Easter & Baking

Hey friends,

So everyone has been posting about Easter and all the fun they had...I had fun too so I wanted to share some of what I did for a couple hours on Friday! Isn't that exciting?

Recently I have been going a lot of crafts...so I decided to switch it up and bake some cupcakes!

Since it was Easter I decided to start off with a relatively easy creation called Easter's bunnies...these are male and female bunny rabbits (aren't they cute?) who are coated with tasty icing and finished off with a healthy portion of coconut...delicious too!



After creating a bakers dozen of these cute cupcakes I decided to make some more that were even cuter! Since buying Julie Super Mario Brothers for the Wii I have been dying to make these little guys...how adorable



Those 2 were easier than I thought so I took it up a notch...I love sports and I used to play pool each Easter Friday with my brother when I was little. Sometimes it's so fun to take a little trip down memory lane and this creation definitely did the trick.



And now for the most exciting part of Easter! DINNER TIME!! Is everyone ready for some drumsticks, vegetables, mashed potatoes & gravy served with dessert? I am hungry, how about you? I know that these dinner themed cupcakes look difficult to make but just stick with it and you can have the same result I did!



Wow, I am tired from all of that Friday morning baking...the cupcakes turned out well and I had such a blast doing this! If you guys want the recipes to these delicious and super cute cakes then let me know and I can get them to you no problem.

Enjoy yourselves and be safe...
Spence

Craft Time!

Hey guys,

Well I was getting jealous of everyone else and what they were doing on their blogs so I just thought I would share a little bit of what I've been doing the past couple hours...

First up is a beautiful candle that I did by hand. I bought a lump of wax and literally carved out the shape with a knife. I also printed a nice little message about what friendship means! I hope you enjoy.

Next up is a blanket that I have been crocheting this evening and I just finished. This is it. I really like the colors. I have always loved blue and light light lavender together.

Tell me what you think guys...I'll keep the crafts coming if I get some good feedback on them!

Love you guys. Spence.

Things I have been noticing...

Things I have been noticing…

What has happened to elevator etiquette? To many times I come out of the elevator and someone walks right in…same goes with the LRT. Yes I take the LRT but I always wear gloves so I don’t have to touch anything.

Another thing about the bus/LRT…there are always those people that sprint to the LRT even though it doesn’t leave for another 3-4 minutes. At South Campus there is an electronic sign that tells you when the train departs. More people need to use this feature as to save energy.

In a waiting room…I hate when there is a row of 5 chairs and someone sits on the 2nd from the left or right. Doing so eliminates any chance of seating 3 on the row of chairs. If that person were to sit on one of the end chairs or the very middle then 2 other people could sit comfortably. It’s kind of like the urinal rule in a guys bathroom.

So a couple months ago on the LRT I saw this lady eating this discussing toast/egg breakfast meal on the train. It looked hideous. Anyways, she took a bite, was chewing and then as she was chewing I could see a sneeze coming on. Located directly in front of her was an older blonde woman. They were both seated. So lady #1 sneezes and out comes this terrible bread/egg and little bits go into lady #2’s hair. Terrible. Just terrible. This is why I don’t sit anywhere near people on the LRT. This is also why I never touch any handrails/or buttons on the LRT.

STANLEY CUP FINALS!

Ok guys this is what you all have been waiting for so sit back and relax...take a breather and read...

STANLEY CUP FINALS vs. New Jersey Devils
Regular Season Record vs Devils 2-0
Martin Brodeur starts the series at #4 in Playoff GAA with a 2.14. Huet is right behind him at 2.29. New Jersey has no injuries and has been led my Jamie Langenbrunner so far with 17 points, good for 5th overall in the playoffs.


Game 1

1st period
Seabrook takes a hooking penalty 1 39 into the game. NJ to the PP.
Chicago kills off the PP, but 2 minutes after the kill Keith Tkachuk (acquired at the deadline) feeds Patrik Elias in the slot for the 1st goal of the series at a 1-0 NJ lead. 5 21.
The Chicago checking line gets a hard working goal when Andrew Ladd bangs home a puck from the side of the net past Brodeur...1-1. 6 36.
With 6 minutes left John Madden is robbed by Brodeur.
Dave Bolland gives the ‘Hawks a lead by wiring a slap shot from the slot...Brodeur didn’t even see it...he was screened. 18 16. 2-1 Chicago.
At the end of one period its 2-1 Chicago.
SHOTS: Chicago 10 NJ 8

2nd period
Huet misplays the puck in front of the net and Langenbrunner capitalizes on the turnover and buries one...2-2 game. 1 09
Afinogenov takes a holding penalty at 15 37.
Paul Martin takes advantage and he scores on the PP for a 3-2 NJ lead.
Huet is shaky...NJ scores again...4-2. Tyler Eckford at 16 44.
Another goal for the checking line! 4-3. Troy Brouwer scores at 18 18 to cut the deficit.
2 periods of play complete...4-3 NJ
SHOTS: Chicago 18 NJ 14

3rd period
With 8 minutes left Chicago will go on the PP.
With 1 minute left the Blackhawks pull Huet from the net...John Madden carries it into the Devils zone fires a puck on net, it hits a player in front of the net and bounces in for a 4-4 TIE!!! 19 26.
GOING TO OT!! Chicago has a 2-1 record in playoff OT games. 7-13 during OT/Shootout games during the regular season.
SHOTS: Chicago 31 NJ 19
Brodeur has been unreal so far...

OT
Versteeg has had 2 good chances and Brodeur refuses to allow a goal...what goaltending!
Keith Tkachuk rifles one from the slot and it beats Huet to win game 1....11 20...Brodeur was ridiculous in this game...wow.
5-4 OT win for NJ
SHOTS: Chicago 35 NJ 21
Brian Rolston was hit hard in the 3rd period and left the game with what is now a strained hamstring...he will play though.
Andrew Ladd was hit with a puck in front of the net and has bruised ribs but he will also play.



Game 2 (NJ leads series 1-0)
Same lineups for both teams in this one.

1st period
A Tom Preissing (acquired at the deadline) shot is tipped in front by Rolston for his 3rd of the playoffs...5 26...1-0 NJ
Andrew Ladd hits the post halfway through the period!
Brodeur is playing out of his mind...saves Hossa and Toews point blank. Tkachuk throws an elbow at Toews...Chicago to the PP.
NJ kills the penalty but they get another tripping penalty at 18 49...Chicago to the PP
End of the period...Chicago starts on the PP...1-0 NJ
SHOTS: Chicago 7 NJ 5

2nd period
Chicago can’t beat Brodeur...a lot of shots.
Hossa gets called for tripping at the end of the period...NJ starts the 3rd on the PP
Period ends with a 1-0 NJ lead and Martin Brodeur playing great.
SHOTS: Chicago 13 NJ 10

3rd period
NJ opens the period with a PP goal...2-0 cushion. 0 31.
NJ takes a 3-0 with a point shot from Johnny Oduya...3 unanswered...gonna break the controller! 209
NJ forechecks and Brian Rolston wires one past Huet to make it 4-0 NJ...5 40.
Huet is pulled...Niemi in
New Jersey is doing a great job of forcing me to the outside...they are good defensively
Tomas Kopecky drops the gloves with Andy Greene...Kopecky wins.
Hossa rings one off the bell with 6 minutes left...its been that kind of night for Chicago.
Game over...4-0 New Jersey.
2-0 Series lead NJ...
SHOTS: Chicago 17 New Jersey 18



Game 3 (NJ leads series 2-0)
NJ has had 2 great performances in a row...Chicago was terrible in game 2. We have to get more pucks on net and be more physical.
Huet back in net for the 3rd game.

1st period
5 minutes into the period Hossa hits another post...he has been snake bitten so far.
Barker takes a penalty at 8 17...sending the Devils to the PP.
The penalty is killed off.
A late flurry by Chicago but no goals to show for it...0-0 at the end of 1
SHOTS: Chicago 6 NJ 5
Chicago starts the 2nd period on a PP...NJ took a roughing call

2nd period
Toews feeds Hossa in the slot on the PP and he buries it past Brodeur...1-0 Chicago! 0 57.
With 5 seconds left in the 2nd the Devils get a penalty...Chicago starts the 3rd on the PP.
At the end of 2 periods Chicago leads 1-0
SHOTS: Chicago 14 NJ 9

3rd period
With 7 52 left in the 3rd Paul Martin gets called for tripping...
The Devils lose!!! Chicago wins 1-0...what a defensive minded game..pretty boring actually. Nonetheless the series is 2-1.
SHOTS: Chicago 25 New Jersey 15
Interesting stat...In the playoffs, Chicago is 6-6 on home ice and 7-1 on the road...



Game 4 (NJ leads series 2-1)
No lineup changes for either team as this series rolls along.

1st period
To start the game there is a fight...Patrick Sharp and Paul Martin with Sharp winning the fight...3 32...Sharp gets an instigating penalty and NJ goes on the PP.
Chicago kills the penalty off and NJ takes a minor...Chicago to the PP...7 09
Hossa sends a beautiful pass to Toews and he slides it past Brodeur for a 1-0 lead...PP goal. 7 49
Duncan Keith turns the puck over and Elias buries it at 11 05 to tie the game at 1
Keith takes a penalty at 13 39...what a crock...terrible call.
Parise falls into Huet and Rolston jams it in the net...brutal goal...2-1 New Jersey.
With 10 seconds left Patrick Sharp rifles one off the post...Chicago can’t get any breaks...
Hossa takes a holding penalty with 3 seconds left in the period...NJ to the PP
2-1 New Jersey leads.
SHOTS: Chicago 7 New Jersey 14

2nd period
Chicago kills the penalty off...at 5 46 NJ takes a slashing call. Chicago to the PP.
NJ kills that penalty off and another one...
Elias does a spinning wrist shot (such garbage) and scores...3-1 New Jersey...this is so dumb! 16 11...2 garbage goals...
Brodeur is crazy good...i should have had a couple goals but i just cant score.
2nd period comes to an end...3-1 New Jersey...
SHOTS: Chicago 15 New Jersey 19

3rd period
To start the 3rd Toews wins a faceoff and gives to Hossa who snipes a shot over Brodeurs blocker...3-2 New Jersey...0 22 seconds in.
13 minutes remaining in the 3rd Madden sends one off the post...still 3-2
A bad goal!!! John Madden shoots one...Brodeur saves it but Mottau puts it in his own net! 3-3 TIE...9 37
Toews scores!!! Chicago does a good job of keeping the puck deep in New Jersey zone and Toews gets free and picks the corner...13 10...4-3 Chicago
SCORE!!!! Duncan Keith fires one from the point and New Jersey D man Martin knocks it into the net. 5-3 Chicago!! 4 unanswered goals...15 20.
New Jersey pulls Brodeur and Patrick Sharp puts one home...6-3 lead...19 50.
Great win for Chicago...5 unanswered goals in the 3rd period to even the series at 2 a piece...
SHOTS: Chicago 29 New Jersey 26
Series tied 2-2


Game 5 (Series tied 2-2)
After the game 4 win in New Jersey, Chicago is now 8-1 on the road in the playoffs.

1st period
At 2 45 Mottau takes a tripping penalty...Chicago to the PP
8 minutes left in period Toews snapped one off the pipe...how many of those have I had this series?
Good chances for Chicago...no score though.
SHOTS: Chicago 7 NJ 4

2nd period
Chicago scores on the PP...Toews loses the draw in the NJ zone but Greene misplays the puck by the net, Brodeur tries to cover up but Toews pokes it out from under Brodeur and it goes in for a PP goal...1-0 Chicago! 8 41.
The only reason that the score is 1-0 is because of Martin Brodeur...again he has been spectacular.
SHOTS: Chicago 18 New Jersey 5

3rd period
At 7 29 Cam Barker gets an elbowing penalty...NJ to the PP
Sloppy defense by the Blackhawks allows Vasyunov to score his 8th of the playoffs at 11 14. 1-1
Chicago goes to the PP...Peters takes a high sticking penalty...14 18.
PP GOAL!!!! 2-1 Chicago...Hossa sets the table for Sharp right in front of the net and Sharp buries it top shelf to take the lead at 16 19.
Immediately after the goal Oduya gets called for tripping...Chicago to the PP
Right off the faceoff Greene gets an interference call...5 on 3 for Chicago...
The Devils kill it off but its too late!!! Chicago has won 2-1...and they have won 3 straight games to lead the series 3-2 heading back to New Jersey.
SHOTS: Chicago 29 New Jersey 16


Game 6 (Chicago leads series 3-2)
Lineups the same for game 6.

1st period
Parise opens up the scoring from the slot top shelf...1-0...12 30.
Pretty clean period...1-0 New Jersey.
SHOTS: Chicago 6 NJ 4

2nd period
At 13 31 a hooking penalty against NJ...Chicago to the PP
NJ kills it but takes another at 17 25...Paul Martin.
Chicago can’t take advantage of 2 PPs and the score remains 1-0 NJ
SHOTS: Chicago 14 NJ 10

3rd period
Hossa accidently starts a fight and gets worked by Oduya...brutal. I get a 2 minute instigator too!
Madden wins a draw in his own zone and the puck goes to Brian Campbell who gives to Versteeg along the boards, Versteeg then carries the puck in and lets a wrist shot go from the slot that beats Brodeur glove side...1-1 TIE...6 31.
Chicago starting to get some chances...
WOW...Duncan Keith annihilates Brian Rolston against the boards. Rolston slow to get up Chicago gets a good chance on the other end but Brodeur shuts the door.
With 39 seconds left NJs Tkachuk takes an interference call. Good opportunity.
WOWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!! Hossa feeds to Sharp in front of the net, his shot rings off the post...NJs Greene gobbles it up but Hossa hussles to the side boards and steals the puck from him, then he goes hard to the net and dekes Brodeur out of his shoes for the go ahead goal with 19.3 seconds left! 2-1 Blackhawks. 19 short seconds away from the STANLEY CUP!!!!!! That was definitely the play of the playoffs.
THE HAWKS SURVIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jonathan Toews is the Conn Smyth winner with 43 points in the playoffs! What a series, what a victory!

SHOTS: Chicago 21 New Jersey 15

Unreal performances, 9-1 playoff record on the road, surviving the Patrick Kane injury 8 games into the post season...Down 2-0 to New Jersey and coming back to win 4 straight...what a journey.

THANKS FOR FOLLOWING ALONG! I HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT AS MUCH AS I DID. And yes, i know how much of a nerd i am for doing this...but you read it so you’re just as bad.

NHL '10 Conference Semi Finals

Conference Finals
Opponent #5 Detroit Red Wings
2-4 against them in the regular season

News/Notes
Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood is leading the playoffs with a GAA of 1.79. However, he has been bothered by a bruised hip and will not play.
For the ‘Hawks, Patrick Kane sustained a broken leg in game 1 from a Cam Barker point shot against LA. He will be out for the rest of the playoffs. Defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson has a lacerated arm and hasn’t played a game in the playoffs yet.

Game 1
Huet gets the nod in goal for the ‘Hawks. The Wings go with Jimmy Howard between the pipes.

1st period
Halfway through the 1st both teams have sustained some pressure but both goalies have played well. You can really feel the intensity picking up a notch...both teams clearly don’t like each other.
1st 20 minutes are done with a good effort from both teams. Both teams are playing cautious, but still looking for opportunities to attack. 0-0 after 1 period of play.
SHOTS: Chicago 7 Detroit 3

2nd period
On the first PP (3 minutes into the 2nd) of the game Toews wires one from the slot but it hits the post and the Wings kill the penalty...best chance of the game so far.
1 minute later Jack Skille feeds Colin Fraser and he hits the post. ‘Hawks are buzzing.
Afinogenov feeds to Versteeg out front who scores on Howard for his 3rd of the playoffs at 9 58...1-0 ‘Hawks.
Huet standing tall so far and after 2 periods of play its 1-0 ‘Hawks.
SHOTS: Chicago 11 Detroit 7

3rd period
A minute into the period Hossa steals the puck off the boards and walks in on a breakaway but Howard makes the save.
6 minutes into the period Franzen takes a slashing penalty. PP chance for the ‘Hawks.
Sharp hits the post on the PP...Detroit kills it off but Chicago sustains pressure, Hossa jumps on a loose puck and feeds to Sharp who beats Howard for a 2-0 lead...8 16 of the 3rd.
Lidstrom dives to stop john madden driving to the net and gets a tripping call at 9 17.
Chicago all over the Wings on the PP but Howard is playing well, they kill another penalty off and the ‘Hawks are 0-3 on the PP.
The Wings win a draw in the ‘Hawks zone and Brian Rafalski fires a wrist shot from the point and it goes in to cut the ‘Hawks lead to 2-1...11 47
Wings take another penalty...Kronwall for slashing at 12 59.
30 seconds left and Howard makes a solid save on Sharp.
The Wings win the ensuing faceoff and bring the puck into the ‘Hawks zone, Howard leaves the net, Chicago gains possession, Campbell gives to Afinogenov who skates to the Wings blue line and fires one in the empty net for a 3-1 lead with 13 seconds left. 3-1 Chicago.
SHOTS: Chicago 25 Detroit 11
Huet has really been playing well, establishing himself as the clear #1 goalie.
Toews point streak is over as he fails to register a point in game 1

Game 2 (Chicago leads series 1-0)
No lineup changes for the Blackhawks. John Madden moved up to the 2nd line a few games ago because Dave Bolland simply cannot win a draw. This area needs improvement in the off season.
Jimmy Howard is again between the pipes for Detroit.

1st period
Clearly embarrassed by their poor performance in game 1 Detroit comes out attacking and registers 3 quick shots on Huet, who stops all of them. In the first 3 minutes Chicago looks flat.
4 minutes into the game Johan Franzen carries the puck into the Chicago zone but Brian Campbell lowers the boom and sends him to the ice. Franzen goes off the ice holding his shoulder.
Zetterberg jumps on a loose puck, Chicago D breaks down and Holmstrom buries the centering pass for a 1-0 Detroit lead. The Wings have definitely come out with more jump than game 1. 8 40
Another 2 on 1 is created by the Wings and Kris Draper puts one past Huet at 12 09 on a pass from Bertuzzi. 2-0
Sharp passes to Toews who roofs one over the glove of Howard to make the score 2-1 Detroit...17 50.
Good forecheck by the Wings and Draper feeds out front for Bertuzzi for a 3-1 lead. Chicago is having mental breakdowns...19 53.
SHOTS: Chicago 6 Detroit 10

2nd period
Chicago dominating halfway through the 2nd period...but no goals to show for it.
With 1 47 left Leino takes a slashing penalty...first PP of the game.
The ‘Hawks peppering Detroit but Howard is playing well. Period dominated by Chicago but score still stands 3-1.
SHOTS: Chicago 17 Detroit 13

3rd period
14 seconds in Andy Delmore takes a tripping penalty and the ‘Hawks go back onto the PP.
Detroit kills the penalty...but immediately after Afinogenov puts a wrist shot past Howard at 3 02 to make it a 3-2 game. Unreal shot.
Zetterberg pounces on a rebound and slides one past Huet for a 4-2 Detroit lead...16 07.
Game over...Detroit capitalizes on Chicago defensive breakdowns for the victory...Huet was not at fault...the Chicago D was suspect.
4-2 Detroit
SHOTS: Chicago 24 Detroit 19

Game 3 (Series tied at 1-1)
Johan Franzen was hurt very badly on a hit from Brian Campbell and will be out 3-4 weeks with a fractured collarbone.

1st period
Detroit looks to dump it into Chicago’s zone, John Madden gets a piece of the puck, sends it into Cam Barkers direction who then passes to Versteeg who then finds Afinogenov streaking behind the Detroit D...Brad Stuart makes a diving attempt but Afinogenov goes around him and then dekes out Howard for the opening goal of the game...thing of beauty! 18 59
1-0 Chicago!
Good 1st period...Chicago seems to have the upper hand so far.
SHOTS: Chicago 8 Detroit 9

2nd period
Bad change for the Hawks and Bertuzzi buries one past Huet at 9 32 to tie the score at 1 a piece
Datsyuk scores in front of the net when Barker fails to pick up his man...12 10...2-1 Detroit.
With 4 30 left Detroit takes their 1st penalty of the game...Chicago to the PP
Detroit kills it off. Chicago has hit 3 posts and Jimmy Howard is playing great. 2-1 Detroit.
SHOTS: Chicago 14 Detroit 14

3rd period
Hossa gets the answering goal when the rest of the `Hawks go for a change and he takes advantage of Detroit falling asleep to tie the score at 2. 3 14. Beats Lidstrom and dekes out Howard.
Right off the faceoff Afinogenov lugs the puck in and beats Howard but not the post...the 4th for Chicago!
Chicago pouring it on and the Wings take a slashing penalty. Back to the PP. Haven`t scored a PP goal this series.
That changes when Toews finds Sharp in front of the net and he makes no mistake...putting it under the blocker of Howard...6 14 PP goal. 3-2 Chicago.
Afinogenov is on fire!!! Scores his 2nd of the night with a top shelf wrist shot from the left circle. 4-2 Chicago. 14 18.
Draper turns it over in the `Hawks zone, Toews steals who passes to Sharp who carries it in and then finds Hossa on the wing who one times one past Howard for a 5-2 Chicago lead...4 unanswered goals! 15 27.
Game over 5-2...Chicago scores 4 goals in the 3rd period to lead the series 2-1.
SHOTS: Chicago 27 Detroit 18

Game 4 (Chicago leads series 2-1)
Detroit`s Tomas Holmstrom has a sore shoulder from a hit he took last game but he`ll suit up. Chris Osgood has been cleared to play and will start for the Wings in this pivotal game 4.

1st period
2 minutes in Lidstrom takes a puck off the leg and hobbles off. He then is seen leaving the Wings bench. Chicago buzzing but Osgood playing well.
Detroit opens the scoring...Filppula scores on a feed from leino at 17 12 to make it 1-0
After one period there have been good chances on both sides...1-0 Detroit
SHOTS: Chicago 11 Detroit 7

2nd period
Lidstrom is back on the ice, looks like it wasn`t serious.
Hossa scores on the PP...nice cross seam pass from Sharp...1-1 TIE. 3 05
Chicago cant clear the zone and Andy Delmore fires one from the point...Huet gets a piece but can`t hold on...2-1 Wings...12 42
Chicago will have a PP to start the period...at the end of 2 its 2-1 Wings.
SHOTS: Chicago 13 Detroit 18

3rd period
To open the period Hossa fires one from the slot that beats Osgood blocker side...2-2 TIE. PP goal. 0 35.
Toews!!! Detroit allows him to walk into the slot and beat Osgood blocker side again...3 points on the night for Toews...3-2 Chicago. 1 39.
Red Wings pressuring like crazy...with one minute left Huet shutting the door.
Filppula scores with 36 seconds left on a turnover by Seabrook...3-3 TIE.
The game goes to OT...good game.
SHOTS: Chicago 18 Detroit 22

OT
7 minutes into OT the Wings dump the puck in Seabrook gets it off the boards and gives to Hossa who finds a streaking Toews who beats the last Detroit D man (Brad Stuart)...then dekes Osgood out of his shoes for the game winning goal (6 38). 4 points in the game for Toews and I swear I`m not trying to pad his stats, he is just playing that good. 4-3 OT win for the Blackhawks. Chicago takes a stranglehold on the series at 3-1.
SHOTS: Chicago 21 Detroit 22

Game 5 (Chicago leads series 3-1)
In the Eastern Conference Finals #6 seeded New Jersey swept #7 Atlanta 4-0 to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Nicklas Lidstrom suffered a strained hamstring last game but he will play. Chris Osgood once again gets the nod in net.

1st period
Toews opens up the scoring when he one times a shot over the shoulder of Osgood. 9 05. Sharp and Keith get assists. 1-0 Chicago.
Chicago wants this game bad...with 4 minutes left in the period they hold a commanding lead in shots 10 to 1.
With 3 seconds left Filppula rings one off the iron but it stays out..Chicago leads 1-0 after 1.
SHOTS: Chicago 11 Detroit 3

2nd period
Hossa makes it 2-0 Chicago when he walks in across the blueline and fires one blocker side and in. Osgood has been terrible on his blocker side. 4 12.
With 2 30 left in the period Afinogenov is sent in alone on Osgood but he is stopped...still 2-0.
At the end of 2 periods of play its 2-0 Chicago.
SHOTS: Chicago 20 Detroit 4...Detroit has been pitiful lately...it seems like they have given up.

3rd period
1st penalty of the game is Cam Barker for unsportsmanlike. 5 53.
Detroit getting good chances on the PP but Huet making all the saves.
Dave Bolland hits a post with 7 minutes remaining...but still 2-0 Chicago.
1 minute left and the Red Wings pull the goalie...and then on a stoppage of play Kronwall gets a penalty for roughing. Terrible penalty to take.
On the penalty kill the Wings pull Osgood and Afinogenov buries a shot into the empty cage to seal the series...3-0 lead.
The Blackhawks are going back to the Stanley Cup! 4-1 Series Win in the Western Conference Finals.
SHOTS: Chicago 26 Detroit 15

Detroit didn’t show up in this game...this was a fairly easy win for Chicago. Up next...the Stanley Cup Finals vs. New Jersey

Round 2 Playoff Blog...vs LA Kings

Conference Semi Finals

GAME 1 vs LA

1st period
Doughty penalty: 18 23 – slashing
Chicago takes advantage as Radek Martinek scores on a point shot. 1-0 CHI
Toews makes it 2-0 on a wrist shot from the slot.
LA cuts into the lead when Justin Williams scores on a one timer off the faceoff 2-1 Chicago.
Shots: Chicago 8 LA 3

2nd period
Justin Williams evens the score at 2 a piece. Chicago got caught on a bad change that led to a 2 on 1 break.
Midway through the 2nd period Patrick Kane is hurt off of a point shot by Cam Barker. Not sure how serious the injury is.
End of 2 periods 2-2 chi 20 LA 5

3rd period
0-5 PP so far
No scoring, both teams have chances with LA turning up the pressure.
26 15 shots Chicago

OT
LA wins in OT when Doughty scores off a nice feed from Kopitar.
Shots 30 to 18 chicago


Game 2 (LA leads series 1-0)
Kane out with a broken leg from the point shot by Cam Barker…tough break for the ‘Hawks. Jack Skille has taken Kane’s position in the lineup with Sharp moving up to the 1st line.

1st period
LA opens the scoring when Lewis pots a shot past Huet at 9 40 of the 1st period…1-0 LA
No scoring other than this goal…Not having Patrick Kane on the LW with Toews and Hossa is a big change. He was so fast and so good with the puck that it opened up lanes for everyone else.

2nd period
Versteeg scores on a cross crease pass from Bolland at 403 to tie the game at 1.
Hossa scores on a wrist shot from the slot to make it 2-1 CHI at 714 of the 2nd.
Ladd bangs home a rebound off a Jonathan Toews shot...3-1 CHICAGO
Cam Barker takes a hit near the end of the period and the early report is a hurt elbow
SHOTS: Chi 23 LA 14

3rd period
Sharp gets going on the 1st line by scoring a goal to make it 4-1 CHICAGO…one minute into the period
Rebound goal by Jonathan Toews, initial shot by Hossa…Goaltender Bernier having a hard time corralling the rebounds. 5-1 CHICAGO and that is how the game ends…
Series tied at 1-1
Shots...Chicago 31 LA 25
0-7 PP which is an area of concern going forward…at the skate tomorrow we will run through some PP drills.


Game 3 (Series tied at 1)
Barker has a fractured elbow but he is playing...

1st period
Goal Chicago – Sharp bangs in a puck that was sitting on the goal line 1:12 into the 1st. 1-0 CHI
Game misconduct penalty for slashing...Garnet Exelby at the 10 minute mark. 5:00 PP for Chicago.
LA killed the penalty off and sustained good pressure but at the end of one its 1-0 Chicago.
SHOTS: Chicago 10 LA 7

2nd period
Sharp scores his 2nd of the game on a feed from Hossa...A PP goal at 8:11 of the 2nd. Matt Greene was in the box.
Sharp scores his hat trick goal on the PP...another penalty by Matt Greene...Sharp scores at 11:34 of the 2nd. A snap shot from the left hash mark.
Hossa scores 4-0 CHI with a wrist shot from the slot. 16:32 of the 2nd.
Bernier gets pulled....Zatkoff comes in.
SHOTS: 22 chi 16 LA

3rd period
Toews snap shot from the slot...to open the 3rd...5-0
Win 5-0 in dominating fashion…2-1 series lead for Chicago
28 to 25 chicago
Huet solid.


Game 4 (Chicago leads series 2-1)
Tomas kopecky has a bruised hand from a slash sustained last game but he will play. He has played well throughout the series oftentimes being matched up with the Kings 1st line.

1st period
Barker opens up the scoring on the PP with a blast from the point. 12:23 of the 1st.
End of the 1st...good pace to the period. SHOTS CHI 8 LA 6

2nd period
Hossa misses an open net on a breakaway with the pass from Toews...I’m talking a wide open cage...tough one.
Dustin brown scores to tie the game. A wrist shot from the slot no chance for Huet. 6:15
Brown jumps on a loose puck and makes it 2-1 LA. C’mon boys...frick. 8:53
Delayed penalty but didn’t get to go on the PP because sharp one times a slap shot home on a feed from Hossa...14:40 2-2
End of the 2nd...good period. Sharp is developing chemistry with Hossa.
SHOTS Chicago 14 LA 18
2-2 SCORE

3rd period
Toews scores on a pass from Hossa to open the 3rd period. 3-2 Chicago. 0 55
Brown score a hat rick goal...ties it up 3-3. 14 52
Going into OT 20 CHI 26 LA

OT
Toews scores the OT winner off a Hossa pass...beautiful goal. 1 20 of OT
4-3 win
3-1 series lead


Game 5 (Chicago leads series 3-1)
No lineup changes for the ‘Hawks.
Toews has 25 points in 11 playoff games...outstanding. 10 goals and 15 assists. He has been on fire.

1st period
Patrick Sharp opens up the scoring with a goal that went off an LA skate. It was a cross crease pass that found its way in. 1 30
Ivanans ties the score up at 1 with a wrist shot after a poor defensive effort...11 07
Cam barker fires one from the point to go up 2-1...Madden provided the screen in front. 14 05
Campbell fires one from the point on the PP...score is 3-1. 19 29 of the 1st.
Toews jumps on a loose puck and fires one from the top of the right circle with 5 seconds left to make it 4-1 after 1 period of play.
SHOTS Chicago 12 LA 2
Dominating period by Chicago…the boys clearly want to end the series tonight.

2nd period
Good forecheck by the ‘Hawks...Keith gets one off the boards and feeds to Hossa for a one timer to make it 5-1 just 2 minutes into the period.
Dustin brown tips home a point shot to make it 5-2. 5 37
Frolov jumps on a loose puck in front of the net...5-3 ‘Hawks...7 32…Chicago feeling pressure right now.
Justin Williams takes a feed from Kopitar and buries it to make it 5-4...11 41. The boys are rattled right now…
Toews walks in over the blue line and picks the corner on Bernier...6-4 16 39
Crazy period...no defense.
SHOTS Chicago 21 LA 11
SCORE 6-4 Chicago

3rd period
Hossa carries it in over the line and wrists one past Bernier...7-4 1 49
Smaby walks in after a great forecheck and buries a wrister from the slot to make it 8-4 8 38
Purcell cuts the deficit to 3 when he pounces on a rebound...12 27....8-5 ‘Hawks…
Hawks finally tighten up the D and end the series…8-5 in a wild shootout to end the series…we will have to have a better effort to win the conference finals…Next up: Detroit Red Wings.
Series over...4-1 series win!
SHOTS Chicago 32 LA 17

Toews finishes with 11 points in 5 games bringing his playoff total to 28 points in 12 games...leading the NHL in playoff scoring. Hossa has 21 points, Sharp with 14, Keith and Seabrook both with 12 each (all assists)

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS PLAYOFF BLOG (NHL '10)

The Chicago Blackhawks finished with a 45-24-13 record to win the Central Division and finish 2nd in the Western Conference. Patrick Kane finished with 94 points in 82 games, Jonathan Toews was 2nd with 89 points in 76 games. Marian Hossa had a slow start to the season but finished with 77 points in 79 games. Duncan Keith is in the conversation for the Norris Trophy, he has 65 points in 80 games.

ROUND 1 of the playoffs vs. Anaheim Ducks #7 seed
Game 1
1st period
The period starts out slow with both teams being very cautious. At 9:35 of the 1st period Anaheim’s Brett Festerling is called for tripping. The ‘Hawks had couple good chances but the Ducks kill it off.
With 6 minutes left in the 1st Saku Koivu put a weak backhand shot past Huet. Wisniewski and getzlaf pick up assists.
With 2 minutes left Andrew Ladd rings one off the post, Kris Versteeg gobbles the rebound up and fires one at the wide open net and shoots it wide.
After 1 its 1-0 Ducks. SHOTS: Chicago 9 Anaheim 7

2nd period
At 8:28 of the 2nd period Erik Christensen pounces on a rebound and stuffed it in the cage past Huet. 2-0 Ducks.
4 minutes later, Scott Niedermayer picks the top shelf for a 3-0 lead.
Anaheim dominating with 18 shots to Chicagos 12

3rd period
At the start of the period, Anaheim’s Joffrey Lupul takes an elbowing call but just 20 seconds into the PP Dave Bolland takes an elbowing penalty.
Christensen scores again off a pass from Lupol to make it 4-0
FINALLY...Toews brings it in the zone, sends a cross crease pass to Hossa and he puts it home for a 4-1 game.
Not really any chances the rest of the game and Anaheim coasts to the easy win to take home ice advantage away from Chicago.
4-1 final...31 shots for Anaheim 19 for Chicago

Game 2 (Anaheim leads series 1-0)
1st period
Selanne scores 30 seconds into the period and then Getzlaf slides one past Huet to make it 2-0 at 6:02. Huet was pulled after that goal. He looked terrible so he gets the hook and Niemi comes in.
Patrick sharp scores with 1 minute left in the 1st period off a good forecheck by the ‘Hawks. 2-1 Ducks.
8-8 SHOTS

2nd period
Corey Perry scores by tipping a point shot past Niemi 3-1 ducks...14 min left.
3-2!! Patrick Kane scores off a feed from Hossa!
Right after the goal Getzlaf takes a tripping penalty...good opportunity here for the Hawks.
After the PP Hossa pounces on a rebound, Toews and Kane get the assist. 3-3
5 minutes later, Anaheim’s Ryan Whitney takes a point shot and it goes top shelf 4-3 Ducks.
Parros takes a high sticking penalty with a minute left in the 2nd
5 on 3 for 39 seconds when Niedermayer takes a tripping call with 2.3 seconds left in the 2nd.
4-3 after 2 periods
Chicago 22 shots
Anaheim 12

3rd period
PP GOAL!! Toews wins the faceoff to Kane and he passes back to Toews for a top shelf shot over Giguere to tie it 4-4.
Patrick sharp brings it in over the line and fires a slap shot under the pad of Giguere...14 minutes left in the 2nd! 5-4 ‘Hawks!
With 45 seconds left the Ducks pull the goalie and fire away at Niemi but he is solid...Kane scoops up a loose puck and fires one in the empty net to make it 6-4 Chicago
30-20 shots for Chicago


Game 3 (Series tied 1-1)
1st period
Niemi gets the start in place of Huet who was dreadful last game.
Corey Perry opens up the scoring with 4 minutes left in the 1st by going five hole from a bad angle on Niemi. 1-0 Ducks.
Later in the period Niemi saves the first shot but Koivu bangs home the rebound...2-0 ducks.
End of 1st period: 2-0 ducks...shot: Ducks 7 Chicago 6

2nd period
Lupul takes a pass from Selanne and roofs it under the glove of Niemi to make the score 3-0 ducks mid way through the 2nd. I am so mad right now.
SHOTS Chicago 12...Anaheim 14

3rd period
Lots of pressure for the Hawks but Giguere is playing great...Chicago goes to the PP when Beleskey takes a delay of game call.
Bolland shovels in a shot off a rebound from a cam barker point shot...PP goal...3-1 ducks
Hossa makes it 3-2 for the Ducks...wrist shot from the slot...6 minutes left in regulation time.
Right off the faceoff Koivu takes a tripping penalty...
Sbisa takes a tripping penalty...5 on 3 advantage with 5:44 left.
Bolland with his 2nd PP of the game on a feed from Sharp! 3-3 tie.
Ryan Whitney takes a slashing penalty with 20 seconds left in regulation!
At the end of regulation its 3-3.
Shots: Chicago 28...anaheim 16

OT
A shot is taken from the point and saved by Giguere but Patrick Sharp bats it out of the air to win the game 4-3 OT win for Chicago. Unbelievable comeback from 3-0 down.
SHOTS: Chicago 32 Anaheim 20

Game 4 (Chicago leads series 2-1)
1st period
Kane opens up the scoring on a one timer, gorgeous pass from Hossa. 1-0 ‘Hawks with 11:40 left in the 1st period.
Anaheim dumps the puck in and Niemi misplays it and Christensen puts it in...1-1...3 min left.
Niemi looks shaky...other than that Chicago dominating. Shots: Chicago 12 Anaheim 4

2nd period
Ducks break out and Chris Campoli (acquired by the Ducks in a deadline deal) joins the rush and buries a wrist shot to make it 2-1 Anaheim.
Sharp ties it up 3 minutes later on a sweet pass from Afinogenov (acquired earlier in the year for Dustin Byfuglien and a pick). 2-2 tie.
10 minutes left in the period and Getzlaf takes a slashing penalty...1st call of the game.
They kill it off. Tough one.
2-2 after 2 periods of play...24 shots for Chicago...14 for Anaheim.

3rd period
At the 3 minute mark Corey Perry goes off for holding.
Getzlaf scores a SH goal on a sloppy play by Barker...friggin’ brutal.
Chicago can’t clear the zone and with under 10 minutes left Lupul slaps one past Niemi for a 4-2 lead. So frustrating.
7 minutes later Hossa scores on a pass from Kane...3-2. Great goal.
His 4th of the playoffs.
Right when I have a chance to come back freaking George Parros of all people scores on a weak rebound goal...5-3 Anaheim. Parros also collected 3rd star with 1 goal and 1 assist. So lame.
Game over 5-3...series tied at 2-2
The first team to score a goal has lost every game...weird.
Shots: Chicago 32...Anaheim 21

Game 5 (Series tied 2-2)
Huet back in the net for this one. Niemi wasn’t great in game 4...

1st period
Getzlaf opens up the scoring on a defensive breakdown by Chicago...1-0
At the 15 minute mark Niedermayer takes a tripping penalty....
On the PP 2 unreal saves are made by Giguere...then D-man Sbisa takes a slash...5 on 3 for 30 seconds.
Another save by Giguere...but persistence pays off when Toews feeds Kane to tie the game 1-1 on the PP.
Good 1st period...1-1
Chicago 12...Anaheim 4

2nd period
Off the forecheck Corey Perry feeds to Bobby Ryan (his 1st of the series) in front of the net who snaps one past Huet..2-1 Ducks.
Getzlaf scores on a slap shot...Huet is terrible..3-1
Christensen takes a slashing penalty...
Toews scores on a pass from Hossa to make it 3-2...PP goal
Perry scores...4 goals on 8 shots...what terrible goaltending. 4-2 Ducks.
Anaheim takes a penalty...Bobby Ryan elbowing. 3 min left in the 2nd.
15 seconds into the PP Brent Seabrook takes an elbowing penalty. ‘Hawks playing with incredible discipline.
The clear problem in this game is goaltending...Chicago 19 shots...Anaheim 8 shots...but 4 goals off those shots.

3rd period
Perry takes a high sticking call...2 minutes...Chicago going back on the PP
Wisniewski takes a delay of game call...5 on 3 advantage.
Versteeg feeds Toews in front of the net to make it 4-3...great PP tonight...3 for 5.
Getzlaf pounces on a rebound and scores...Niemi is terrible
5-3 Anaheim...10 shots on net.
Perry scores off a rebound...6-3 Anaheim...putting Huet back in
Toews feeds Hossa for a 6-4 game...awesome move
Hossa takes a hooking call...
Niedermayer takes a tripping call...4 on 4
Getzlaf gets a game misconduct for slashing...5 minPP for the next 4:38
Toews passes to Kane for a goal...6-5 anaheim...PP is unreal tonight.
Anaheim kills off half of the 5 minute major and wins 6-5...3-2 series lead for Anaheim
Shots...Chicago 32...Anaheim 18
Might have to spend some $$$ or trade for a #1 goalie next year cause this is ridiculous.

Game 6 (Anaheim leads series 3-2)
Huet gets the start despite an abysmal performance...Niemi was just as bad if not worse so it was really was a toss up.

1st period
Toews opens up the scoring 2 min in with a snap shot from the right hash mark...assists to Kane and Sseabrook.
Slow period so far...5 minutes left and I don’t want to make a mistake. Playing conservative, dump and chase, because of the poor goaltending I can’t pinch or take chances.
Best chance for Anaheim came on a 2 on 1...but Huet stood tall and stopped Todd Marchant to preserve the 1-0 lead at the end of 1
Shots: Chicago 2...anaheim 7

2nd period
At the 5 minute mark in the 2nd period Wisniewski takes a bad roughing penalty...Chicago to the PP
Both teams still playing conservative...
With 2:37 left in the 2nd Campoli takes a slashing call.
Anaheim kills it off...Huet has been solid...perhaps the wakeup call of being pulled in the previous game has helped.
Still 1-0 after 2
Shots: Chicago...8...Anaheim 12

3rd period
To start the 3rd Chicago sustains pressure and Toews trickles one past Giguere...great forecheck...2-0...Kane and Keith get the helpers
Anaheim scores...Huet made the initial save but was caught out of position, Beleskey scores. ‘Hawks lead 2-1
Kane scores off a beautiful feed from Toews...3-1 Chicago! His 6th of the playoffs.
Anaheim pulls their goalie and Chicago takes advantage...Toews gives it to Ladd and he makes it count...4-1 Chicago...
Chicago wins!!! 4-1 the series is tied at 3-3 headed back to the Windy City.
Shots Chicago 18...Anaheim 19

Game 7 (Series tied 3-3)
Huet gets the start after being very solid last game...game 6 was the best Chicago has played...we played solid defensively and didn’t give Anaheim very many chances.

1st period
Halfway through the 1st period Niedermayer takes a tripping penalty
Dave Bolland wins the faceoff which goes right to Cam Barker who sends a 1 timer past Giguere...1-0 PP goal.
Chicago pouring it on in the 1st but Giguere playing well and keeping the Ducks in it.
Madden gets a pass from Versteeg in the slot, he beats Giguere but can’t beat the goal post...still 1-0
Solid 1st period for Chicago...12 shots to 3

2nd period
12 min left in the 2nd...Bobby Ryan gets called for tripping
Wisniewski gets a roughing penalty
Versteeg scores a PP goal...sweet feed from barker! 2-0 chicago
2-0 chicago at the end of 2
Shots
Chicago...26...anaheim 8

3rd period
Off a great forecheck the Blackhawks score..Hossa from Toews...11 minutes left in the period
3-0 chicago!
10 minutes left...Anaheim takes a penalty...Parros for slashing.
Toews gobbles up a rebound and then feeds Hossa in front for his 2nd of the game...PP goal...4-0!
Anaheim losing their cool....Wisniewski gets 2 minutes for roughing...terrible penalty
They kill it off but Niedermayer gets 2 for tripping...4 min left...Anaheim kills the penalty but it doesn’t matter as Chicago wins! 4-0 shutout...4-3 series win!
Dominating performance for Chicago...34 shots to Anaheim’s 12.

Toews was ridiculous in the series...17 points in 7 games...5 goals 12 assists
Kane had 11, hossa had 10 points. Huet played well in the last 2 games giving up just 1 goal.

Next opponent is the #8 seeded LA Kings who knocked off the #1 Minnesota Wild.