Getting Some of Those Old Chicago Teams on TV

Yesterday, I posted that with the dearth of sporting events these days, that it would be nice if some of the stations would dig into their archives and start showing some videos of the past.  I had written this one early this month, but not gotten around to posting it.

But in the last week, I have found some sites that are playing those old shows.

This past Saturday (or was it Sunday, these days seem to blend into one another), NBC ran the 2015 Chicago Blackhawk game which clinched the 2015 Stanley Cup for us and started our "Dynasty" which lasted until the end of the next season.

Then, our NBC Sports Chicago (old Comcast Sports) has been showing 2005 White Sox regular season games (they won the World Series) and 1998 Chicago Bulls NBA Championship games.  Plus,ESPN has that "The Last Dance" series about the 1997-1998 season when the Bulls won their sixth NBA Championship in eight years.

So, actually, I am getting some (but could sure use more) Chicago greatest hits videos.

Though, I'm Still Not Satisfied.  --RoadSports

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH THE "V":   Breaking News:  Charmin Bears pass Jeff Bezos as wealthiest beings on earth.

A 2019 Route 66 Trip to Lebanon, Missouri-- Part 1: To Springfield, Illinois

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12

Drove the usual way on Illinois Highway 47 to Dwight.  Then drove Route 66 to Chenoa and then to I-55 for the rest of the day to Springfield, Illinois.  First time ever that we were unable to  get a room at the Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center which was booked for a horse show and golf tournament in town.  Also, no room at the nearby Comfort Inn.

We went south to Toronto Road and got the last room at the Motel 6 and then back for our Cozy Dog fix.  Watched the first part of the Stanley Cup Game 7 contest between the St, Louis Blues and Boston Bruins.  Springfield is 100 miles from St. Louis and about half and half St. Louis and Chicago fans.  We saw the rest of the game at Motorheads on Route 66 on Toronto Road.  The place was packed with Blues fans.

We pulled for the Blues (even though we are Blackhawk fans) because they Midwest and no one wants to see another Boston/New England team win anything.

--RoadDog

Kickin' Off Our Summer 2017-- Part 5: Summer 1977, Steak 'N Shake, Sunnyside, Margaritaville

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

How about kickin' off our Summer 2017 with a trip back to Summer 1977, 40 years ago.

Bob Stroud did his annual Rock and Roll Roots trip back to summer 40 years ago on WDRV 97.1 FM.  That was a fun three hours.  He'll also being doing three more parts to it in July, August and September.

We went to Steak 'N Shake to eat lunch and then to Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg where we had fun talking with friends and watching the Cubs win.  We had also planned to go back to Captain's Quarters for the afternoon band, but didn't make it.

Came home and enjoyed Margaritaville, the bar in our basement and the Ultimate Jukebox as well as the Penguins winning the Stanley Cup by beating the Predators.

--RoadDog

The End of the "Blackhawk Dynasty"?

I remember back in 2015, when the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, their third time since 2010.  Everyone was going around with the word "Dynasty" on their lips.  After they were swept by the Nashville Predators last night, I have to wonder about it.

The Hawks logo, is "One Goal" with a Stanley Cup on it.  For most of these sad four games, I would have been more than happy to settle for just one goal.  Three goals in four games for a #1 seed, just isn't very impressive.

Hopefully the coach will learn the importance of going into the playoffs hot, something the Hawks were not, losing their last four games and going 2-6 in the last eight.  No resting players when you're losing.  Now, they will have five-six months to rest.

Well, one good thing to come of it, I now have a real lot of time freed up.  Those playoff games seem like they go on forever and ever.  I am a Blackhawk fan, but not really a big hockey fan for anyone else.  If a hockey game happens to be on in a bar I'm in, I'll watch it, but otherwise not.

Plus, there is the amount of money I spend for souvenirs when the Hawks win the Cup.

A Big Savings For Me.  --RoadDog

Why You Want to Go Into the Playoffs HOT

People are stunned around the Chicagoland area after the Blackhawks were shut out the first two games of the playoffs against the Nashville Predators.  Even before the series, I was worried about the horrible way the Hawks ended their regular season.  They lost the last four games and were 2-6 in the last eight.

This is no way to go into playoffs.

Other Hawks fans told of how the ones they lost were often just by one score and that players were being rested.

But, sports are a thing of streaks and mental prowess.  When you're winning, that plays on a continued win streak.

We watched the first game and the first two periods of the second one.  We left the bar after the end of the second period and didn't watch any more at home.  Glad we didn't as Nashville scored two more goals.

Maybe Coach Q Will Learn Something From This.  Hopefully.  --RoadSad

DeKalb and Woodstock This Weekend-- Part 3: Pizza, Beer and a Hawks Win!

Continued from Tuesday, February 7.

February 4, Saturday

After the basketball victories, we drove downtown to Lord Stanley's, right on the Lincoln Highway.  This place gets its name for the Stanley Cup (which was given by Lord Stanley of Canada).  And, this is a big hockey place, especially when the Chicago Blackhawks are playing.  And, they were playing tonight.  We've always wanted to see a 'Hawks game there, so this was a chance.

The jukebox was turned off and all TVs were on the game and lots of cheering.

Also, they have a famous food and drink special: two pitchers of beer and a 16-inch, one topping pizza for $19.  We were always too full from football homecomings when we got there, but their pizza sure looked and smelled good.  It was.

We watched two periods and then drove back to the motel and walked across Lincoln Highway to Pizza Pros and watched the end of the Blackhawks victory.

A Really Fun Day.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  The taster's Choice couple wants to adopt you.

A Munger-Moss Motel Trip-- Part 7: Rich Henry and Springfield

APRIL 25TH, MONDAY

Drove past that ever-impressive Chain of Rocks Bridge on I-270 and on to I-55, getting off at Staunton and actually finding Rich Henry's Rabbit Ranch with no trouble.  Rich's was the first regular Route 66 stop we made on our first trip on the road and a big reason we ended up caught in the 66 fever.  Thanks a lot Rich.

Then Route 66 to Litchfield and I-55 to Springfield.  Checked into the Route 66 Hotel and then drove to a new place, Costelloe's.  This is owned by the the former members of Coz's, a famous Springfield restaurant.  Then to Curve Inn and to the Filling Station at the Route 6 Hotel where we watched the St. Louis Blues-Chicago Blackhawks playoff game.  It was game 7, winner goes on to the next round, loser goes home.

Sadly, we went home.

--RoadDog

About Last Weekend-- Part 1: A Blackhawk Celebration, It's Thursday and a Fish Fry

THURSDAY, JUNE 18TH:  Went to McHenry looking at the store nurseries and for Blackhawk Stanley Cup stuff.  I only bought Hawk merchandise at Wal-Mart: pint and shot glass and tee shirt for Liz.  Had breakfast at Steak 'N Shale.  Came home and watched the Blackhawks parade and rally at Soldier Field.  The three jets that passed over while Jim Corneliuson was sing the Star-Spangled Banner passed over our house on their way to Chicago.

Worked in the yard some and then went to Antioch and had pizza at The Lodge and watched Alex and the All-Stars at the bandshell for the weekly It's Thursday party.  Stopped at the Lake Marie Lodge on the way home.

FRIDAY, JUNE 20TH:  Bob Stroud played his annual Ten at Ten Summer Songs show what with summer officially starting Sunday.  I did yardwork, then we met Frank, Liane and Taylor at Popeye's in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for their fantastic fish fry.  Great view of Geneva Lake from the windows.

Stopped at Wal-Mart in Lake Geneva, but no Hawks stuff.  Those Cheeseheads.  Then went to Donovan's Reef and the Legion.

Looking for the Blackhawk Stuff.  --RoadDog

Blackhawk Difference Makers: 2010, 2013 and 2015-- Part 1

From the June 18, 2015, Chicago Tribune.

Comparing the hockey and not-so-hockey of the 2010, 2013 and 2015 Blackhawks championships.

First 2010, second 2013 and third 2015.

TO WHOM JONATHAN TOEWS HANDED THE CUP:  Marian Hossa  //  Michal Handus  //  Kimmo Timonen

MYSTERY:  What's that fuzzy growth on Patrick Kane's chin?  //  What could possibly go wrong for the Bruins in 17 seconds?  //  Is Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop hurt or what?

WINNING GOALIE:  Antti Niemi  //  Corey Crawford  //  Corey Crawford

CUP OPPONENT:  Philadelphia Flyers  //  Boston bruins  //  Tampa Bay Lightning

VILLAIN:  Chris Pronger  // Milan Lucic //  Thunderstorms

Not Finished Yet.  --RoadDog

Slim Pickings Yesterday As Far As Blackhawk Stanley Cup Souvenirs

I went to Wal-Mart, Meijer's and Dick's yesterday in McHenry, Illinois, in search of Blackhawk gear to celebrate this third Cup in six years.  I even stopped for breakfast at Steak 'N Shake and made it back home in time to see the parade and rally on TV.

I came back with very little.  Just a shot glass, pint glass and a tee shirt for Liz and all that swag at Wal-Mart.  I'm sure in the next week I will have more opportunity to spend money.

Sure glad I didn't go downtown to Chicago for the rally and parade.  I am not a big fan of huge crowds.

After the concert by Alex and the All-Stars at Antioch's It's Thursday Concert Series, we stopped at the Antioch Wal-Mart, but came up with no Hawk gear again.

I Know I'll Have a Chance to Spend My Money, Though.  --RoadDog


THE WISDOM OF WILL ROGERS:  Don't squat with your spurs on.

And Here's Where the Blackhawks Winning the Stanley Cup Starts Costing Me

In an hour, I'll be heading over to McHenry for breakfast at Steak 'N Shake and then I go to Meijer's, Wal-Mart and Dick's in pursuit of Blackhawk Stanley Cup attire.  This is where I really start paying for their win.

I need tee shirts and hats.  Not that I really need them as I have a huge number of tee shirts and hats already, but, still I need something with 2015 Stanley Cup Champions on them. Plus, there is the necessary car flag, puck, shot glass and car tag.

I'm even thinking of getting a framed team picture to add to my Wall of Fame in the basement to go along with the '85 Bears, '96 Packers and 2005 White Sox.  I actually am guilty of jumping on the bandwagon back in 2010 when the Hawks started this remarkable run of three Stanley Cups in six years.

Great victory, but if they'd lost I could have saved money.  Oh well, it sure was fun watching the Hawks all these weeks.

A friend of mine went over to Dick's in McHenry right after the Hawks clinched the Cup this past Monday night and had to wait in a real long line.  The pl;ace was packed at 10:30 p.m..

I was thinking about going to Chicago this morning for the Blackhawk Championship parade, but it sounds like the planning is going to cause a real mess, so will just watch it on TV when I get back.

--RoadDog

Good Times Around Here Last Weekend

JUNE 12, FRIDAY---  Great eating and music at the Spring Grove Annual Friday Fish Boil to raise money for the Spring Grove Fish hatchery Park.  AUCE fish, chicken & ribs.  Great two-piece band.  Then we went to the American Legion in Fox Lake for karaoke.

JUNE 13, SATURDAY---  Breakfast sandwiches at McDonald's, yardwork and then drove to Round Lake Park and saw Terry Spizziri sing at AJ's Horsin' Around and then the Blackhawk victory at Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg.  Everyone's getting excited about the possibility of clinching the Stanley Cup at home on Monday.  Lots and lots of "Chelsea Dagger" on the jukebox.

JUNE 14, SUNDAY---  Listened to Rock and Roll Roots and recorded Breakfast With the Beatles.  Used my last coupon for McDonald's new 1/3 pound steakburger.  Every bit as good as they said.  Moved furniture out to gazebo and the deck and enjoyed them.

In the afternoon, we went to Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake and saw the excellent R-Gang band doing all that soul and R&B.  Then sat out b the tiki bar at Nauti-Knots on Bluff Lake

All Sorts of Entertainment This Weekend.  Go Hawks!!  --RoadDog

BAD QUOTES FROM FAMOUS PEOPLE:  "So we went to Atari and said, 'Hey, we've got this amazing thing, even built with some of your parts, and what do you think about funding us?  Or, we'll give it to you.  We just want to do it.  Pay our salary, we'll come work for you.'  And they said, 'No.'  So then we went to Hewlett-Packard, and they said, 'Hey, we don't need you.  You haven't got through college yet.'"  Apple Computer founder Steve Jobs.  Hey, we've got this little band from Liverpool.

OK, I Wasn't Saying Much About It, But...HAWKS WIN! HAWKS WIN!!

Even though I didn't say much about it, I sure was watching and cheering as I do for all of MY teams.  I don't usually mention the games as it is the kiss of death if I do.  I write, they lose.

But, now that the Blackhawks clinched their third Stanley Cup in six years, I feel safe to say something.

Not that Liz and I are superstitious or anything like that.  But, there is no need to tempt fate by doing something different that might result in a loss.

This is why I wore my "Fear the Feathers" tee shirt under my Bobby Hull Blackhawk jersey the whole Stanley Cup playoff with the Tampa Bay Lightning.  This is why I have worn my black Blackhawk hat with the American Legion poppy attached to it ever since the Hawks had to win that fifth game against the Detroit Redwings back in May of 2013.  They overcame a 1-3 deficit in games to win 4-3.

This is why Liz wears certain clothing and has her "Pucky" stuffed bear and "Tommy Hawk" Tyco always-stands-up ball figure as well as air horn bottle opener and "Chelsea Dagger" on her cell phone.

This is why we get after folks playing "Chelsea Dagger" during the game, not until the winning air horn goes off.

Those Lightning players were every bit as good as out guys and I'm sure they'll be back.  Hopefully, their ownership and city will be a little more friendly to Blackhawks fans next time.

Let's Do that "Chelsea Dagger" Chant!!  --RoadDog


SOME CRAZY SAYINGS (Last One):  Marathon runners with bad footwear suffer the agony of defeat.

Folks Riled Up About Tampa Bay's Lightning Anti-Blackhawk Fan Move

There is a lot of talk around the Chicago area about what a group of wimps the Tampa Bay Lightning ownership are because of their efforts to keep Blackhawk fans from taking over their stadium.  Evidently, they fear their fan base just isn't up to task for a series like the Stanley Cup Championship.

Things like not allowing anyone to order tickets on charge cards if they don'y have a Florida mailing address and no non Lightning apparel in certain areas of their stadium.

I like Chicago mayor's comments welcoming Lightning fans to Chicago for games three and four,  Their money is good here and they'll enjoy the city's vibe and restaurants.

The last team to do this was the Nashville Predators.

Actually, they do have something to worry about as Blackhawk fans have been known to "take over" other teams' stadiums.  My friends Sue and Paul were at a Hawks game in Phoenix against the Coyotes and they said that between 50-60% of the fans in attendance were wearing Blackhawk gear.

Oh well, no Lightning fans are allowed at Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg, where we will be watching tonight.

Hear That!!  --RoadDog

Hawks Out, Hockey Over Now

I don't often mention my sports teams and their games for fear of putting a losing whammy on them,but that doesn't mean I'm not watching them.  And, this last month and a half, we've been watching all but one of the Black Hawk (Blackhawk) post season games, but that came to an end last night.

It was a fun season and a great run in the playoffs, but the Hawks came up one game short of playing for a second consecutive Stanley Cup.  We watched most of the games at Tommy's here in Spring Grove, Illinois, and a few games at Twisted Moose in McHenry.  Both places are major Hawk Zones with lost of jerseys, shirts, hats and plenty of cheering.  Makes for a real fun experience.

But now that the Hawks are out, I won't be watching any more hockey.  I'm not a fan of either team playing in the Stanley Cup series.

But, a bigger reason is that I am really angry with NBC for their sorry excuse for televising all the games.  They put almost every Hawk game on NBC Sports channel, something we don't get in our basic cable package and most people don't get.  Hey, NBC, if a city's team is in the playoffs, you need to make the games available for all and that means putting the games on over-the-air stations like WGN and WCIU in Chicago!!!

I was especially mad (well, livid) last night when I saw NBC was going to telecast the first game of the Stanley Cup series on NBC Sports again.  But, at least now, that is a mute point for me.  I wouldn't watch it even if it was on the regular NBC.

Plus, judging the sorry state of most NBC programming these days, what would have been so bad about pre-empting those shows with hockey games?

I'm even considering a NBC boycott come fall season.  I know one person's protest is nothing, but, at least I will feel better.  That means no more Chicago Fire, SVU, Chicago P.D., Parks and Recreation or Grimm.

NBC Can Take a Long Walk On a Short....    --RoadDog

Recent Stanley Cup Sightings: The People's Cup

As I mentioned before, the Stanley Cup is a touring championship trophy. Regular folks get to see and touch it, not just the millionaires and upper crust.

Liz received a photo from her long time friend, Michael (who plays in the band New Odyssey) and he was sitting and smiling broadly next to the Stanley Cup. He said it was on his Bucket List.

At some point this month (probably during the Illinois State Fair), it will be on display at the Executive Mansion (Governor's home) in Springfield. On July 29th, the Stanley Cup was carried to the Jimmy Buffett concert on Northerly Island (by Chicago's Lakefront) by Patrick Kane.

It was also in St. Peter's, Missouri, at a children's hospital, carried there by St. Charles native and Blackhawk player Brandon Bolling.

Sure Gets Around. --RoadDog

Blackhawks Parade and Rally-- Part 10: It's a Kissing Thing

Without a doubt, the Stanley Cup has to be the ugliest championship trophy in all the professinal leagues. Usually the bowl part of the trophy is the largest, but not on this one, which makes it stand out all the more. 

And, another player tradition is to hoist it into the the air, lower it to the face and kiss it. Can you imagine the germs?

But, then again, while I was at the Indy 500 at the end of May, I noticed many folks getting down on their knees to kiss the bricks that extend into the infield area from the track which marks the beginning and finish line of the race.  I understand racers kiss it as well.

I did wonder what was on the bottom of the Stanley Cup trophy and saw that there is a piece of plastic down there, indented in enough so that there is a place to put the finger grasp for the hoisters. I imagine I'd kiss it if I got the chance, undeserving as I am.

--RoadDog

Blackhawks Parade and Rally-- Part 9: Up On the Stage

I saw the players signing each others' jerseys on the numbers. For sure a nice keepsake of a special time. Kane said, "That's hockey, baby!" as he gave the belt to goalie Corey Crawford as best player in the playoffs.

Crawford definitely had quite the playoffs. Then, Cory got up and got away with several "F" bombs on live TV. Then Toews went to the podium with the Stanley Cup which has to be the most-handled sports trophy in the world.

I'd like to know how many Hawks fans have handled and touched it since it was won on June 24th and this is just four days later. One definite thing players have to do is hold it up, lower it to their lips and kiss it.

Tradition, Baby!! --RoadDog

Blackhawk Parade and Rally-- Part 8: A Rare Chicago Championship

Now, all festivities are on the stage with a regular sea of red out in front of it. I like the red jerseys best by far. The mayor got up and off before anyone had a chance to boo, but Quinn's, the govs., greeting more than made up for it. Of course, all this for a practically forgotten team as late as six years ago.

Of course, we also know that due to salary cap, a whole lot of the members of the 2010 team were playing elsewhere for the next season. Stan Bowman had the job of rebuilding that team.

When he spoke he said today was his birthday and that it "was the best birthday ever." At which point, the crowd started singing "Happy Birthday."

When it was Coach Quennville's time to speak, the chant was "Q." Letty Sherry said she had waited 49 years for 2010 and now three years for this one and wants them to do it again.

Good Day to be a Hawks Fan. --RoadDog

Blackhawks Parade and Rally-- Part 7

It was kind of strange to see "Star-Spangles Banner" singer Jim Cornelison without his usual tux belting out the song.  And then there was the United Center yelling and cheering during the song by a million plus people.

They had a montage of the 16 games the Hawks won in the playoffs in order to get the Stanley Cup.  Neither Liz or I could remember who the Hawks played first those six weeks ago.  Turns out it was the Minnesota Wild.  Then, that real hard series against Detroit when, at one point the Hawks were down three games to one, but won those last ones.  Then, it was last year's winners, the LA Kings and then the previous Cup winners, the Bruins.

Team owner Rocky Wirtz got up and said he had to give his speech in one minute and 17 seconds, a real magic number around here as in the last game, with the Hawks down 2-1 with just that amount of time remaining, the Hawks scored twice in 17 seconds then held on to win it all.

There was no sitting whatsoever in Grant Park for the whole thing.  Glad I wasn't there as my feet would be hurting, especially after the walk from Union Station there.

Governor Pat Quinn was roundly booed when he said a few words.  Mayor Emmanuel was up and down so fast there wasn't much chance for him to get booed.

Not Through Yet.  --RoadDog


POLICE COMMENTS TO PERPS:  Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second?  Because that's the speed of the bullet chasing you.