May 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Bryan Bickell (29) is defended by Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jakub Kindl (4) during the first period in game one of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

There wasn’t a lot of bad things on the ice on Wednesday night especially the last two periods, but here are three Hawks I’m looking forward to having a better Game #2 Saturday afternoon at the United Center.

1. Bryan Bickell- Bickell didn’t have a bad game but when the hits are 43-24 someone needs to make a point to the other team that running at players at to “finish off checks” will not be the norm in this series.  Bickell is the best skilled big guy that can throw his body around with the possible exception of Brent Seabrook.  Bickell had a very good regular season and first round against the Minnesota Wild now he needs to assert his will especially physically against the Red Wings and mostly Justin Abdelkader.

May 9, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (65) is congratulated by his teammates for scoring a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the second period in game five of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

2. Andrew Shaw- Shaw looked like he drank 5 Mountain Dew’s and a 5 hour energy before the game because he was out of control.  The Hawks needs his peskiness and his ability to throw his body around but do it without taking the stupid penalties.  The Hawks Penalty Kill has been outstanding going 20-20 in the postseason but there is no reason to give the Red Wings extra chances like Shaw and the Hawks did in Game #1. Shaw is part of the four line rolling but should never be part of the story in the box.

May 7, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) is congratulated by forward Michal Handzus (26) against the Minnesota Wild following game four of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

1. Michal Handzus- Handzus was brought in to win faceoffs and yet he’s only 40-90 .44%  This is not going to cut it for the entire playoffs.  Handzus needs to be near 60 percent especially when it’s important faceoffs in our zone late in games with one goal leads on the line.  The other concerning thing about Handzus is does he have the ability to keep up with speedsters Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp.  The last couple games it seems like he’s a third defenseman instead of the #2 center.  I know speed isn’t his #1 attribute but to play with those two another gear will be needed from Zus.

What Blackhawks players are you looking forward to showing improvement in Game #2?

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Apr 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (65) moves the puck in against Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (13) and goalie Jimmy Howard (35) during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

It’s easy to forget about the key “role” players on an NHL team, especially the when that team is the  Chicago Blackhawks, a team stocked full of superstar caliber talent as well as any team in the league.  However, the NHL is a league that requires more than just superstar talent to make a team a championship team.  The NHL is a league that requires a supporting cast for it’s stars, and Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, Duncan Keith, Patrick Sharp and Brent Seabrook will rely on their supporting cast that includes Andrew Shaw, Michael Frolik, and Dave Bolland, to end up with Lord Stanley’s Cup come June.

The most important of the supposrting cast would have to be Dave Bolland.  Hawks fans will remember how Bolland has seemingly come to life in the playoffs the past several seasons, regardless of how he played during the regular season.  Bolland has played an integral role as the center on the checking line that has shut down lines featuring the likes of(most famously) Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin, as well as Joe Thornton.  “The Rat” will need to regain his health before he is able play with the nerves of Zach Parise‘s top line for the Minnesota Wild.  The Blackhawks will face a steep challenge in defeating the Wild if they are to do so without Bolland’s presence.

Andrew Shaw was very much missed during the chunk of last year’s playoff series against the Phoenix Coyotes while he was serving a suspension.  Shaw has a knack for scoring the “dirty” goals, as opposed to the highlight reel goals that Hawks fans are accustomed to seeing from Patrick Kane, and the rest of the stars.  Dirty goals from guys like Shaw can have a demoralizing, back-breaking effect on an opposing team.  Opposing teams expect the stars to light the lamp, but it’s a heartbreaking disappointment to a team when they allow a goal to a player like Andrew Shaw, a player who can also play physical and adds an edge of toughness to his game.

Enough can’t be said about the stellar play from Michael Frolik, this season.  One of the Blackhawks greatest strengths this season has been their stingy Penalty Kill, and Michael Frolik has arguably been the Hawks most effective Penalty Killer this season.  If the Hawks PK unit can continue it’s stinginess into the Post Season, they will be at a tremendous advantage against most teams.  It’s hard to imagine the PK unit being anywhere near the success level that it reached this season, without the help of Michael Frolik.  

Unlike the NBA, a league that is hopelessly dependant on superstar talent to lead a team to glory, the NHL is a two-way sport that requires superstar talent as well as the more workman like players, to bring home trophys, and the Blackhawks are very much a two-team in those regards.

Mar 16, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Viktor Stalberg (25) shoots the puck on the Dallas Stars goal during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Stars 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Bryan Bickell on the second line experiment  lasted two regulation losses and two games.  I called for Jeremy Morin to replace Patrick Sharp, Stan Bowman only read part of my post and called up Jimmy Hayes to replace Patrick Sharp. The two games that Bickell played with Patrick Kane and Dave Bolland not only did Bickell seem lost but all the lines were shuffled and all nine in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th lines seemed out of sorts which is why something needed to happen. The secret of the Blackhawks success (movie not starring Michael J Fox) is that each player has a role and goes out and works their butts off in that role, and Coach Joel Quenneville has played all four lines at any time in any circumstance.

To say the call up of Jimmy Hayes has been a perfect fit is almost an understatement. Yes when the team puts up 13 goals in 2 games its easy and fun to make stats work for you, but the stat I want to pull out for you is the 3rd line.  This line was the real reason for the Hayes call up because it broke up one of the most effective lines the Hawks have with people on Twitter saying that they are better than a lot of teams 2nd lines. In the last two games Viktor Stalberg and Bryan Bickell have paired up on four assists on the same goals.  Andrew Shaw wasn’t left out of the party collecting a goal (the 2nd of the game) after Bickell absorbed a check that broke out Stalberg who fed Shaw for the goal.  This is the kind of play that doesn’t happen if the lines were jumbled and Shaw and Stalberg are playing with say Michael Frolik.  Yes things are going well when the third line being in tact create points and chances. Last two games

Andrew Shaw- 1 Goal

Bryan Bickell- 4 assists

Viktor Stalberg-4 assists

The second line also has benefited from Hayes be inserted into the lineup with a young kid that can skate and knows where to go for goals and that is the front of the net and stay out of Kane’s way.  Kane is a master with the puck so Hayes was right where he was suppose to be for the opening goal in Colorado and that is right in front of the net to deposit a backhander into the net.

The Hawks with some rest and a perfect match are rolling again which is just another feather in Stan Bowman’s cap. Bowman little subtle moves instead of a big flashy splash has kept the core together and keeps adding pieces which is Bowman’s goal to build a lasting Championship organization and not a team to make one run at the Cup.

What do you think? Could the Hayes move worked any better?

For more Blackhawks talk follow us on Twitter @Blackhawk_Up or friend us on Facebook at Blackhawk Up.

Photo by Maggie Avila

Game #8-  Chicago Blackhawks (6-0-1)  at Vancouver Canucks (3-2-2) 

Game Time- 9:00 pm Central

TV-CSN Chicago or TSN, RDS2 Vancouver  Radio -  WGN 720 Chicago  or AM1040 Vancouver

In a week that could easily have been called rivalry week the Blackhawks prepare to take on the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. The Blackhawks started the week on Sunday facing long time divisional rival Detroit Red Wings. Then mid week they faced what could be a new rival in Minnesota especially if the league realigns and finds the Wild in the same division as the Hawks. The Hawks find if not the best, certainly the most heated rivalry has been saved for last.

While the Red Wings are a respected rival and the Wild are a new foe the Canucks are definitely the most vilified rival and with just reasons for every Blackhawks fan. There are so many villains on this team to choose from.

There’s hair pulling, groin kicking, finger biting forward Alex Burrows. Who can forget his hair pulling escapades with Duncan Keith and then he went for round two last year in a regular season game and decided to kick Duncs in his privates while he was down no less. Oh Alex you nasty, nasty boy.

You also don’t have to look to far either to find Zach Kassian who also has done his fair share of thuggish behavior. All the Hawks that played in the AHL on the Rockford IceHogs should be sick of Kassian since he played on the Chicago Wolves and we could see carry over scores that need to be settled. The Hawks also need to be aware of Kassian. He is the second leading point getter of Canucks forwards only trailing Daniel Sedin.

Truth is Vancouver has not hit their stride yet and has pedestrian numbers so far while the Blackhawks have been blazing hot out of the starting gates. The Canucks’ Achilles heel is one the Blackhawks are all too familiar with, namely special teams. Their penalty kill is currently ranked 22^nd in the league. If the Hawks are smart they will try to goad the Canucks into taking penalties and then cash in.

Vancouver is virtually the same team that the Blackhawks and their faithful have come to loath. Their lone pick up in the off season was D man Jason Garrison from the Florida Panthers. While they did not make many changes the addition of Garrison really strengthens the Canucks back end and also provides one killer slap shot from the point on power plays.

While the Canucks top four D men are solid what is surprising is that D men Alex Edler and Dan Hamhuis are also leading the team in assists along with Daniel Sedin. Watch for their defensemen to join the rush and beware the stretch pass as the Canucks have always had great team speed.

Ryan Kessler is out on IR so the forward position is definitely missing an all star but the Sedins are still there and are always a threat every time they are on the ice. It will also be interesting to see who coach Q puts out against the Sedins since Dave Bolland is now centering the second line. Can Andrew Shaw be as much of an irritator as Bolland while maintaining his own control? This could be very interesting to watch.

The big talk all off season and even currently is the Canucks trying to trade Roberto Luongo. The Canucks unable to trade Luongo now find themselves in a precarious position as he is currently in fourth place in the NHL in both GAA and SV%. Interestingly Corey Crawford is not too far behind him in eighth place in both as well. Where is Corey Schneider ranked 32^nd GAA and 29^th SV% which demonstrates why coach Alain Vigneault has been going with Luongo as of late.

Vancouver has already stated Loungo will be starting against the Blackhawks. You would have to think that Crawford will get the call but coach Q may through everyone a curve ball so we will see.

The Blackhawks need to keep firing a Luongo especially high blocker side and try to rattle him early. While the Canucks top four defenders are top drawer they’re third and fourth D pairings are a little suspect. If Shaw, Stalberg and Bickell  can pelt him with shots enough it might wear him down and Viktor Stalberg has the speed to beat their defensemen.

The Blackhawks are coming off their first defeat of the year in a shoot out loss to the Minnesota Wild while the Vancouver Canucks are coming off of 3-0 thrashing of the Colorado Avalanche. Both teams having played on Wednesday.

Last year the Hawks split their series with the Canucks 2-2. This year we will only face them three times, twice in Vancouver and once in Chicago unless they meet again in the playoffs down the road. This will be the first meeting this year between the clubs but I do not anticipate this rivalry and dislike between teams to be any different. That said buckle yourselves in for what should be a great game with a lot of speed,physicality and plain old dislike.

Prediction – In a close physical game the Blackhawks go to OT again but take this one 2-1.

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Feb. 25 , 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) and Chicago Blackhawks left wing Bryan Bickell (29) and left wing Viktor Stalberg (25) battle as they skate down ice after the puck during the first period of the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

It doesn’t come as a surprise that coach Q recently when meeting the media revealed that the ailing power play will be changed in  several ways.

New assistant coach Jaime Kompon will be in charge of getting this headache back on track. Welcome to the Blackhawks. This is truly baptism under fire. For those that will recall last year everyone took a turn with this enigma and no one did quit figure it out.

The Blackhawks ranked 26^th in the NHL last year on the power play which they would agree is not acceptable if you want to become a championship team.  This makes it imperative that this year they get this right off the bat in a compressed season.

There is no secret to power plays. They can be summed up with one word. What was it that Master Yoda tried to drill into Luke Skywalker when training him to master the force? CONTROL! CONTROL! YOU MUST LEARN CONTROL! The same is true of power plays. You must maintain control in the opposition’s zone.  The Blackhawks last year had problems with sustained pressure in the offensive zone.

Patience is also a requirement for successful power plays. Crisp passing in the zone which the Hawks also struggled with due to trying to hurry plays is where they could exercise some patience and it would improve their precision.

Traffic in front of the goalies also was absent for the most part.  The other area they really struggled with was zone entry which can be remedied with great puck handling or speed into the zone.  Whew was it any surprise that they were as low as they were as the Blackhawks didn’t do much right.

Coach Joel Quenneville when addressing the media also said he would be giving Viktor Stalberg a look on the power play. Why not? Stalberg definitely has the speed and he has a deceptive shot. Also by using Stalberg it will give the Hawks a different look which keeps the opposition guessing.

He could be used in front of the goalie for greasy goals. Stalberg is a big body with his 6’3” frame he could make a nice screen with shots coming from the point or the half walls and provide deflections. Stalberg has offensive skills that we saw last year with his 22 goals  yes a lot came against the lowely Columbus Blue Jackets but he still should be given the opportunity it could not hurt the power play.

Stalberg has a pretty accurate shot which is necessary with everyone jammed in the offensive zone.  Stalberg actually had a higher shot percentage than Patrick Kane.

He also stated Andrew Shaw would be given an opportunity as well on the power play given his tenacity and good hand eye skills this is not surprising at all. Shaw we know doesn’t mind getting in the greasy areas and getting a little filthy which the Hawks power play could use.

I would also venture to bet that Dave Bolland, Jimmy Hayes, Brandon Saad and even Bryan Bickell might see turns on the power play. I’d give them a whirl for different reasons.

Dave Bolland has one of the most accurate shots. His shot percentage is very high and he does have very good instincts in the dirty areas.

Bickell, Hayes and Saad are big bodies, which like Stalberg could be used effectively on screens. We also have seen that Bickell has a deceptive snapshot and wristers. Saad has good hockey IQ and some soft hands as well.

The Hawks will be practicing tomorrow on their power play and will have a scrimmage with the Rockford Icehogs. Not sure if this is open to the public or not.

Jaime Kompon has his plate full getting this power play right but he does have tools at his disposal. It will also be interesting to see if besides personnel changes a new strategy and schemes are employed. Creativity and ingenuity could be key.

What or who would you like to see the Blackhawks do to improve the power play?

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Mar 21, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (65) celebrates scoring the game winning goal in overtime against Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo (1) at the United Center. The Blackhawks beat the Canucks in overtime 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Shaw had a better than expected rookie season last year as shown in his summer review. He was just an assist away from a Gordie Howe hat trick in his first game against the Philadelphia Flyers and had a talent for being in the right place at the right time – as well as the wrong place at the wrong time. He endeared himself to Chicago Blackhawks fans with spirited, gritty play that he has kept up this season with the Rockford Ice Hogs.

In 37 games last season in Chicago, Shaw scored 12 goals and 11 assists, and this season has 8 goals and 6 assists in 28 games for Rockford.

Shaw will go to all areas of the ice to get the puck, screen the goalie, or defend his teammates. Sometimes that costs him a game or two. And sometimes that wins a game or two. It’s a style that’s fun to watch and valuable to the Blackhawks as long as he isn’t reckless with it and can keep his suspensions to a minimum. His track record in Rockford this year says that he still hasn’t learned that lesson, and after factoring in a few suspension games, I set Shaw’s over/under at 13 goals, 12 assists for the upcoming season.

What’s your prediction for Shaw this season?

For more updates and conversation, follow us on Twitter @Blackhawk_Up and friend us on Facebook at Blackhawk Up.

Photo by Maggie Avila

While it was not quite the rivalry of Blackhawks/Canucks or Blackhawks/Wings the disdain and 
animosity was still apparent. The Rockford IceHogs were finally able to overcome the Chicago Wolves 4-2 in front of a crowd that was just as much IceHogs as Wolves. The three previous tilts all went to the Wolves but on this night the tide turned to the young guns from Rockford. 

There were several fights and skirmishes to keep the rivalry alive & healthy, but the highlight of the evening was witnessing the future of the Blackhawks. Goals were scored by Marty St. Pierre, Jeremy Morin and Ben Smith with the Morin and Smith goals coming on the power plays. 

The power play on the Morin and Smith goals were run with puck passing precision that would rival and maybe best the big clubs power play. We all know the problems the Blackhawks have had on execution on their power plays fortunately none of that has crept into the Rockford play book. 

Who was the engineer of this effective power play you ask? Young Blackhawk prospect Brandon Saad who had a fancy assist on the Morin goal. Saad showcased not only his great on ice awareness and vision but he also demonstrated a take charge leadership that well, is simply something that can not be taught or coached. 

Saad started out a little rough when only a couple of minutes into the game he made a mistake in his own zone by turning the puck over right in front of his goalie Carter Hutton who was left at the mercy of Zach Kassian waiting in the slot who buried the puck easily. 

The greatest thing about youth is the ability to use mistakes as learning tools and that is exactly what Saad did. He not only made up for the early error but helped put his team ahead of the Wolves with his assists for good. 

Saad’s pass to St. Pierre was so perfectly timed as it caught St. Pierre full stride. The pass was a beauty to be sure and speaks to the skill that Saad has. Watching Saad it is apparent his skills with the puck will make him very dangerous in the NHL. His assist on the Morin goal was a blind pass that any NHLer would want in his repertoire.

While there is little good coming from this NHL lockout maybe Saad’s time in Rockford will polish his skills and prepare him even more for the time he is with the Blackhawks. All of the Blackhawks’ prospects can use this time in Rockford to learn. If Saad continues to show that same take charge attitude and puck handling mastery I can guarantee he will be on the Blackhawks for quiet a long time. 

Andrew Shaw was back in action as well after a six game suspension. He officially got on the score board with an empty netter but Shaw was flying around the ice all night and getting under the Wolves fur. His determination and ability to disrupt the opposition especially in front of the net is uncanny for someone who is not particularly big. Welcome back Shawzer try to stay on the ice because you are very entertaining. 

My understanding is that in attendance at the Allstate Arena were scouts from all of the NHL clubs. They were treated to the future of the NHL and the talent that is up coming on both clubs which has to delight. 

It was not Kane to Toews to Sharp but the execution was still pretty and decisive. These kids have some ways to go to get into the same class as those three snipers but, somehow it does not seem out of the realms of possibilities that very soon it will be Saad to Smith to Shaw or vice versa that we hear along with those guys at the United Center. What a treat for all it will be when that day comes.

Mar 6, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Ryan Reaves (75) fights with Chicago Blackhawks left wing Brandon Bollig (52) during the first period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-US PRESSWIRE

If you are really thirsting for NHL hockey and are tired of watching re-runs of famous games on NHL Network, you only have 88 miles separating you from some of your favorite young Chicago Blackhawk players and their training camp for the Rockford Ice Hogs.

A lot of fan favorites from Andrew Shaw to Brandon Bollig will get action in the AHL for the time being while the NHL locks out its players.  It’s not too bad a drive while getting to see some real hockey action.  The action gets started in Rockford on September 30th, and if you want the rest of the particulars click here

The real benefactors of the NHL lockout will be the AHL and OHL which will be overstocked with young talent as long as the lockout lasts.  It’s great that the young players have a league to fall back to while their richer comrades are fighting for bigger percentages. It will be interesting how many fights Bollig gets into a night to keep up his reputation.

Hopefully Shaw and the likes only have to rent month to month and not take up permanent residence, but only Gary Bettman, Donald Fehr, and the NHLPA will have the final decision on their accommodations.

Enjoy the Ride!

END THE LOCKOUT!!!!

5. Andrew Shaw

Andrew Shaw Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Most people would say Shaw had a breakout season last year in his rookie campaign.  12 goals and 11 assists were a great start to a career, but his season was up and down with only a suspension to show for his efforts in the playoffs.  Shaw can really breakout this season by working his way on to the power play and being more consistent.  Having a guy with grits and guts like Shaw while continuing to improve offensively is the kind of season that will truly benefit the Hawks next season.  Could you imagine the Twitter accounts that would be created if Shaw had a 25-30 goal campaign with playoff success?

4. Dave Bolland

Dave Bolland Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

I’m sure most people were expecting a Marcus Kruger mention here, but I believe its Bolland that needs to have a career season.  He’s battled injuries and being stuck on the third line which seems to lead to lackadaisical play during the regular season which leads to games of lots of penalties and not a lot of production.  Bolland has all the tools to be the 2nd line center but has never seized the opportunities out there for him.  There always seems to be a mention of the mythical 57 goal season he had in juniors, and on occasion he flashes that offensive ability but he’s never scored more than 19 goals wearing the Blackhawks jersey.  He scores on the power play and has the ability to put it in the back of the net shorthanded.  This is the season Bolland needs to put it all together and breakout as a true Blackhawk superstar.  He always brings it when the Sedin’s are on the other side of the ice, but it’s time for Bolland to have that intensity for 82 game season.

3. The entire Blackhawks Defensive Unit-

Nick Leddy and Johnny Oduya- Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

This unit as a whole was a disappointment for most of the season, and they were most likely a direct result in the sophomore slump of Corey Crawford when they left him high and dry to0 many times early on in the season routinely giving up 3 on 2, 2 on 1, and breakaways.  They tightened up at the end of the season,  so it will be interesting what the addition of Sheldon Brookbank will have on the unit as a whole.  Nick Leddy could be the true breakout star of this group.  Will Niklas Hjalmarsson be on this unit when the season starts or will the longest rumored player to be traded be finally moved?

2. Brandon Saad

Brandon Saad- Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

What a guy that has played 2 regular season games and 2 playoff games is the 2nd breakout player on the list?  Saad needs to be the breakout rookie of the NHL season this coming season, and this would be a major feather in the cap for Stan Bowman.  Getting Saad as the steal of the draft last season, and getting him to buy into a year in juniors before getting his shot with the Hawks would be a perfect scenario for Bowman.  By all indications, unless Saad falls on his face in training camp and preseason he will be a guy that starts the season on one of the top two lines with all the opportunity to become the newest sensation in Blackhawks hockey.  His personal success should translate to team success and hopefully a deep run in the playoffs!

1. Corey Crawford

Corey Crawford- Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

After a solid rookie season, Crawford had a pretty poor sophomore campaign that had people asking for Ray Emery to lead the team into the playoffs.  Crawford allowed two terrible OT goals to the Phoenix Coyotes which led to the demise of the Blackhawks short lived playoff life.  Sophomore slumps are a mystery so I presume that the hardest working player on the Hawks roster this summer was Crawford.  He’s had a summer of people doubting him and there’s been Roberto Luongo rumors out there also.  Crawford or any other goalie that plays for the Hawks doesn’t have to play like Jonathan Quick, but they have to be solid enough to stop everything that shouldn’t find the back of the net.  I don’t believe there is any other goalie in the Hawks system ready to lead the team to the Stanley Cup, so that’s why its time for Crawford to breakout and be the star that he needs to become!

What do you think? Who’s your five Hawks that need to breakout for another Stanley Cup run? September and training camp is right around the corner..Let’s get the Zamboni on the ice!

Let’s Go Hawks!!

I went into my second Blackhawks Convention one year older and MUCH wiser about how to make the most of my weekend.

I didn’t attend on Friday last year, but since my family and I were going to stay at the hotel this time we came down to the Hilton on Day One.  Traffic was pretty rough so we decided to forego the Opening Ceremonies and get settled.  After checking into the hotel I headed down to Registration.  There I got a snazzy red backpack filled with all kinds of goodies and my Instant Winner VIP Autograph Session for Saturday afternoon (if you stay at the hotel two nights you get an Instant Winner automatically).  In addition, one of my two scratch offs was a winner and I got another VIP session for Saturday morning.  The weekend was off to a great start!

My dad and I studied the program guide and decided on a plan of attack for the evening.  I wanted to have my picture taken with Nick Leddy and he opted for the Corey Crawford signing since we had missed out on Crawford last year.  It was around 4:30pm and wristbands were being given out at 5pm.  I think that was the shortest amount of time I waited for anything all weekend!  After we had both secured our wristbands we walked around the vendor area and picked up some puck holders.  We ventured up to the International Ballroom and caught the tail end of the Opening Ceremonies.  It was packed up there!  Despite moving the festivities to a bigger ballroom this year there wasn’t nearly enough room for everyone.  It was festival seating so everyone was just kind of standing in a big clump.  I was able to see all the guys on the big screen, though.  Since we had about two hours to kill before the signing and photo sessions we grabbed something to eat and studied the program guide some more.  We were trying to guess who our VIP autographs might be.  (The program guide lists all the possibilities for the Instant Winners and the Scratch and Win winners.)  By process of elimination we figured our Instant Winner was Duncan Keith (if you look at the panel listings you can figure out who is where at what time and Dunc was the only one free that afternoon).  It was harder to guess the Scratch and Win one, though, because there were eleven possibilities.

Around 7pm we got in line for Crawford and Leddy.  Leddy was early for his session so the line moved pretty fast.  The biggest hold up was that the camera needed time to reload between each picture so you had to wait.  When it was my turn I shook his hand and he asked me how I was and what time I had arrived at the convention.  After the picture was taken we exchanged nice to meet yous.  They print the pictures on site so I was able to pick mine up right away.  Leddy is such a nice guy and I was glad to be able to meet him again.

By that time my dad was near the front of the Crawford line so I headed up to grab a seat at SecondCity.  Along with the cast, Kane, Carcillo, Shaw, and Stalberg were performing.  The show lasted about an hour and was hilarious.  The guys all have such great chemistry with each other.  It was a lot of fun.  I met up with my dad after the show and he got Crawford’s autograph on a puck and on a birthday card I was carrying around all weekend for a good friend of mine.  He also managed to catch Marcus Kruger leaving his autograph session and got him to sign the card as well.

Day Two started early.  My dad and I hopped in the line to get in line for wristbands around 6:30am and there were probably about 100 people in front of us.  (In order to get decent access to the autograph sessions you have to get in that line so that when they let you in the autograph area to get wristbands you are one of the first people in.  They only hand out 315 autograph wristbands per session and 150 photo wristbands per session.  So basically you wait in line twice, but there’s really no way around it.)  Despite the long wait in line (we got into the autograph area around 8am) the time passed quickly.  There are always plenty of fans who want to chat.  I was sitting with someone who had never been to the convention before so I did my best to help him plan out the best strategy for his day.  When the doors opened at 8am my dad and I headed for Brandon Bollig’s line.  They weren’t supposed to hand out wristbands until 8:30am, but as soon as you got in they gave you the band.  Bollig arrived around 9:30am.  He signed a puck for me and the birthday card as well.  Technically each player is only supposed to sign one thing and not pose for pictures, but Bollig didn’t seem too fussed and signed both items and posed for a picture with me.  He was really sweet and chatted with me while he signed.

When that was over it was after 10am.  My dad got Bill White’s autograph and then headed up to our Scratch and Win session and I went to The Olympic Ideal Panel.  The panel featured: Toews, Kane, Seabrook, Keith, Hossa, O’Callahan, and Olczyk.  Pat Foley was the moderator.  It was a really interesting and fun panel.  The fans were able to ask questions too, which is always entertaining.  I think the highlights were the girl who rewrote Call Me, Maybe, which was really a request for Toews to sign her jersey (which he did) and the person who asked Toews if he was related to Joey, The Jr. Reporter (he’s not).  I met up with my dad after and found out his pass was for Coach Q.  While Q was trying to sign the puck his sharpie didn’t work and he tried a different one and wrote over the first autograph.  He didn’t like how that looked so he signed the other side of the puck as well.  We headed back down to the autograph area and I got in the line to get a wristband for Ben Smith while my dad met Eric Nesterenko and Ab McDonald.  After I got my wristband the person directing traffic sent people to the wrong line so the order kind of got mixed up and I ended up in the front of the Smith line.  Lol Lucky for me, I guess.  Smith was really nice, kind of quiet.  He signed a puck and the birthday card.  His ‘handler’ (person who sits with the player while he signs) was a little stricter so I didn’t get to take a picture.

I was interested in getting Andrew Shaw’s autograph at 5:30pm and I knew they were handing out wristbands at 4:00pm, but through chatter I heard the line was already getting pretty long (it was around 1:45pm at this point).  I caught up with my dad who had gotten Sheldon Brookbank’s autograph in the meantime.  He said he’d wait in the Shaw line for me while I went up to the Instant Winner session then we’d trade places.  That session started at 2:30pm and when I got up there the line was already pretty long.  Just as we started to move my dad called to tell me they were going to hand out the Shaw wristbands early.  I couldn’t get out of the line I was in so he just got the wristband instead.  My Instant Winner was Duncan Keith.  His handler was pretty strict too so I only got my puck signed.  I didn’t mind, though, because just meeting him was great.  He shook my hand and was just really sweet.  A super nice guy.

When I left that session my dad gave me the Shaw wristband (a big no-no as you’re not supposed to trade wristbands, but it’s not like we sold it or anything so I didn’t feel too bad about it).  It was around 3:30pm at this point so my dad went to get Dennis Hull and Cliff Koroll’s autographs.  I decided to check out the WGN broadcast and heard interviews with Coach Q, Sharp/Seabrook, and then Kane/Carcillo.  That was a lot of fun to listen to and seeing the guys interact with each other is just great.  By then I decided to get in the Shaw line so I wouldn’t be near the end of it.  I cannot say enough nice things about Andrew Shaw.  He was so genuinely sweet and you could tell how happy he was to be there and just be a part of the organization.  I wished him a happy belated birthday and we chatted while he signed my puck and the birthday card.  He was nice enough to take a picture with me too.  Just such a great guy.

Day Three started even earlier than Day Two.  Seabrook, Stalberg, and Carcillo were all signing that morning so the line was even longer than before.  Since we had met Stalberg the year before I decided to get in the Seabrook line (well, technically I had met Seabrook before, but he’s one of my favorite players and I couldn’t resist) and my dad headed for Carcillo.  While in the Seabrook line I was chatting with a very nice family behind me and we heard rumblings that there were some unclaimed Scratch and Win passes being given out at the Registration booth.  The sessions for that morning were Hossa and Toews.  By the time I got to the booth they had handed them all out.  I was bummed, but it was such an off chance that I couldn’t really be too upset.  I got back in line and about twenty minutes later someone said they were handing out passes again.  Some people even had two and three passes to both sessions.  I went to the booth and the girl said she didn’t have any left, but you could see she still had a stack behind the counter.  Yelling at people doesn’t make you any friends so I just waited quietly in case they handed them out again.  Finally at 10:30am (that’s when the signing started) I figured it wasn’t going to happen.  While I was leaving a woman came up to me and asked if I wanted her pass to meet Hossa.  I was thrilled and couldn’t thank her enough.  By that time my dad had met Carcillo (another signature on the card!) so I gave him the Hossa pass since I had met him before at the Blackhawks Live dinner.  He got a puck and the birthday card signed.  He said Hossa looked great and said he was ready to get back on the ice.  By the time that was all over with it was time to meet Seabrook.  Despite all my running around that morning I still had a good place in line because the very nice man sitting behind me held my place.  Blackhawks fans are the best people!  Right before I went up there the handler told me he’d only sign one thing.  Seabrook signed a picture for me and I asked about the card and he had no problem doing it.  He was really nice and shook my hand.  My new friends in line took pictures for me during the signing since he couldn’t pose.  I was most appreciative.  Seabrook tends to get a bad rap from some fans, but on the occasions that I’ve met him he’s never been anything but nice.

Once I was done with that I caught up with my dad who was in the Nesterenko, McDonald, Pilote line.  I did a little shopping (got some new pins for my lanyard) and wandered around the interactive area.  I chatted with a nice woman who shared various Blackhawks pictures and stories with me including the fact she was staying on the same floor as Pilote and had breakfast with him!  By then it was time to head home.

Just a few observations I made.  There was at least double the amount of photo sessions this year.  I think the sessions are awesome and the fact you get the picture instantly is great.  The wristband system is wonderful.  It’s a pain to wait, but at least you know you’re guaranteed an autograph.  What’s not great is when people in front of hold places for twelve of their friends.  It didn’t directly affect me, but I don’t think it’s right.  If you want the autographs badly enough you should have to wait like everyone else.  I also didn’t like the way the surprise VIP passes were handed out on Sunday.  It was obvious they had extra passes even when they said they didn’t.  It should have been an all or nothing thing.  Finally, I saw people trying to sell their VIP passes.  That’s just not right.  I don’t think it’s wrong to trade passes, but money shouldn’t be exchanged.  It was nice to see someone trying to sell his Hossa pass get it taken away from him.  It just takes a few bad apples to spoil things for everyone else.  Overall it was a WONDERFUL experience.  The Blackhawks organization puts on an amazing weekend for us fans.   And yay I ended up with eight signatures on the birthday card (double what I accomplished last year).  I’m already planning next year’s strategy and now more than ever I’m ready for hockey season!