Domination, finally: Sunday's Undisputed Big Boy

Today's was the game Hawks fans have been waiting for. More correctly, the third period was the game that we've been longing for, as The Hawks finally finished a game with authority.

While there were more than a few Hawks who had an excellent outing today, no one was as dialed-in as Duncan Keith, who led the charge with a goal and three helpies in today's 5 - 1 series-ending victory.

                                                        Catch me if you can.

Three Down, Thirteen to Go: Big Boy

Yet another overtime game, but a possibly risky but ultimately successful stretch pass from Keith to Toews yielded the winner.  I'm happy for the win, obviously, but just sorta kinda wish they don't get all stretch-happy like they sometimes do.

                                                              Get in there!

Picture it, Thunder Bay, Tuesday.

Mum: We want to take you out on Friday.  Where would you like to go?
Me: Burger King.
Mum: Ha ha, seriously.  Anyplace you like, except Burger King.
Me: Ummm, The Prospector.
Mum: Really?
Me: Yup.  Prospector.
Mum: The last time we went there it wasn't really very good.  My meat was tough.  Where else would you like to go?
Me: Well, you asked already and I said The Prospector.
Mum: You don't really want to go there.  How about The Keg?
Me: *sigh*  Okay, I have chosen The Keg.

Fourteen to Go? Wednesday's Big Boy

How close do you like it?

With the series now tied at two wins apiece, and only one goal-for separating The Hawks and The Blues (12-11 in Chicago's favour), we can only hope that IF The Hawks make it out of this meatgrinder of an opening round they'll have some gas left in the tank for the next round.  Anyway, last night's overtime hero, of course, dons the Champ's belt; Patrick Kane.

                                                      Insert chirpy remark here.

Playoff Big Boy: Ideally #1 in a Series of 16

It took three tries but we've got a win and a little life in this series.

With 34 saves and his third career playoff shutout, tonight's Champ is the man they call Crow.

                                                           F*ck yeah, Chicago.

Houseguest

Liberty has arrived and was our guest for 'doggie day-care'.

Meanwhile, Needle sticks to his routine.

It's Funny 'cos it's True

                                (Reposted from Pete Bartlett's Shipping News Blog.)

Minutes to Midnight: Wednesday's Big Boy

Well, they kinda left it to the last moment but The Hawks winkled out another two points against Montréal tonight.

There were a few Hawks who could have worn The Belt tonight but, on merit of a sweet pass on the game-tying goal and then the overtime winner, the nod goes to the Sharp Dressed Man.

                    One goal, one helpie and a decent landing on the double-axel.

Furthermore...

Saad was a healthy scratch while Versteeg played 19 minutes.  Has the world gone mad? 

Also, Handzus played 14 minutes?  Can this be proven? I didn't notice him at all today.  (That's a good thing if you're a depth defenceman...not so much if you're playing center.)

Big Boy: Sunday Matinee Edition

Okay, so The Hawks can no longer catch The Blues in the standings before season's end, but any day that your so-called bottom six absolutely schools the "best" team in the conference it's A Very Good Day.

A gritty goal and a sweeeet helpie earned Jeremy Morin his first Champ's Belt.  He played over 13 minutes in the last two games on "The Line of Misfit Toys" with Regin and Bickell and, maybe, just maybe, has earned some trust from the coaching staff.

                     I don't care how weird he looks as long as he keeps on keepin' on.


BONUS LUNKHEAD RECOGNITION!!1!

Maybe I'm giddy from the win, or pleased to have another two points in the bag (and it's not even suppertime) or, more likely, I'm just fed up with these two neanderthals feeling the need to have a pointless fistfight EVERY TIME they occupy the same zip code. Guys, nothing either of you do matters in any way so, please, give it a rest.

                          This photo was taken in the parking lot at McDonald's on Western.

Friday's Big Boy

Is it just me or has this guy been The Big Boy about a hundred times?

Okay, probably just me, but after scoring the game-winning goal with 3.7 sec. remaining, it HAS to be Ben Smith.

                                   
                                      Keep your stick low, good things will happen.

A Rare Big Boy Post

It delights me to no end to scratch out this post, tonight.

With a big goal tonight in his first game back after missing six straight games, Bryan Bickell gets the Champ's Belt.

                                      Getting back into a playoff kinda mood, Bick?

Twitter Feed

For those of you so inclined you may now follow Needle on Twitter.

Needle@WhatYouNeedle over on Twitter.

                            This message has been approved by Needle and Bear.

A Couple More Photos from CBQ Interview

                                                      Waiting in the Green Room

        In the studio.  I don't know what Lisa said at that moment but Needle took notice.

Ok, it is now OFFICIALLY Greyhound Adoption Month

Regardless of the date, no joke, no foolin'.

Look here for available 'hounds:
Northern Lights Greyhound Adoption

Meet some retired racers this weekend:
Greyhound Meet & Greet at Funky Fido