Such The Luongo Face???

Welcome Back Dave!!!

     NOW it's a series!!!!!  Just 4 short days ago after the Hoxx fell into an 0 and 3 hole in the opening round of the playoffs, I posted on facebook that the they would go on a miraculous tear and win 4 games in a row to shock the Canucks and win the series....I posted this partly out of hope, partly out of pride, and partly because I, just as legions of other Chicago Blackhawks fans, were left scratching our collective heads wondering 'where the hell' our defending Stanley Cup Champions had gone....?? I later posted before game 4 that if this was to be the last game of the Chicago hockey season than so be it...I would be thankful for the season and would look forward to a better one next year....That quiet resignation has been tossed out the window!! The hell with opening it first, I chucked it straight through the glass!!  The team that had been struggling to find itself all year has finally done so...The Hoxx had seemed to do so back  in February when they  gelled and went on an astounding 8 game win streak to put themselves back into playoff contention. But then injuries to Dave Bolland and Patrick Sharp derailed the run and the Hoxx found themselves praying for Minnesota to beat Dallas just to squeak into the playoffs..(Hey the Green Bay Packers barely made the playoffs and look what happened!!)

     The difference maker to the whole turnaround???  Dave Bolland. I had been saying to my coworkers and friends all along that if we could only get Bolland back the Hoxx would be a different team altogether....For once I was right. Having Bolland back in the lineup not only puts a talented offensive threat back on the ice but he takes a load of pressure off the first line to not have to pull off a goal every time they are on the ice. If you doubt that and look for the ways he can contribute, watch the replay of how he chipped the pack away from Daniel Sedin and found Michael Frolik streaking up the ice for a breakaway goal midway through game 4!! Dave Bolland single handedly turned the fortunes of game 4 and the Blackhawk's chances of survival on it's ear netting a goal and 3 assists!! Having Bolland back in the lineup has re-established the balance not only to the Hoxx offense but the the PK unit as well. Bolland was the missing link for the Blackhawks the first 3 games of the series. Now that he is back and the Hoxx have decided they don't want to golf in this crappy weather we are looking at a real series against the Canucks with a real chance to force game 7 back to Vancouver with a game 6 win Sunday night...Still a long grocery list to fill, but what looked insurmountable just 4 days ago looks entirely possible now!!

What just happened??!!

       The Canucks claim, led by a composed Roberto Luongo, (I guess getting to sit out the 3rd period again gives you alot of time to calm ((delude)) yourself !!).....that the Chicago Blackhawks are not in their heads and they are not in a panic, but just like your little sister saying that what you just nicknamed her isn't bothering her, you know the Hoxx have not only gotten inside their brains but are hammering down tent stakes for an extended stay. Suddenly, Luongo along with his Canuck teammates are in a different mindset flying back to Chi-town for game 6; no need to pack brooms for a pending sweep, no thinking of who they are playing in round 2.....The memories of bowing out of the playoffs to the mighty Blackhawks the last 2 years running has to be dancing endlessly through their cavernous heads!! As calm as he appeared during the post game news conference last night, on the inside, Luongo has got to be thinking, 'it's happening again' 'it's happening again' it's happening.....'   Going up 3-0 and then losing the last 2 contests in blowouts is the worst possible case scenario for the Canucks and Luongo. In both of the last 2 playoff series against Chicago they took leads only to see them melt away as defeats. The 2009 result will always be memorable because afterward Luongo broke into uncontrollable sobs on the ice as the teams lined up and shook hands. All the pressure is now squarely on the Canucks and especially Luongo's shoulders. Their fans saw them rack up the best record in the league this past season dominating the stat sheets while Luongo shut down team after team while netting the ever useless President's Trophy. (Not alot of teams point out that while failing to win the Stanley Cup they do have a real nice consolation trophy!! )  'Luongo and the Canucks' (sounds like a cheesy lounge band) have had one goal on their minds since last season abruptly ended...... that was and still is to find a way to crack the puzzle of how to beat the Chicago Blackhawks and advance in the NHL playoffs. They seemed to have figured it out the first 3 games of the series, skating and checking aggressively with Luongo atop his game just like the regular season, looking at a sweep and at last, redemption. But the Hoxx weren't dead yet, and just as the Canucks's forensic team rolled over the body to check for vitals, a bloddied extended arm shot up  and seized them by the throat!!  Vancouver has become desperate. The aggressive style of play has to devolved into cheap shots and elbows to the head. Their once unflappable hero, Luongo,  has been yanked after 2 periods the last 2 games in a row....(10 goals in 4 1/2 periods!!)  NOW there is a battle afoot, NOW we have a series, NOW the Canucks must decide if they stick with the dirty style of play they exhibited Thursday night which only dug the hole deeper or to pull back, (Edler should definitely be suspended for the elbow he maliciously threw at Brower's head!!!!) and whether to stick with their talented yet seemingly hexed  goalie, Roberto Luongo??? An awful lot to think about on a 4 hour plane ride....Once the thrill of getting to pick out any soda he wants on the ride fizzles for Luongo, the music will slowly slip inside his head....Chelsea, Chelsea I believe.....for a moment he finds his fingers tapping along .....NOOOOOO.... it's happening again!!! It's happening again!!!!    The puck hits the ice Sunday night at 6:30!!   LET'S GO HOXX!!!!!                 Dave Kuhlman    Bullsbearscubssoxhoxx     dave@onyerleft.com

Oh Where Oh Where Has my Underdog Gone???

Anyone remember what this felt like??

   
                                         



     After reading another article in today's Trib about Blackhawk's team captain, Johnathan Toews giving the same speech to his beleaguered teammates outlining what they need to do going forward  after yet another devastating loss, it left me wondering.....I feel like sweet Polly Purebred wondering where the hell Underdog has gotten off to...As I've pointed out numerous times, this year's Blackhawks squad has undergone significant personnel changes with 12 Blackhawk players from last year's Stanley Cup Champions now donning opposing teams sweaters due to trades, free agency, salary arbitration and outright suckiness (  the only one missing Nick Boynton  is his barber!!) However, the Hoxx, as I have nicknamed them, have had plenty of time, 6 months now, to adjust to these changes and come together as a solid winning team. The roster is still stacked with All-Star talent and arguably 3-4 future hall of famers. Toews, Kane and Sharp are all among the league leaders in points amassed for goals scored and assissts. Marian Hossa has been a red hot scoring machine as of late and Corey Crawford is 3rd in the league in GAA.  (goals against average) Coach Q did another amazing  on the fly job of engineering  lineup changes that had put the Hoxx back into the thick of the playoff race with an 8 game winning streak over the last few weeks. So after having climbed to 4th position in the Western conference standings with a 6-3 drubbing of San Jose last just as of  last weekend, here 'we' are again teetering on the playoff bubble following a pathetic 5-0 pounding at the hands of the Dallas Stars Wednesday night. "Captain Serious" is trying to will his team forward every way he knows how, but something still seems to be missing. Are these guys listening?? Do they give a crap?? I'm sure they are, nobody likes to lose.The only reason I can draw here is there seems to be a palpable lack of desire. Not from Toews or Kane or really anyone in particular, but when the Blackhawks drop games like they did against both Florida teams two weeks ago or they just flat out fail to show up like they did in Dallas that leaves me scratching my bald head, you have to feel that this year's team lacks the hunger it had last year. I don't believe a GM a head coach, or even a team captain, all three of which I feel we have the best of in the NHL,  can instill or inspire hunger into a team, it's either there or it's not. Desire and hunger are elements you cannot simply snap into place. Last year's team just had both. Having been knocked out of the Conference finals by Detroit in 2009, the 2010 team hit the ice at full sprint with vengeance in their hearts and never looked back. As I mentioned previously, yes there was a ton of personnel turnover as every team that wins the Cup has to absorb, but with all the talent that is still here and an ace GM, Stan Bowman, and coach Q at the helm, it should be different by now. The 8 game winning streak was great but it seems as distant a memory as last Summer's parade. The last 5 games have seen the Hoxx go 1-4, (2 were OT losses nabbing 2 crucial points, but losses none the less) they are hardly looking like a team that is ready or wants to contend again. Maybe with the Olympics, the prolonged playoff run last Spring and all the celebrating last Summer, it's too much to ask the Blackhawks to have the deep seeded fire they exhibited last season. Maybe they don't want to grow those itchy beards again!!?? The Hoxx are still in contention and all is not lost, but I'd feel a hell of alot better knowing they had clinched a playoff spot by now!!
     It's not going to end my world if  'we' don't win again this year and I know it  probably won't happen, but it was one hell of alot of fun watching the pride restored in Chicago hockey once again. Parade day was too much for words!! The city was absolutely crazy that day!! It just seems for a city of our size with the fan base all our teams enjoy,  the championships come all too far and few between!! We haven't enjoyed a repeat champ since 1998! (I love the Bears to death as well but how many times can we celebrate a trophy won 25 years ago??!!)  Here's hoping the Captain  and the rest of our beloved Hoxx find the fire and desire again and kick the Coyotes asses tonight!! The puck drops in Phoenix at 7pm (Chicago time)  LET'S GO HOXX!!!    Dave Kuhlman bullsbearscubssoxhoxx dave@onyerleft.com

Big Z, Warm Sun, No Runs?? Who Cares??!!

      Today's piece comes to us from bullsbearscubssoxhoxx on site Spring Training correspondent; Chase Comus.  The Northsiders struggled again failing to log any runs, but as Chase noted, Big Z was steady while not having his best outing; 1 run and 1 K through four frames. More importantly, zero teammates and or Gatorade buckets taking a beating!!  Z has been solid thus far and if he can keep his lid screwed on this year the Cubs will have a good chance at the playoffs.....anyway sounds like it was a great day to be watching the Cubs.......

       -Carlos Zambrano has been nothing but impressive so far this spring for the Chicago Cubs, showing a glimmer of hope for the Northsiders.  Prior to Tuesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies, Zambrano had yet to allow a run this Spring Training season.  However, his performance today lacked the spark needed to get the job done in a 4-0 loss.

                On a warm, sunny day in Scottsdale, the Cubs struggled to get anything going offensively against a  Rockies split squad... batter after batter returning to the dugout bat in hand. Defensively, it  started heading south in the second inning when left fielder Tyler Colvin misjudged a fly ball, resulting in a misguided attempt to make a Sports Center highlight reel–esque diving grab allowing Todd Helton to reach base safely. However, shortly thereafter, Geovany Soto showed us all why he should still be the starting catcher for the Cubbies as he beautifully threw out Helton attempting to steal second. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much else going Chicago’s way from here on out. A routine groundball hit weakly to third baseman Jeff Baker was thrown off target, allowing the eventual leading run on base when Thomas Field squeaked a grounder through the middle of the infield.

                The Cub bats continued to struggle as Zambrano failed to bring the heat. Before heading to the lockers in the fourth inning, El Toro allowed one run and five hits, while striking out just one lonely batter. Starlin Castro and Geovany Soto were the only Cubbies able to connect with the ball, ultimately being stranded on base. It was a frustrating day for the team and fans alike, but one can only wonder what a difference absentee’s Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez could have made.

                Despite the hardships Chicago has endured so far this Spring Training, one thing remains constant: fans still pile in to see their Cubbies. Even as a visiting team, the majority of the cheers went Chicago’s way and chants of "Fuku-dome"  persisted throughout. As a diehard fan myself, it’s tough to watch my team lose, especially a shutout loss. Win or lose, the Cubbies still have the best fans in the MLB!

Chase Comus- Scottsdale, Arizona

Chicago Cubs Welcome New "Hitting" Coach.....

                                              It was the Dukes...it was the Dukes....


(The following is an outright spoof of the Cubs, Mike Quade and Mickey Ward. The Cubs Spring training season is not going the way any of us wants it, unless you're a White Sox fan.  I thought it would be fun to provide a little comic relief. I'm a die hard Cubs fan and will be until I die. But DAMN if the Cubs don't take 'Die Hard' to a completely different level sometimes!! I'm hopeful 2011 will be a great year for the Cubs and their fans but I will not be shocked if the wheels come off sometime in June. Please enjoy the following with a grain of salt!)

     Disgusted with last week's dugout occurrance, Chicago Cubs manager, Mike Quade has brought in some outside help. "Look, if we're gonna beat ourselves this year we may as well do it right!!"  The "Occurrance" we are referring to is the brawl between teammates pitcher Carlos Silva and third baseman Aramis Ramirez. "It was just pathetic!" Quade remarked, "two guys going at it like that....Doesn't Silva possess any boxing skills at all??...And Ramirez was certainly no better, leaving his left side exposed like that!! Keep your hands up man!! Come the regular season when Big Z (Carlos Zambrano, 3-0-0 lifetime dugout boxing record) gets after him Ramirez is gonna get killed!!"

    Spring training is supposed to be the time when MLB teams iron out wrinkles while prepping for the upcoming season and the Cubs have been trying their 'best' once again this year. They appear to already be in mid-season form after just one week on the field in Arizona. They have won 1 and lost 5 and are an astounding 4.5 games back of the league leaders. Quade sized up the Cubs effort thus far, "Typically it takes us at least two weeks of spring training to dig ourselves this big of a hole, but we've really been on point so far...guys are booting routine grounders and misjudging fly balls with such inaccuracy it would make (Cubs legend) Sammy Sosa jealous....and the pitching...lemme just say we will give up any sized lead at the drop of a hat."

     So with the Cubs right where they 'want' to be on the field, and manager Quade fed up with the Cubs lousy boxing skills, Cubs GM Jim Hendry announced earlier today that former boxing legend "Irish" Mickey Ward has agreed to council each and every Cubs palyer on the sweet science of boxing. "Coming on the tail of the movie about my life, The Boxer starring 'Marky Mark' Wahlberg and Christian "Batman" Bale, I couldn't be happier to be helping the Cubbies out at this point in my life!...It's all about helping a bunch of 'kids' sharpen their defense skills while keeping them ready to make that uppercut right for the knockout!!"  No stranger to taking a few lumps himself, Ward, most famous for his trilogy of bombastic boxing battles against former legend Arturo Gatti, (rest his soul) Ward won the first  of those brawls only to come out a little short in the last two...... "You've just got to keep plugging away to achieve your dream" Ward said, "I mean someone in that dugout has got to be able to take Zambrano down, and with my help we'll get it done!!"  "We are just thrilled to the bee's knees to have a guy like Mickey Ward here to help us out!!" replied an excited Hendry.

      Terms of Ward's deal were not available at the time of this printing but to have this landmark deal in place before St. Patrick's Day, the the most violent time of the year for the Irish, Ward himself included, is just fantastic. An excited Mike Quade finished the interview by remarking, "We wholeheartedly welcome 'Irish' Mickey Ward with open arms and can't wait for the real season to start...with any luck, by the end of April we will be well out of contention on the field and Ramirez and Silva as well as the rest of the team will put on some brilliant pugilistic exhibitions in the dugout for the fans!! Forget about the old saying 'Completely Useless By September'  the fans will be able to count us out at least by April 30th!! ('C.U.B.A.' ??) It's gonna be a great year.... Cubs fans can now count on more than just bad baseball for their money....well gotta go, Mickey's bunking with me." An upbeat Quade jogged away and sped off in his car presumably to meet Ward.  Looks like next year is here before it even began!!  Dave Kuhlman  bullsbearscubssoxhoxx    dave@onyerleft.com

Canadian Idol leads the Blackhawk Hit Parade!!

                    You don't spit into the wind and you don't mess around with the Captain!!


     The Defending Stanley Cup Chicago Blackhawks emabark on another 'must win' weekend staring tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes at the United Center. The Blackhawks have caught fire as of late reeling off 6 wins in a row and entrenching themselves squarely in the middle of the Western Conference playoff picture. Captain Johnathan Toews has put the team squarely on his back continuing his February performance as the leagues top "3 star" performer by racking up 2 more stellar goals Wednesday night. Whatever Cap'n Serious is eating for breakfast let's order a warehouse full!! Michael Frolik acquired from the Florida Panthers for Jack Skille two weeks ago finally found the scoresheet with a goal and 2 assists. We knew he was a good addition and maybe it just took a little time to get used to Chicago cooking. Overall the Hawks have found their team rhythym again and they look like the team they were last year while looking to be primed for a deep playoff run. The astounding aspect here is that despite going 7-1-2 over their last 10 games and currently sitting in 4th position for the playoffs, there are 11 Western Conference teams within 16 points of each other!  Parity has spread from the NFL to the NHL!!  The Western Conference at least. The 4th place Blackhawks are within 9 points of division leading Detroit, not insurmountable, yet only 2 points away from being out of contention!!  In the immortal words of Chris Farley, "Holy Schniekies!!"  Here is solid proof of the league salary cap at work. The league wants and has established parity.
 
 Parity now levels the playing field in the NHL as it has in the NFL, to the point where late in the season it's still anyone's championship to win. The Bears, the Packers as well as the bulk of the NFC were perfect examples of this. Green Bay was one loss away from not even making the playoffs let alone going on to win Superbowl XLV...This makes it more fun for the fans as far fewer are resigned to watching their respective teams play out the string while looking toward next year. The fans stay involved to the bitter end as we Bear fans did. SO close yet so far away!!
     
     Back to the situation in the NHL's Western Conference; The Blackhawks have been victims of and benefactors of the salary cap  in the same year. The Hawks are a team loaded with young talent and Chicago GM Stan Bowman was faced with an unenviable position ( I'm sure there weren't too many tears falling for us outside of Chicago!!) after winning the Stanley Cup last June; too many Blackhawks deserved a pay bump and there just wasn't enough space under the cap to accomodate everyone, so Bowman swapped, allocated and allowed guys to leave via free agency while picking up less experienced players and prospects in return. 10 roster spot changed overall. Too much change for most teams to digest especially after a shorter layoff than usual, but  thanks to parity the Blackhawks will not have to amass 112 points as they did last year and maybe not even the 95 it usually takes to clinch the 8th and final spot. It is hard to point at a Western Conference team and say, "this is a gimme game." all 15 are capable of putting up a formidable fight on any given night. Some may argue the cap eliminates the dynasty runs seen in the past. Let's face it though, those runs are only fun for the team and it's fans enjoying them. The rest of the league is left to play catch up typically with less revenue and resources.The salary cap is doing it's job evening out revenue and the playing field (surface here) even if it has hurt the Blackhawks chances at repeating this year. Nobody has repeated as Stanley Cup Champions since the 1996-1998 Redwings. Can the Hawks buck the trend?? Thanks to the mastery of Stan Bowman and his dad Scotty  we have a really good shot. We will find out in the weeks to come. First things first, the Blackhawks face 2 more must win games this weekend against Carolina at home and in Toronto. After Saturday, the  Mighty Blackhawks only have 16 games remaining with only 6 on home ice. It's gonna be an uphill skate for sure but we can feel a whole lot more confident with Toews leading the way!!  The Puck hits the United Center ice at 7:30 tonight.......Lets GO HOXX!!!!    Dave Kuhlman   bullsbearscubssoxhoxx    dave@onyerleft.com

Post Note:   I had the distinct privelege to be a guest on the Artie Clear Sports Talk Show last night. Artie hosts Philadelphia's (Give our puck back Pronger!!) most popular sports talk radio show on WiFi 1460 AM every weekday from 5-8pm EST. Artie graciously afforded me 12 minutes to rant about my beloved Chicago Blackhawks and the ever muddled NHL playoff picture. Artie is an expert on all things sports. Being a first time guest,  I was a tiny bit nervous going in but that vanished the second I was on the line with Artie. He is a welcoming host who makes his guests feel as though they are already good buddies just chatting about sports over a cold beer in his living room. It was a great experience and I truly hope I'm invited back. Thanks again to Amy Williams, Artie's ace producer who scouted me out and picked me for the show and the whole crew at the Artie Clear Show!! (http://www.theartieclearshow.com/)

Welcome Back Kotter....Er..... I Mean Blackhawks...

                                                  You can keep the puck Pronger!!

Holy Crap!!  Hockey season has finally started in Chicago!  Someone forgot to tell the Defending Stanley Cup Champs that it actually began 5 months ago, but hey, better late than never. By drubbing the Minnesota Sweat Hogs (Im assuming thats what they meant when they named their team 'the Wild') 4-2 last night, the Blackhawks look to have recaptured the some of the magic they enjoyed all last season. There was puck control, crisp passing, teamwork guys diving in front of shots, and even John "Gimme Your Lunch Money" Scott got into it with Wild winger Brad Staubitz. Staubitz made the unfortunate mistake of trying to hammer Brian Campbell as he was touching up on a pending icing call. Staubitz didn't even make good contact thunderously slamming himself into the boards, but the intent was there. Before Staubitz could blink, Scott who had been on the ice for maybe 90 seconds, pushed Campbell aside like his little sister, and was on top of Staubitz like a Doberman going after 5 lbs of raw hamburger. Scott rained blows nonstop on Staubitz's surprised mug until the refs pulled Scott off. The reusult; 17 penalty minutes for Scott and 7 for Staubitz. No man dissadvantage for the Blackhawks. Job well done by John Scott, message sent!!  I had written a few weeks ago about the need for Coach Q to make use of John Scott's "talents" again and I'm damned glad he's back. The surprised look on Staubitz's face during the fight said it all. It all happened in a heartbeat! Teams will think twice about pulling something dirty when they know John Scott may jump out of the bushes and beat the snot out of them!!       For some reason it has taken the Hawks this long to find their groove but it's coming at the right time. Last night's win leapfrogged them from 9th to 5th place in the tightly packed Western Conference. Team Captain 'Serious' Johnathan Toews (pr. Taves)  has taken the team on his back like a Grand Canyon pack mule and doesn't show any signs of slacking. His linemates, Chicago magazine coverboy, Patrick Sharp (1 g)and Patrick Kane (1a) also neatly tallied points last night while the unit is working ridiculously well together. The 3 goals Toews was involved in were all teamwork personified. Twice he fed a teammate with a beautiful pass for an easy tally and the goal he potted late in the 2nd period was a wicked snap shot on a gorgeous feed from Patrick Kane that Backstrom never saw coming. Late in the third period down 3-2 Minnesota was desperately trying to mount a comeback when Wild center Bouchard made a sprawling attempt to keep the puck in the zone on a power play. Bouchard managed to hook the puck with his outstretched stick but as he went down Captain Toews simply stepped over him while snagging the puck (Yoink!) and escaped down the ice deftly feeding Marian Hossa for a shorthanded goal crushing  the Sweat Hog's hopes and sealing the Blackhawk's 5th straight victory. Other players may have more overall goals and or assists but I doubt they mean as much to their respective teams as Johnathan Toews does. He goes out and earns the right to wear the "C" on his sweater every single night.
     So the DSCC's (Defending Stanley Cup Champions) have 19 games left starting with Calgary at home Wednesday night at 8p.m.and are finally skating from a position of strength. If they keep the fire burning they have finally gotten lit after 5 months of trying they are serious candidates to hoist the Cup come June!!  The road ahead is still a tough one with only 5 of 13 games in March at the UC and only 8 total home games of 19 remaining. On top of that, 3 of those are against the red hot Red Wings, but I'm far less concerned, as I'm sure many are, now the Blackhawks have found their stride again. No better time than the home stretch!!   Dave Kuhlman bullsbearscubssoxhoxx   dave@onyerleft.com    

Post note:  Defenseman Jordan Hendry will undergo knee surgery and miss the rest of the season. Nick Leddy who was finally given a permanent position (well earned!!) and new acquisition, Chris Campoli will need to absorb the slack in Hendry's absence.

Prince Albert in a can?? That'll be $30 million please......

                                             "Give me some of that boom boom pow!!"       

The imposed deadline came and went. He gave them an extra day to make their pitch out of respect to former Cardinal great Stan Musial, who was being awarded a medal in D.C. as to avoid distracting from Musial's big day. Still the St. Loius Cardinals and first baseman Albert Pujols couldn't agree to terms on a contract extension. Pujols, on the fast track to Cooperstown, and the Cardinals everyday first baseman since 2001, is in the final year of his current contract under which he stands to make at least $16 million, incentives aside. St. Louis reportedly made a good faith offer, but on the advice of his agent, Pujols is holding out for more. Typically I would argue against this mindset. I think the majority of professional athletes are grossly overpaid and once a "mega-contract" has been signed the player involved tends to percipitously slack off in his production. One fine example is our own Carlos Zambrano. "Big Z" signed a $91 million deal in the middle of the 2007 season en route to an 18-13 record and a playoff appearance. The deal made him the highest paid pitcher in the league at the time. Since the deal, 2008-2010??   34-19.... a solid win loss profile for any pitcher but not the stats you expect for $18m plus per year!
     Teams are often 'handcuffed' in these instances; the player involved has put up superstar numbers as they become eligible for free agency forcing the hand of their club. The conventional wisdom is if we don't pay him someone else will.....Too often the clubs pay up for a flash in the pan and get stuck with a player putting up substandard numbers while making far too much money to be traded. (you're lucky if you get stuck with one that doesn't blow up on his teammates while demolishing Gatorade buckets!!)
     This is not the case with Albert Pujols. Quiet, unassuming, and well liked by teammates and fans alike ,the guy's career numbers are off the charts; a lifetime (10 full seasons) .331 hitter with 1900 basehits, 1230 rbis, and 408 home runs. He has never hit under .312, never driven in less than 100 rbi, never hit less than 30 home runs, never racked up less than 180 hits in any given year. The last 3 seasons he has also drawn over 100 walks ramping up his lifetime OBP (on base percentage) to .426....The guy is a "hall of famer in a box." Simply unwrap and watch him grow!!  The Cardinals are being exceedingly short sighted if they are unwilling to fork over the $30 million a year/ 10 year deal  Pujols is reportedly demanding. Ridiculously inflated baseball salaries aside, he is worth this amount if not a nudge more. Consider the Cubs just tied up $10 million in a one year deal for lifetime (10 seasons here as well) .241 slugger Carlos Pena as a band aid and you get an idea what clubs are willing to pay out for stability at the firstbase position!!  I hope Pena can replicate his run from 2007-2009 in which he belted 116 home runs and knocked in 100 RBIs each year, but I wont be surprised if he pulls a 'Nomar Garciaparra' type flop on us!!  It seems the Cubs all too often are like an old lady (Jim Hendry) in a second hand shop picking through the collection of formerly shiny things hoping to find a gem. Over the same stretch 2007-2009, Pujols not only matches Pena's production numbers as he does every year, but when Pena had an off year in 2010 batting .196 and only driving in 84 runs, Pujols was steady as ever pounding out 42 home runs and 118 RBI. Pujols has been the quiet steady superstar, never faltering, never having to explain away how he and an unnamed cousin innocently took some pills they came across ....( hello A-Rod...) He has been a credit to the game, a positive in a sea of negativity in baseball, quietly going about his work, all the while killing the Cubs hopes year in and year out. So now, when there are rumors swirling about that the Cubs could be possible suitors for 'Prince' Albert's services starting in 2011, I argue wholeheartedly in favor of  Tom "Mr. Magoo" Ricketts handing over the $300 million for the next ten years. At 31 years of age Pujols has at least 10 years left...and at $30m/year??  Well worth every penny!! He's worth paying at least 10 of that per year just not to play against the Cubs. Imagine what he'd be capable of in bandbox Wrigley Field wearing Cubbie blue!!!
     When Carlos Marmol, the Cubs ace closer who was just locked up with a 3 year $20 million dollar contract,  was asked to comment on the possibility of Pujols as a Cub, he stated, without hesitation, "The Cubs should bring him over here....Then I don't have to face him....Who wouldn't want that guy??" Apparently, Marmol has not yet bonded with Carlos Pena......All this is most likely a pipe dream and when the smoke clears Pujols will most likely end in up a Yankee or a Dodger or back with the Cardinals but I can dream can't I ???    Dave Kuhlman   bullsbearscubssoxhoxx   dave@onyerleft.com

To Z or not to Z......

                                                Im takin' my pelota and going home!!


     Has there been a more enigmatic sports figure in Chicago in the last ten years than Carlos Zambrano?? A massive force on the mound, 6' 5" 260 lbs with a punishing fastball and a wicked  slider, he's also an excellent hitter from either side of the plate winning multiple silver slugger awards. There hasn't been a talent on the mound of his caliber in Chicago since Fergie Jenkins. "Big Z" found his stride in 2003 posting a 13-11 record as the 4th starter behind Kerry Wood, Mark Prior and Matt Clement. (Oh, what could have been!! It wasn't all Bartman's fault!!)  He really came into his own in 2004 compiling a 16-8 record and a stellar 2.75 era. Over the next 4 seasons as the bigger names fell to the wayside due to various and sometimes questionable (hot tubs can be dangerous places!!) injuries, Zambrano stayed "healthy" and seemed to settle in as "ace" of the Cubs pitching staff averaging 15 wins a year while netting a 'big time' 5 year contract valued at $91.5 million.. Tossing a beautiful no hitter against the Astros in the waning weeks of September 2008 on the way to taking his team to the playoffs for the second year in a row, was a shining highlight of his career and gave Cub fans hope that the "curse" would soon be over.
     Until now, the 2008 season was high tide on 'Zambrano beach' and life has been anything but since. There were warning signs along the way; always an emotional player on the mound and at the plate, "Big Z" would often throw a stomping fit while cursing into his mitt after giving up a home run at a critical juncture.  More than once, he easily snapped his bat over his knee after striking out at the plate like a bull snapping a twig. Cub fans were content to believe that Michael Barrett, the talented Cubs catcher traded away after trading dugout blows with Z in 2007, must have been the instigator in the altercation, and Zambrano was simply showing his passion for winning. The underlying truth here, as in several other incidents, is Zambrano believed he was bigger than the team and anyone who couldn't or wouldn't cotton to that should get in line or get the hell out of his way! This "attitude of ingratitude" came to a violent head last year on June 25th in a game against the White Sox. After giving up a 3 run homer to Carlos Quentin and watching Derek Lee duff a routine grounder, Zambrano went into a blind rage at Lee and teammates alike finally disabling a defenseless Gatorade cooler before retiring to the clubhouse. It wasn't the only time Zambrano had lost his composure in the dugout at the expense of his team and a water cooler, but it was definitely the most damning. Zambrano wasn't the only one who was disappointed in how 2010 was digressing but he was the only one who couldn't control his actions. He had become a detriment to himself, his team, and Lou Piniella. It spelled the end of Piniella's run in Chicago. Try as he may, and it was a good try at that, Lou just couldn't reverse the curse! He had lost his grip on the team and wanted to tap out. Less than two months later, he "retired." Piniella claimed his ailing mother needed him and she may well have, but, we all know it was Zambrano's  erruption that made Lou throw up his hands and say, @#$% this!!  (Lou works for the Giants now) For his antics, Zambrano was suspended from the team indefinitely and was "sentenced" to anger management counseling. Not the type of 'management material' we were hoping for!! The rest of the 2010 season slid down the toilet like so many others,  relegating Cub fans to "wait til next year" once again. I stopped watching after that, it was just too aggravating.

      After the storm clouds had cleared and another Cub favorite shipped away, this time Derek Lee to Atlanta, (seems like anyone who tangles with "Z" gets the boot in the end!!) Zambrano having completed his counseling regimin, seemed back to his old form. Going on an 8-0 run in August and September, "Z" made Mike Quade's fortunes a whole lot brighter and the team seemed to click for the first time all year. Although it was refreshing to have "good Z" back it was just too frustrating to wonder what might have been.
    
As always another year has rolled around with Spring training games slated to start tomorrow. Hope is back. The Cubs are back. Zambrano is back. He looks like he's lost weight and he's saying all the right things. He says it's not just about him and all 25 guys need to pull together. He says he's emotionally ready and let's not worry about what happens if things go poorly (red flag??) and how the Cubs are gonna have a great year.....(What could go wrong????)    As all Cub fans, I will give this year the benefit of the doubt until there is reason not to. But I'm not gonna be surprised if another unsuspecting Cub takes the brunt of the Zambrano cyclone for misjudging a flyball, booting a routine groundball or cutting "Z" off at the Gatorade bucket. If,  and it's a big if, "Z" can keep his shtt together and control himself, we will all cheer again as the Cubs win the division and head to the playoffs!! For Santo's sake, it's about time!!!    Dave Kuhlman bullsbearscubssoxhoxx    dave@onyerleft.com

Anno Catuli....102 is enough...

     103 major league baseball seasons ago the 1908 Chicago Cubs won the World Series defeating  the Detroit Tigers in 5 games to take their second crown in a row. Our beloved Cubbies went to 7 more World Series from 1910-1945.  1945 being last time the Cubs made it to the Series with the Tigers avenging the 1908 loss. "Anno Catuli" translates into 'Year of the Cub.' Since most of us were children we've heard nothing but "wait til next year," "the Cubbies are gonna win it all next year," and "next year is our year,"  only to be left sitting by the phone like a jilted prom date waiting time and time again. It's a huge misnomer, it hasn't been the 'year of the Cub' in over a century!! There have been many promising teams since 1945; Cubs teams 'too good not to win it all' 1969, 1984,1989, 2003,2007,2008.....all these teams were loaded with talent had great seasons but ultimately came up short for one reason or another. Most recently, "Sweet Lou" Lou Piniella, former Yankee great and 14th winningest MLB coach of all time, gave it his best shot at reversing the curse. Lou put together 2 fantastic years in '07 and '08,  but both playoff teams were swept out in the first round. Last year finally did Lou's patience in. With his mother being ill off the field and Carlos Zambrano's bi-polar disorder dominating his thoughts on the field, Lou finally gave in and "retired" midseason. (He recently took a consultant position with San Fransisco) Nobody could blame him for wanting out last season as the wheels were coming off and he looked exhausted and pissed off most of the time. It was a good split  for both sides. 
      Evanston native Mike Quade stepped in as interim manager and provided some spark, willing the Cubs to a 23-14 interim record to finsh the year in 5th place. There seemed to be some fresh air in the Cubs clubhouse when Quade took over and a prime reason he got the nod as full time boss was how much the players like him. Reportedly, the players lobbied for Quade saying "he's one of us" while vowing to play hard for him. It came as a massive shock to most Cub fans when Quade was awarded head coaching duties over Cubs lifer and Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg. "Ryno" had taken the proper route laid out by Cubs management to becoming 'skipper' of the big league club by putting in his time as head coach in the minors finally working his way up to head the Triple A Iowa Cubs.as coach of the year in the Pacific League last year. He devoted his baseball life to the Cubs over the course of 30 years only to be left heartbroken and wondering what the hell had just happened!!  Being the gentleman he is, Sandberg handeled the situation with class refusing to bash the Cubs. He has since signed as head coach with the Phillies triple A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. (Awesome move by Philly!!)  What coaching element did Mike Quade possess that Ryne Sandberg does not?? That is the million dollar question for 2011..
     All this being said and the odd outcome of Sandberg situation aside, I'm picking the Cubs to win the World Series in 2011. (Why the hell not!!!) Here's why; Number One, as I mentioned the Cubs players like playing for Mike Quade having known him through the organization since 2003 as head coach for the Iowa Cubs and with the Chicago Cubs since 2006 as third base coach. The guy is no stranger to the Cubs or being a manager. Quade racked up his own 'coach of the year' honors and 3 minor league championships along the way. He knows the game exceedingly well, knows how to win, and has the respect of his players. The key element to success with his players is how he handles "Oooops I'm off my meds" Carlos Zambrano. Where Piniella allowed Zambrano to act like a spoiled teenager, Quade needs to keep him on a very short leash. Any flare ups like the gatorade bucket bashing and Quade risks watching the year slip away like it did last year. If and when "Z" tests Quade's patience, and he will, Quade needs to bench him or suspend him. When something like this happens the manager loses his teams respect and control of the team. Hopefully the "like" the players have for Quade translates into respect on the field and winning results. If Quade shows he can handle a wildcard like "Big Z" he will command respect from any player in any situation. I think Quade will be up to the task here and will milk Zambrano for all he's worth.
     Number Two; Pitching talent,  it's there, with a heady mix of veteran pitching led by Ryan Dempster, Matt Garza, and Zambrano with rock solid closer Carlos Marmol, soon to be signed to a hefty deal, and Kerry Wood back in the pen. Wood may not have the 'gas' he used to, but his presence and experience will be a huge plus. If  Randy Wells can put down the bottle long enough to realize he's lucky to be pitching at this level and concentrate, and Sean Marshall can be his usual solid self with the occasional contribution from Carlos Silva we will have little to worry about here.
     Number Three; Hitting, The onfield talent will be solid this year as well. The outfield will be anchored by Marlon Byrd again, one of the few Cubs who looked like he was working for a paycheck last year. With Soriano in left and Fukudome in right the Cubs outfield will provide good defense while knocking in at least a third of the Cubs overall runs. Add perennial RBI machine Aramis Ramirez at 3B and newly aded Carlos Pena at 1B while mixing in Starlin Castro ( .300 avg) and Tyler Colvin and the Cubs offense will be tops in the league this year. Koyie Hill and Geovany Soto need to work in tandem to provide an economical 'platoon' catcher position. They both handle the pitching staff very well but neither has proven as an everyday power with the bat.The Cubs obviously need to improve on their team average of .257 this year and they definitely will.
     Number Four; The Peter Principle, The Ricketts family, although Cubs fans, seem way in over their heads running a major league ball club!! From bungling bond issuances to raising ticket prices to looking like complete morons on reality t.v. shows, they might just accidently win a championship despite themselves. As a business model the Cubs actually winning a ring would be the worst thing that could happen from a marketing standpoint. The "loveable loser" personna is what draws so many to the Cubs. Everyone loves that they keep trying so hard year in year out only to have to try again 'next year.' Plus with an outdoor nightclub like Wrigley they don't have to win to draw fans. Idiot executives like the Ricketts just seem to end up on top no matter how badly they foul up running a team. So it would just figure the Cubs will win it all this year.
      I know I'm proably just high on the prospect of a new season coming and the 45 degree temps and brilliant sunshine we had here yesterday, but right now I'm drinking the Cubbie blue koolade. who wants a glass???    Dave Kuhlman   bullsbearscubssoxhoxx    dave@onyerleft.com

More Cowbell!! ....Devin Hester MVB

    Like Christopher Walken's take on the ultra successful record producer in the Blue Oyster Cult skit on SNL, Chicago Bear Devin Hester puts his pants on one leg at a time, just like you and me, the difference is after he does, he goes out and shatters NFL records!! Has there been a more electrifying player on the Bears roster in the last 40 years??  At least since Walter Payton retired??  Payton was and will always be in a league of his own. As was Gale Sayers. Payton amassed 125 career TDs with over 21,000 combined rushing and receiving yards. The "tragedy"  in Sayers case is he had his career cut short due to two consecutive vicious knee injuries forcing a very early retirement. As a return man,  Sayers compiled 8 returns for touchdowns over a 7 year span  (really only 5 full seasons) with 39 rushing TDs and another 9 receiving.  If Sayers, The Kansas Comet, had the benefit of modern medicine, Hester, The Windy City Flyer,  (I'm trying to help you out Jeff Joniak) might not hold the record today. The magic Devin Hester shares with these two Bears legends is every time he touches the ball there is an palpable buzz in the air that anything can happen. Hester doesn't get as many "touches" per game as Payton and Sayers did as he is not a running back but, he accounts for more "yards per touch" than anyone since Gale Sayers. To have your name on the same parallel as Payton and Sayers so early on is quite an accomplishment.

 Aside from being the most dynamic special teams scoring threat in the NFL, there is also the "Hester effect."  Opposing teams kick away from him on punts often yielding far better field position for the Bears offense than if they were kicking to someone else. And when they do kick to Hester they all know what can happen! Hester currently holds the NFL record for return TDs with 14 combined kick off and punt returns over a 5 year career. Stunning!! Especially when you consider the league doesn't add in the missed field goal return vs the Giants in '06 and or the kickoff return to start Superbowl XLI. (I was fortunate enough to be at the game with Hester scoring right in front of us!!) So it's really 16. Looking at his stats from 2010-11 he averaged an obscene 35.6 yards per return on 12 kickoffs nearly getting a score on a 79 yard return against Minnesota before being tripped up. He tallied 3 punt returns for touchdowns this years netting the all time record on a frozen University of Minnesota field as the Bears drubbed the Vikings 40-14. What a Monday night!
      Comparatively, Matt Forte, the Bears 3rd year running back out of Tulane, could be put forth as the Bears MVB this past season as well. Having struggled with the rest of the offense early on with a poor 'O' line to run behind and "Mad Mike" Martz going pass happy, Forte settled in and went on a tear late ending up with 1,069 yards rushing on 236 attempts and 547 receiving on 51 catches. He averaged 4.5 yards per rush and 10.7 per catch. He has turned into the dynamic offensive weapon Jerry Angelo hoped he would.
So, Forte accounted for 1,616 total yards of Chicago Bears offense in 2010 on a total of 287 "touches" with 9 total TDs  (I'm not counting dropped passes for either player) Devin Hester, in turn, racked up 427 yards on 12 kickoff returns, 564 yards on 33 punt returns and lest we forget, 475 yards and 4 TDs while making 40 receptions. He scored 7 total TDs. Hester's yardage total of 1,466 is amazing when you consider thats an average of 91.6 per game on just 85 touches!! (202 less touches than Matt Forte) Thats an astounding 17.5 yards per touch throughout the season. Add the aforementioned "effect" he has on opposing teams punting schemes, and the field position he nets the Bears offense as well as the electricity he generates for the fans, there is nobody on the Bears or the league in his position that is more valuable to his team. Devin Hester is truly the Bears MVB!! (Most Valuable Bear for those of you playing at home) If the best part of Blue Oyster Cult's Don't Fear The Reaper is the cowbell and Devin Hester is our cowbell, and you ask me what the Bears need for 2011, I'll shout, "More Cowbell!!!"    Dave Kuhlman   bullsbearscubssoxhoxx    dave@onyerleft.com

Down in Flames......Hoxx on the Rocks.

     "The Stanley Cup Winner's Curse"  I know it exists. It's happened before; 'A Stanley Cup champion fails to make the playoffs the year after winning it all'.  If  I'm correct, Carolina in 2005....New Jersey in 1995... and Montreal in 1965...are the three instances in the 'modern era.' We're all familiar with the Superbowl loser's curse. Simply stated, the loser of the Superbowl is doomed to a horrendous showing the next year rarely even making the playoffs. We know this all too well in Chicago as the Bears just made it back to the playoffs for the first time this year after losing Superbowl XLI. But the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks scrapping  for their playoff lives with 29 games to go??!! There isn't supposed to be a curse for the winners of the Stanley Cup!! As I mentioned previously, it's only happened 3 times in 45 years. There was no way this was going to happen to our Blackhawks. We finally got "over the hump" and out of the Red Wings shadow last year. The Blackhawks had finally become 'mighty' just like the song says, and were going to be a perennial hockey power for years to come. Granted the Stanley Cup is arguably the hardest title to repeat in all of sports, but for Pete's sake, (whoever Pete is..) the Blackhawks weren't going to crumble like a dried out coffee cake. At worst they would finish 1st or 2nd in the division and enjoy another deep playoff run maybe even making it to the finals again. Not this; 58 points through 53 games in 11th place in the conference!! The sand is piling up quickly in the wrong half of the hourglass. Coach Q says he likes the 'effort' his players are putting forth and it will pay off over time. I agree the effort level is there. Watching last nights game versus Calgary, guys are hustling, giving their all, diving in front of and chasing down the puck but something is just not clicking. The bounces just aren't going our way and it seems for all the effort the opposing team seems to be having an easier time racking up goals.
       The Blackhawks top 4 defensemen; Keith, Seabrook, Campbell and Hjalmarsson all look to be doing all they can do, but the passing has been a far cry from last year's precision. There are too many lazy turnovers. The pressure on the offensive end can be pretty intense, Toews and Kane paired up for a beautiful goal last night, but that was it. (did Patrick Sharp even come back from the All Star game?)  I love the slogan, "One Goal" but it really sucks when that's our evening's tally! I maintain there is still something off about Marian Hossa. His hustle and speed are back but he rarely takes the puck directly at the goalie. Very few of the Hawks do right now. It's almost like they are all trying to be overly polite to each other, "Here, you take a shot....oh no ......I couldn't, you take it...." I still like our goaltending. Corey Crawford played great again making a gorgeous kick save in the 2nd period, and Marty Turco has been solid when he's played. Unfortunately, all too like a ChicagoCubs pitcher, they aen't getting alot of "run support."  Coach Q has tried several lineup variations all with little impact. I'm sure he's tried yelling and breaking things but nothings working. Captain Serious has called several "players only" meetings with little results. Like Johnathan Toews and Coach Q, Im left scratching my (bald)  head here!!
     The only other element I would change is to put John Scott back in the lineup; I know he can't skate, can't handle a puck, shoot or pass very well, (all plusses for a pro hockey player) but since he's been out of the lineup as a "healthy scratch" the Hawks haven't intimidated anyone. Intimidation in hockey is a huge part of the game. Nobody fears the "mighty" Blackhawks right now and it's showing on the score sheet. The November 27th drubbing of  L.A. Kings goon Kevin Westgarth (Westgarth started the brawl and tapped out!) was a huge rallying point of that game. It electrified the crowd and the team. The Blackhawks haven't employed an enforcer like Scott since Bob Probert was a Blackhawk. Hockey skills or lack thereof aside, John Scott is a valuable weapon and needs to be utilized for the Blackhawks to make the playoffs. Granted, if you pummel an opponent in football, baseball,or basketball in the same manner you're fined and suspended, but in hockey it's part of the culture. It shows your opponent you are as tough as they are or better and don't take any crap. It shows that outside of  winning, if you lose at least you're going down swinging. That's what we are missing right now. Maybe the Blackhawks need to meet up with Apollo Creed on the beach and be told point blank, "There is no tomorrow!!"   Dave Kuhlman   bullsbearscubssoxhoxx   dave@onyerleft.com

The Mourning After....

     It's official, the 2010-11 NFL season is over. The Green Bay Packers are 'World Champions' which is indisputable because there are no teams from Canada, (yeah Canada actually has a league)  Brazil, or Pakistan that dare to challenge the caliber of play found in the NFL. Aaron Rodgers can devote his time to reading the bible (every day) again while healing the sick and curing the blind without the obligation of  football obscuring his path. As a (insanely jealous) Chicago Bears fan married to a Packer fan, I'm still left picturing what could have been if the Bears had taken advantage of the two, count 'em, two chances to knock the Packers out of the playoffs! Either way, it just didn't happen and we are left looking forward to next year, if there is one, pending the outcome of the looming labor dispute. We can take solace in the fact that although the NFC championship game was a real stinker of a loss, it was still infinitely more entertaining than the half time show!  Dubbed by my wife as the 'Black Eyed Please Stop Singing' it was just awful to watch. Like driving past a twisted smoking car wreck I just couldn't look away. What a mess.
     Looking back at the Bears 2010 season, I have alot of good feelings about how it turned out especially after the miserable pre-season. ( 0-4) We as a group weren't expecting very much out of the Bears this season; most likely an 8-8 or a 9-7 record, no playoffs,  and a pending coaching change. I still wouldn't mind a more aggressive coach, but I do give Lovie Smith alot of credit for getting the most miles per gallon out of the Bears-mobile this year. Somehow he got his team to the doorstep of the Superbowl with an average team. Yes, our defense was solid week in and week out, but our offense was an absolute crapshoot. The Bears 'O' was like the El train in Chicago, often on time, relaible, giving you a thrifty ride to your destination, other times nowhere to be seen for 15 minute chunks of time. The offensive line was held together with a collection of sticky things often found in a craft drawer. (Nice work Mike Tice!) Our most effective aspect of our game was special teams. Robbie Gould was rock solid once again as was Brad Maynard, especially against Seattle in the divisional playoff game, and Devin Hester was Devin Hester again with 3 special teams scores! Jay Cutler's lack of a personality aside,  is arguably the best quarterback we've had in 50 years and still gives us the best shot to win next year. We Bear fans need to look forward to next season with optomism; the Bears will fix the 'O' line problem, trade for or draft a quality wideout, and re-sign the veteran free agents needed to be successful. Cutler and the entire offense  have the first season of  'Mad Mike' Martz's offensive scheme under their belts and will perform better having had time to get to know it better. I would like to see Martz utilize his tight ends more consistently as they can slip into the zone pockets creating havoc for opposing defenses. Plus if Matt Forte can replicate what he did this year he will be an absolute terror out of the backfield. The Bears defense has some fixable spots, most notably Tommie Harris (see ya, Tommie!) and Tim Jennings at corner. Anthony Adams and Major Wright should be ready to step up and assume starting roles at these spots. Brian Urlacher, who might just live and play forever, will be back with perennial Pro Bowl selection, Lance Briggs. These two were a fierce run stopping tandem once again and will be again next year. Defensive ends Julius Peppers and  Israel "Izzy" Idonije who combined for 16 sacks, 6 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions will only be better. Lastly the coaching staff is solid and knows each other very well. Good chemistry among the caoching staff cannot be under rated.

                                   (Look, it's a bird, it's a plane, it's Aaron Rodgers.......)

      The 2011 Bears will have their work cut out for them though. The NFC North will have at least 3 very competitive teams next year and if Minnesota's defense is solid there may be 4. It may well be the best division in the NFL. The Pack will be back for another run and will most likely endure far fewer injuries along the way. Mike McCarthy should get coach of the year for pulling off what he did with so much attrition. Detroit, as a sleeper, concerns me the most, should be ready for their seat at the grown ups table after a furious finish to 2010.  I see a great year ahead for the 2011 Chicago Bears as 2010 will be seen as the year the Bears jelled and came together as a team. Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers on an amazing season as well as to all my Packer fan relatives!! I can just see all the "Superbowl Champion Green Bay Packers" gear I'll endure this summer. One request, please leave the striped Zubaz  pants in your closet!!   Dave Kuhlman bullsbearscubssoxhoxx   dave@onyerleft.com

Behind 'Enemy' Lines.....

     The silly things we do for love....spend loads of money on jewelry, write bad poems, sing out of key on bended knee, marry a Packer fan.......(needle sound dragging across a record)  What??!!  Yes......I did the unthinkable for a Chicago Bears fan; I fell in love with and married a Packers fan!  It was the red hair, I'm a sucker for the 'Colleens' !!  She is not a rabid Packers fan per se, not one that takes her teams losses personally as I do when the Bears lose, but a Packers fan none the less. My wife was not a huge football fan when we met. She would watch the games with some interest but if she missed one it wasn't a big deal. Over the years her enjoyment of the game grew as Wisconsin Badgers football improved dramatically, developed a winning program under Barry Alvarez, and won 3 Rose bowl games in the 1990's. The games were pretty exciting and as we watched them with her parents, her Dad especially, her curiousity was piqued.

      Then "He" came along in 1992. The now (in)famous number 4 for the Packers. A young exciting gunslinger quarterback from Kiln, Mississippi who helped reverse the misfortunes of the once woeful Packers. The "Michael Jordan (maybe  Wilt Chamberlein) of the Northwoods",  Brett Favre, emerged as the fearless leader of the Packers, and my wife's appetite for football spread like wildfire. She soaked up the game in no time, she asked loads of questions as we watched games, she  learned what 'illegal motion' and 'clipping' meant often seeing the penalties occuring before I did. She probably has a better handle on the nuances of the game  better than I do at this point. During football season on Sundays, Mondays and sometimes Thursdays, we always make time to watch the Bears game and the Packers game if they're on in Chicago. They usually are nowadays. For the Bears/Packers games I usually watch those at a bar with the guys as I get too 'wound up' for my wife's tastes. Being a good sport, my wife will actually root for the Bears if they aren't playing the Packers, which I love, but I just can't seem to reciprocate; it's the Packers, I have had an intense 'dislike' for the green and yellow as long as I have loved the orange and blue. I just can't pull for the Packers!!  I'm a better sport about it now than I used to be but I'll never be able to "back the Pack." The Bear blood runs too deep within my veins. I'd rather fight my way out of a biker bar full of tattooed cheesehead Packer backers than put on a Rodgers jersey to save myself!!

     This being said, we will journey North to Madison,Wisconsin to watch Superbowl XLV Sunday night with my wife's family. If there is a lesser of evils in this scenario, this is it. My wife's family is a large wonderful loving bunch. My wife's parents raised 10 children, all grown now with sizeable families of their own. a typical holiday gathering has at least 25 people or more and Sunday night will be no different. They welcomed me in from day one like I was a long lost piece to a puzzle they had been searching for and I felt the same. My wife's Dad and I got along so well I often wished we were of the same generation. He always treated me like a rock star when we visited with an enthusiastic  "Hey Dave!!" as we arrived from Chicago.  This might have been helped along the year I drew his name on the family Christmas list and got him a Packers jacket. His face lit up like a 5 year old when he opened it and he wore it until the day he passed away. There was always alot of playful teasing between my mother in law and I as well usually over her baked goods. She was a master at desserts especially chocolate cake!! Long story short, I love my wife and her family, an entire gaggle of Packer fans, very much and they love me. National League Football and other professional sports are merely entertainment vehicles we all enjoy watching and cheering over. The real point in life is to surround yourself with the people you love and spend your time enjoying them.  I alluded to being "behind enemy lines" for the game but it couldn't be farther from the truth. My wife's family couldn't be my enemies in a million years. (The Packers on the other hand.....) While I just can't root for the Packers this weekend, I will enjoy the company and all the smiling faces especially if  Green Bay wins. Their energy is infectious. I hope the game goes the way my family would like it to, but for at least part of the game I'll be picturing what it would look like if the Bears had made it to Dallas! All in all,  I will endure a very late evening Sunday night driving back  from Wisconsin probably getting home around midnight or so just to wake up for work at 5 a.m. on Monday. Oh the silly things we do for love....Enjoy the game you cheeseheads!!!

Jake Utler...the Cuddly Alter Ego.....

     Ok, I'm writing about Jay Cutler again. It seems the Chicago media just can't let the issue go. Not all, but several of the sports writers are acting like jilted prom dates as they hiss and spit vitriol Cutler's way every chance they get. Having trudged through the 20 inches of snow to my local  7-11 in a valiant attempt to make it to work during yesterday's blizzard, ( I didn't make it, but I did get some cool pictures of snow drifts...)  I picked up the morning paper and flipped it over to check the Sports page first, as I always do. What did I see? Headlines of an inspiring  Blackhawks victory? Another expose on budding superstar Derrick Rose? A little Superbowl coverage? Any of these??  No, But a full page picture of Jay Cutler in a stylish sweater, shorts and sandals as he followed his girl, Kristin Cavalieri out of another Rodeo Drive shop.(C'mon shopping is fantastic therapy!!)  Full page in color. I won't name which paper but, WTF?? What do we want from this guy? Pictures of a repentant Jay Cutler, head bowed in church, crutches leaning against the pew, his braced knee too straight to kneel, his mind too distraught for dating, begging Saint Ditka's forgiveness for his transgressions?? What would these guys be writing about if we had made it to the Superbowl?? First and foremost would be how glad they all were that the injury didn't require a brace. 'Would Jay be healthy for the Superbowl?'  And Kristin would be seen as the stabilizing interest, not a beautiful distraction in Jay's life. (She's pretty damned hot, I'd be wearing stupid cardigans too like they were going out of style,they are anyway? Oh, nevermind.)  Instead we are left with nothing but a warehouse full of sour grapes with no place to put them. forgotten is the great season the Bears had; the 11 wins, the 3,200 yards passing, 232 rushing yards. Big victories over tough teams, Dallas, Philly and the Jets to name a few. An Otto Graham like performance in his first ever playoff game.The 57 sacks Jay absorbed behind a sometimes porous O line, all the while leading the Bears one game away from the final showdown. All this got me thinking.... In the Bears bizarro world where everything is the opposite of what it is, how would we feel about our QB  then?? Would we rather have this guy instead in exchange for a mediocre team??

     Setting the stage for this parallel existence  goes as follows;  The Chicago "Baers" are now coached by an absolute firebrand head coach, who despite his moniker, Likie Johnson, is an emotional madman on the sidelines while demanding victory from his team as he rails players publicly for their slipups rapping his fists atop their helmets. (I can dream.)  Ron Turner is still our Offensive Coordinator. (an easy bizarro switch from Mike Martz) Our quarterback?  Sweet, affable, always smiling, Jake Utler. Acquired in a trade from the Denver Painted Ponies, Utler has embraced his new team and city. Routinely taking time to meet fans, visit hospitals and stick around for hours signing autographs. His favorite book? The Bible. (Just like Aaron Rodgers!!) The "Baers" have just wrapped up an unsucessful season at 5-11 missing the playoffs yet again but putting forth a nice effort. a smiling Jake Utler,  is at the podium fielding questions like a champ:   

       Reporter;  "Jake, what was going through your mind this year? It didn't turn out the way you hoped. Did it?"  Jake Utler;  "Thanks for the question Tom, ooh, I really like that blazer you've got on.... I guess mostly I feel bad for my teammates as well as the fans! What I dislike most in life is disappointing  people. Whether it be our coach, Likie, our team, or our fans, you guys are the greatest by the way, or anyone in general. There was this one time I accidently took this guys parking  spot and .......Reporter; "I think we understand Jake..." Jake Utler; "Oh gosh, sorry to ramble like that!! So sorry!!"  Reporter; "Maybe if you 'rambled' a little better on the field we wouldn't be in this mess." Jake Utler; "I fully agree Tom! Having grown up in There is no Santa Claus, Ohio, as a diehard Baers fan, It was my dream of dreams to wear the number 9 Baer jersey and lead my team on the field in battle for this amazing city! I take every moment of my life as a Chicago Baer very seriously, heck, even during the offseason I find myself humming our fight song as I tie my shoes or while I help little old ladies cross busy Erie avenue. Could I be a faster runner, be more elusive?? Maybe, but gosh darn it! I'm tryin' my best for the team I love!!!!  Oh Tom, I am so sorry for raising my voice like that!"  Reporter;  "That's okay Jake....my next question, how do you hope to improve on your stats next year? I mean 11 touchdown passes and only 1500 yards passing?"  Jake Utler; "Great point Tom!" I plan on watching lots of game film as well as listening to my coaches advice full on, all the while trying to improve my footwork. Also, I will be attending the 'Open Your Heart' seminar in Sedona this April as well. I'm definitely going to keep working on my communication skills as I know it's not all about me out there!"  Reporter; "Off subject here, how is your love life?"  Jake Utler; "Hmmm....Well I really like girls, they are pretty, they smell nice and everything, but I just don't have the time to devote myself to another person right now. I went on a date with some girl, Kristin, but I couldn't keep my mind on what she was saying. She was too distracting. We're good friends now. My dedication to this team, that's my significant other!!"  Reporter; "Jake, don't you think if you perhaps you thought about yourself first for once, were a little more selfish, and spent a little less time trying to please everybody else  you might be a much better leader and turn this team around? Maybe finish 11-5 and make the playoffs?"  Jake Utler; "Boy, that sure is something to think about Tom,  I'll give it some thought."     Dave Kuhlman  bullsbearscubssoxhoxx  dave@onyerleft.com

Ramp Up The Skille Set....

     As January fades and we crawl into February, the flow at my health club has begun to ebb, as only the most committed of the, "I'm gonna get in shape as of January 1st!!"  new years resolution makers are sticking to their guns and making a real change for themselves. There is a parallel with how the Blackhawks are talking up the 'second half ' (actually only 32 of 82 games remain) of their season. I'm hearing all sorts of vows of "buckling down" and "doing what we need to do,"  and "were gonna fix the penalty kill issue "...from Blackhawks players and management alike, as they prepare for the final stretch and the fight for a playoff berth. Last year at this time,  the playoffs were all but sewn up and the biggest concern was playoff seeding....could we outskate the mighty Sharks for the 1 seed??  Wether or not the Blackhawks follow through on these "resolutions"  remains to be seen. I don't doubt the Hawks hunger and or their desire to win, but as I mentioned in a previous bullsbearscubssoxhoxx blogpost maybe there was just too much personnel overturn for one team to digest. For the Hawks just to make the playoffs over the last 10 weeks of the season these 3 things need to happen; 
     Number One, Hungry Healthy Hossa;  There is no discounting how much Marian Hossa has meant to the Blackhawks over a season and a half. The guy is a selfless hustler who plays all phases of the game like he's auditioning for a shot at making the club every time he's on the ice. He does not take the privelage of playing professional hockey lightly and it shows. A superb puck handler and a swarming defender, Hossa has been a 40 goal scorer 3x in his carreer. The first two weeks of this year he was an offensive machine racking up 7 goals even potting one from between his legs while looking away from the net. Then the injury bug bit again and he hasn't been the same player since. (vertigo recently) My only beef with Hossa's play, when he is healthy, is he tends to finesse the puck too much while looking to set up a teammate for the score. While his 'team first' play has it's place, the Hawks overall are guilty of outsmarting themselves here.They often spend an inordinate amount of time putting on a passing clinic while failing to score! What I'd like to see is Marian Hossa as well as the rest of the team be far more aggresssive, more hungry with the puck and take it directly to the net. This puts more direct pressure on the opposing goalie yeilding more goals. I'd like to see Hossa get a little greedy with the puck and fatten up his stat sheet a bit. All too often I'm left yelling at the screen, as Hossa dishes the puck to a teammate, "C'mon 'Hoss' just take the shot!!"
     Number Two, Fix the P.K;  We are obviously missing the snot out of Brent Sopel and John Madden. Sopel often looked like the guys from the movie Dodgeball absorbing wrenches thrown at them by their coach, Patches O' Hoolihan, (If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball....this has nothing to do with hockey, I just love the quote!!)  selflessly dumping his body in front of bullet after bullet squelching opponents power play opportunities limping off the ice afterward doubled over. Asked 5 years from now about the players who were key to the Blackhawks success in winning the Cup in 2010-11,  I doubt many will mention Sopel's name on the same level with Johnathin Toews,Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith. Whether he is remembered or not,  he definitely earned his name etched on that Cup. A salary cap victim, Sopel was shipped to Atlanta in the offseason. John Madden must have been doing something right back there as well. He was a steady presence on the PK unit. Though unheralded as a forward, he always found his way to the puck, clearing it the length of the ice, taking valuable chunks of time off the clock. He is a special teams ace. He has found a way to win 3 Stanley Cups, he must be doing something right!  Currently, Niklas Hjalmarsson is the lone Hawk who seems willing to dive in front of pucks to kill off time. I don't blame the other players for not wanting to dive in front of shots! It's gotta hurt like hell!!  Somehow the Hawks need to find a way to improve here. "We" currently sit at 77.4%, ranked 26th out of 30 teams in killing off penalties. Ironically, the Hawks have ranked at or near the top in power play scoring just below 25%. This is like a smoker who works out, hitting the brick wall you just built with a sledgehammer. It's counterproductive. I don't have the magic solution to fix the Hawks "kill squad" I simply know it has to be much more efficient if we are to make the playoffs.
     Number three, Step Up Young Gun; Viktor Stalberg, Nick Leddy, Jake Dowell and Jeremy Morin please take note of Brian Bickell and Jack Skille's play level. These two, Skille especially, seem to understand what it takes to play at this level. Bickell has found his groove turning into a solid contributor with 12 goals and 14 helpers. Skille, though lacking in production, only 7 tallies so far with 9 assists,  can't be underestimated in his value to the team. Only 23 years old, he exhibits the exuberance of a new puppy throwing himself into all phases of the game with abandon. He often bites off more than he can chew trying to skate around or through 3-4 defenders at a time in effort to put the puck on net. He is stymied more times than not, but you just gotta love his tenacious approach. He is the pit bull that won't let go of the mailman's pants! He just doesn't give up. Eventually, Skille is gonna find the back of the net on a steady basis. His hard work will pay off in time. The other young guys, Stalberg, Dowell, Leddy and Morin (Leddy and Morin when they're with the club) just haven't seemed to put the pieces together just yet. One of these young guns needs to put aside the trepidation and play like his life depended on it and make an impact during the final stretch. I'm tired of hearing how fast Stalberg is. He is lightning on skates but lets' go already!

      I'm sure starting with the 6 game roadtrip that kicks off in Columbus tonight, the Blackhawks will find a way to squeeze into the playoffs somehow despite how tough the remaining schedule is.(20 of 32 on the road) Once in the playoffs, anything can happen and often does. Coach Q and his staff are just too good to fail. The talent level on the ice is there and will mesh in time. Toews, Kane, Sharp, Keith and the rest of the lineup are just too good not to clinch at least the 8th spot. Aren't they???   Dave Kuhlman  bullsbearscubssoxhoxx   dave@onyerleft.com