2011-12 Hockey Road Trip: Game Three - Chicago vs. Detroit

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings
United Centre; Chicago, Illinois

6.30pm; January 8 2012

Detroit defeated Chicago 3-2 (OT)

Well, at least the Blackhawks managed to score a goal tonight. They scored two early in the first period - Dave Bolland after some solid work from Marian Hossa, and then Patrick Sharp on a ripper of a shot - and it looked like THE CURSE was over, but it continued. No one knows how to break her curse. It's at about 5 games now, and Blackhawks fans the world over should be getting worried if she goes anywhere near the United Centre during playoffs. At least we got to hear the excellent Jim Cornelison singing Star Spangled Banner, always an epic moment, and The Fratellis singing Chelsea Dagger - the 'Hawks goal song - twice.

The Blackhawks have a curse of their own, having lost their last four. I'm glad it started before I came to town. It's a shame to see such a talented team in a rut, and I'm disappointed that I didn't get to see Kaner score a goal. He had his chances today. The entire team did. They lost on an unfortunate tally - a friend called it "lame" - after having a goal disallowed, and the ensuing penalty show stopped by Detroit's Ty Conklin. Still trying to work out why the goal was disallowed. The puck crossed the line, did it not? It changed the momentum of the game. Detroit scored soon after, and it was the old third period collapse. Seen that movie before. Usually, it happens to my Rangers!

Anyway, despite two losses - the Blackhawks scored two goals, and the combined efforts of the Avalanche on Friday and Red Wings on Sunday netted 6 in regulation and 1 in OT - it was fun watching hockey in Chicago again. It's a great city, with some great fans, and they pack into the United Centre regardless. The weather has been wonderful here, too. None of the frigid cold like Lake Placid, NY over New Year's, and none of the bitter bleakness that so characterise Midwestern winters.

Going to watch a high school basketball game here tomorrow to wrap up my Illinois sports experience for this year before watching the BCS National Championship Game at Buffalo Wild Wings. Then it's off to Boston on Wednesday. And when I next write in this blog, it'll be after Boston vs. Montreal at TD Garden. Talk about Rivalry Week, Detroit vs. Chicago tonight, the Habs and the B's on Thursday. Livin' the dream!