Last night, the Stanley Cup Finals got under way and it was not much of a defensive showcase at all.  The score was tied at 5-5 after two periods.  What would happen in the third?  Finally some defense showed up for the Blackhawks.  They held the Flyer scoreless and went ahead when Tomas Kopecky scored with 11:35 remaining in the third period.

I can't see the game tomorrow being played this way.  Hopefully it was opening game jitters and things will settle in game two.

Some awesome Finals wallpapers are available at the official Blackhawks website.

It's official, the Blackhawks will be playing the Philadelphia Flyers in the Stanley Cup Finals starting Saturday at 7pm.  The rest of the finals shakes out like this. 

Game 1: Sat., 7 p.m., at Blackhawks, NBC
Game 2: Mon., 7 p.m., at Blackhawks, NBC
Game 3: Wed., 7 p.m., at Philadelphia, Versus    
Game 4: Fri.,  7 p.m. at Philadelphia, Versus
*Game 5: Sun., 7 p.m., at Blackhawks, NBC
*Game 6: Wed., 7 p.m. at Philadelphia, NBC
*Game 7: Fri., 7 p.m., at Blackhawks, NBC

*-if necessary

The Blackhawks completed their sweep of the San Jose Sharks today and return to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time since 1992.  That series was a great disappointment as they were swept by the Pittsburgh Penguins.  I expect different results this time.

I've seen a few versions of the Blackhawks logo with his playoff beard and felt that was proper.  I know I will go into withdrawal until the games begin.  I was already missing the games after today's ended.

Go Blackhawks.  End the drought that has lasted since 1961.  Bring Lord Stanley's cup to Chicago to reward the fans who have returned to show you support like this city hasn't seen in years.

The Blackhawks continued their quest for Lord Stanley's Cup by taking game one of the NHL Western Conference finals from teh San Jose Sharks 2-1.  Both teams played very well with the Sharks holding the edge in shots on goal.  But Dustin Byfuglien came through with about six minutes left in the game to score teh go ahead goal in front of the stunned faithful at the Shark Tank.

Game Two is Tuesday night at 9pm Central.  Playoff hockey is great.  Go Hawks.

After a very cold outing to the local minor league baseball game, we returned home to watch the Blackhawks v. Canucks game four.  Once again, the team in the Blackhawks uniforms was not the team I watched for the first series and on and a half games of this series.

Lethargic and tentative in game one and halfway through game 2, this team is aggressive, plays smart and is patient in setting up shots for goals.  This is a team that can go far in the playoffs.  I enjoy watching this team much more.  I have confidence in this team.

In game three Dustin Byfuglien's agressive play led to a hat trick and star of the game status.  In this game, the Captain, Jonathan Toews was not to be outdone.  Not only did he score a hat trick but he picked up two more points with assists to tie a team playoff record.

At the ballpark, the number of people with Blackhawks gear on was very pleasing.  This team has seen an amazing renaissance in this area.  A few short years ago, they were lucky to have a couple thousand people show up at the games.  Now they sellout and, at least last night, people quickly stop what they're doing to get home and watch them play on TV.  And since Rocky Wirtz has taken over the team, they can happily do that with home games, too.

The Hawks are now up three games to one.  They return home for a Mother's Day tilt at the UC.  I know one Mother, and a Mutha, who would find a series wrap up to be a great present.

Several websites have posted this story with photos of a possible design for Legendary's 2012 Godzilla from many media outlets. I personally don't think the real thing would come out without a lot of fanfare on the part of Legendary.   They have made it very clear that they will not be repeating the mistakes made by Tri-Star in 1998 and intend on remaining faithful to the iconic character that has been popular around the world for over half a century.

I think when they do unveil their Godzilla design, it will be accompanied by footage, press releases and at least one still.

That said, this does look cool.

The Blackhawks came out in game two just as flat as they were in game one.  After falling in the hole 2-0, they scored a goal of their own and seemed to come alive.

After that, they played a much more aggressive game and went on to score the go ahead goal in the closing minutes plus an empty netter.  Now at the start of game three in Vancouver, they are playing active and look very much like a different team.

Up 1-0 at the five minute mark of the first period, this Blackhawks team looks much more engaged and may just get back up on top.

Game One of the NHL Western Conference semi-finals between the Blackhawks and Canucks is in the books.  It was a fairly close game until 19:50 into the first period.  The Canucks score their second goal and came out smoking in the second.  When it was all over, the Blackhawks surrendered home ice and were on the losing end of a 5-1 game.

They played like a team that was distracted and really didn't care.  The Canucks were aggressive and set up shots on goal with a solid passing game.  The Blackhawks couldn't pass if their lives depended on it.  The blasted the puck at the goal, most often finding it deflected by the Canucks defense.

It was so bad, I turned the channel at the 5-0 point to watch The Birds on Svengoolie.  If the Blackhawks continue to play this poorly, the only cup they will be the cup on every hole at their local golf course.  They have not been the same team since the Olympic break.  They better shake out of it because these games won't get any easier.

I have been listening to the solo debut of Sigur Ros lead singer Jonsi entitled Go. Sigor Ros is an Icelandic band that writes very melodic, epic songs.  Their lead singer, Jonsi, has a tenor voice that he uses to very interesting and at times beautiful effect.

Singing in both English and Icelandic, the album is a treat for the ears.  The songs Boy Lilikoy and Go Do stand out as the album's strongest cuts.

We're all watching Blackhawks playoff hockey right now.  This is a very hard fought game.  The Nashville Predators are playing a very good game. 

The Blackhawks had a 10 minute edge in power play time in the second period but failed to capitalize.

They are currently at the 2nd intermission.  The Blackhawks will have to play with greater intensity in the 3rd period or they may not be able to stop the Predators.