As we celebrate another Memorial Day, I want to take a quick stroll down memory lane. Before we do that, let’s remember all those who died fighting for our country… that is what we should remember each and every Memorial Day: this is one of the reasons we get to enjoy Chicago sports like we do. My stroll today is going to consist of big wins that occurred by our teams on the way to winning a championship. There have been some big ones that propelled both the Bulls and Hawks to championship glory.
1991, Palace of Auburn Hills, Pistons, Game 4: Need I say more. We’ll start with arguably the sweetest victory on Memorial Day. To sweep the bad boys was so sweet… after all the pain they put us through. I really “hated” this team. To see them walk off the court before the game clock hit zeroes, just proved that they were nothing but a bunch of punks. This was the hurdle the Bulls needed to overcome, and they did it, in impressive fashion. 115-94 put the Pistons reign to an end, and eventually led to the starting of the dynasty. We actually watched this game IN Michigan, and wanted to drive home with the brooms out the window the whole ride. That didn’t happen, but it still was one of the sweetest wins of all time.
The Bulls also had big wins in both 1993 & 1996 on this day. In 1993, MJ dropped 54, as they beat the Knicks to even the Eastern Conference Finals at 2-2. If you recall, this series saw the Knicks, who had home-court advantage, take the 1st 2 games. Were we worried? Yes we were, but with the ultimate ace in the hole, the Bulls came back. The most memorable game of this series was of course the next one: Game 5 in New York. The famous block after block of Charles Smith, gave the Bulls the Game 5 win. In 1996, MJ only scored 45, as the Bulls swept the Magic out of the playoffs in the ECF. This may not be as memorable, but it was pretty sweet, considering they had eliminated us the year before. That was the year that MJ came back mid-season. Well, MJ and the Bulls took that playoff loss, along with an addition of an ex-bad boy, to motivate them in the 1995-1996 season to a record of 72-10. Can you say best team ever in NBA history?
The Bulls aren’t the only ones with memorable Memorial Day victories. We only have to look at the previous 2 Stanley Cup runs for the Hawks to see some of their big wins. In 2010, it was game 2 vs the Flyers. Hawks took the lead in that series 2-0 with a 2-1 victory. Niemi says No made 32 saves, as Hossa and Eager scored the goals. That may have been my favorite Hawk team. Eager, Burish, Brouwer, Byfuglien all provided some toughness that made teams think twice about F-ing with us.
Then came last year. Game 6, Red WIngs. Another big win vs a Detroit team. I was very nervous this game. Down 3-1 in the series, the Hawks came back and won Game 5, to set the scene for Game 6 in Detroit. The Hawks were down 2-1 going into the 3rd period, and the season was on the line. Well, they responded with a 3-goal period: First Handzus, then Bickell, then a penalty shot from Frolik, and Hawks escaped to force a Game 7. Who scored the first Hawks goal that game? Marian Hossa.
So that brings us to tonight: Hawks Kings Game 4 in LA. Will we be able to add this game to this list? Will Marian Hossa score another big Memorial Day goal for the Hawks? The dynasty hangs in the balance. This Blackhawks team is built to repeat; they’re dynasty material. With a win tonight, they’re back on track. With a loss, well, I don’t want to think about that… Bold prediction: Hawks 2 Kings 1. Sharp 1st goal, Hossa GWG, and Crawford 30+ saves. Make me a genius boys.
Seargent Slaughter
Love the walk down memory lane. I sense a hate file for the pistons coming in the future. They are on my list for sure, and it was oh so sweet to sweep them in their building and get over that hump in 1991! What a bunch of goons who showed their true colors by walking off before the game was over without shaking hands! A complete sign of disrespect that MJ and the Bulls did not forget as they went 27-4 against them through their 6th title in 1998, including a 19 in a row from 1993-1997. Take that bad boys!
As for the Hawks, tonight seems like it might be one of those playoff series defining games. Win and the Hawks have home ice back. Lose and we go down 3-1 just like we did last year vs the red wings. The Hawks need to have that sense of urgency. They need to come out strong and follow the Captain’s lead, something they did not do last game. Lets get that lead again and not let it go…be that wall Crow! I predict the first OT game of the series, Hawks 3-2 in double OT with Shaw getting a deflection. GO HAWKS!!
JEFFK
MJ never forgets. Coming soon the pistons hate file no doubt.
Hawks, hawks, hawks… Need it tonight. Like the OT call. Whatever, whichever, how ever, just get it done tonight boys.
Happy Human
Happy Memorial Day!
Lets even the series Hawks!!
bullwinkle
i initially wrote a response to yesterdays blog, but lost it before i could post it and didn’t feel like rehashing it. friday we were outplayed and outcoached! the kings learned from game 1 and made changes. the only thing Q has changed is line make-ups. there needs to be changes made to the powerless play, and the game of ‘how many passes can we make before they take it away’ game they seem to be playing out there. we also need to change-up the defensive scheme. we cannot continue to allow them to just carry into our zone and then fill the lanes with passing and scoring opportunities. they need more net presence when the puck is in the kings zone. q was always touted as being able to change things on the fly, but not so much in the playoffs. he seem content to continue playing ‘our game’.
bullwinkle
possibly a little more about the actual Memorial Day, and what it’s for