The Vig

I added a plug-in to my blog software which finally allows me to blog from my cell phone. We’ll see how this goes.

The Hawks are currently down 2-0 to the rival Seattle Thunderbirds halfway through the first period. As bad as things look now, it’s not nearly as bad as Katie Harmon’s national anthem. If you’re planning to hit the Sheraton tonight, might I suggest finding alternate plans.

First Intermission: The Hawks have crawled back into the match, scoring a goal at the end of their second power play. This is probably the biggest crowd of the year so far. They’re a lively bunch, roaring to life for big hits.

Second Intermission: The Birds scored early in the second period on a seeing-eye shot from the blueline. The Hawks were gassed by the end of the period. Despite the disparity on the scoreboard, somehow they’re leading in shots 26-25. The Hawks will need to score early in the next period if they have any hope of winning. While they did mount a serious late game comeback earlier in the season, I don’t see it tonight. If the Hawks are down by two or more goals with less than five minutes to go, the desire to fight may prove too powerful.

Early third period: Tristan King(!) drops the mitts and gets his ass kicked about two minutes in. Thirty seconds later, Chris Francis buries a shot from right out front.  3-2 Birds. We have a hockey game.

No sooner did I hit *publish* than Bud Halloway buries a rebound on the power play. Damn.

Underschute scores with about three minutes to go. The crowd goes nuts. The Hawks get a few more chances before Seattle scores a minute or so later. They just added an empty net goal for insurance. 6-3 Birds. Now is the time on Sprockets wheb we fight!

End of the game: It’s New Years Eve and there’s no fights? Well, there was the one. But beyond that, Seattle was just the better, more physical team tonight. When, oh WHEN! will Ryan Kerr return?

Post Script:  As I packed up after the game, I watched as a Portland fan who I’ve seen for years lit into the Seattle broadcasters for being homers and disrespecting Mucha.  The guys laughed at him and wished him a good night.  Good on ‘em, I say.  The Hawks just got their asses kicked, and now fans want respect?  Please.  Take your whoopin’ and go home.

That said, I’ve always thought the Hawks organization has been too deferential to the Birds.  For example a few years back, the Hawks beat Seattle in a close one at the Rose Garden.  When it came time to hand out the three stars, Andy handed the first star to a T-Bird.  The guy may have been the best player on the ice, but the Hawks won the game.  Why not throw an extra little forearm while your rival is down?  If the same thing had happened in Key Arena, you can bet a Bird would have been #1.  And, had the Hawks beat Everett, a Hawk would have been #1.  It’s just a game within the game, I suppose.