BlackhawksFan

Hello all, I have a question for the general Detroit faithful. The Wings have won 13 Divisional Championships and 5 President's Trophies in the past 20 years. And they have three Stanley Cups to show for it. How prevalent is the ratio of three to thirteen in the minds of the fans? Does the average fan feel that the 10 (actually 12...in 97 and 98 the Wings weren't even Division Champs) other teams underachieved and "choked" during the playoffs? Or is three cups in the last 10 years good enough?

I couldn't vouch for the fan base in KC, but even during lean times (e.g. every Chicago team in the last decade, except the Sox that one year and Bears last year), there is always a rabid fan base, even if it is smaller. When the Blackhawks start winning consistently for a year or two, I can guarantee we will probably be happy and fill up the UC. I think someone said Chicago fans are a "sleeping giant", and that's probably correct.

This was my first foray into a non-United Center NHL arena. I like the Joe Louis' design. There aren't three different stories. Just one. Efficient. The concourses are nice, too. But that six-handed Howe statue is really, really creepy. The seats are way too small. And I was afraid I was going to trip on the stairs, but I think that was because I was in a corner section. To the fans: You guys are too quiet. You cheer when the scoreboard tells you to, and that's about it. I haven't been to a Hawks game since the home opener, but I remember it being louder in there. Hell, the Detroit fans that go to Chicago are louder than the fans that I saw on Saturday. And the anthem....I notice in various places on this board that the anthem is considered a time to reflect and respect the country. The tradition of cheering during the anthem in Chicago is frowned down upon. I do not understand this. I don't see how cheering on this country during its anthem is worse than reflecting on this country. I can stand quietly and listen to the anthem, or I can clap in celebration of it. We in Chicago just do it differently. But overall, I had a good time. I don't think I've ever seen a greater percentage of jerseys or logo insignia at a sports event, ever.

How 'bout yalls win this one, eh? Dom should really be playing again. The team will most likely win this one, if only to forget yesterday's game. And it would hopefully help him get his confidence back.

I'm not sure how the Blackhawks came out with the win tonight. Detroit basically dominated. Especially during the second period, 10 minutes without a whistle. You realized you were down 0-3 in the season series, and you needed a win for the rivalry. (Is this really your greatest rivalry? Because the Hawks have been bad for so many years, I don't see why it should.) Bourque played his best game as a Hawk, Sharp has really been improving, and Khabibulin played phenomenal. The shots were 42-17. But the quality of the shots is another story. Many Detroit shots were not exactly dangerous. But nearly all the Hawks shots were. Dom.....Wow. I have read the debate within this thread, but I subscribe to the theory that the goalie needs to help you out when you need it. E.g., the other end of the ice tonight. I think Dom lost this game for you.... Bah, I didn't even think the Hawks deserved to win the home opener against Detroit and we did.....But hell, we were outplayed and received the bounces. And thanks for the hospitality. I didn't get anything thrown at me. The anthem was...different. No cheering. It was weird. I thought it was a lot quieter than the UC, but that could have been because the Hawks somehow found ways to stay in the game. The Wings should have put this one away through two. And they didn't. So we gave a good 20 and won. Bah. Good luck against Columbus. If Downey plays, I hope he beats up Nash. Apparently he tried to fight Vandermeer with his visor still on, and when it came off he complained to the refs to end the fight. See you all the 6th of January.

Hello Detroit. I am from Chicago, so that should probably tell you everything you need to know about my allegiances. That being said, I am now a member of your board. I am going to be taking a nice road trip to Joe Louis tonight to see my beloved Blackhawks. To be honest, I doubt we'll beat you again today, but it sure would be nice. I'll be in section 203. I would like to post some rules as a guest in your house. Often, at the United Center, many of you Detroit fans to do not follow these rules. I intend to do nothing more than cheer when my team scores, flinch if yours scores, and flick off your Jumbotron if you have the temerity to put me on it. Or maybe I'll just hold up three fingers, and then a doughnut. (Figure it out...) First of all, and this is the most obvious and most broken rule, don't walk into the United Center like you own the place. You don't. This is Chicago. Our home opener, Detroit fans were actually talking plenty of s*** at the end of the game and being general assholes about losing. What do you expect? If you come to Chicago, you will face resistance and hostility. Just because you have been owning us for the past decade or so, and the seats are empty, does not mean that the United Center is your domain. Actually, that is pretty much the only rule. So I will follow it at Joe Louis. There is no need for fighting. We can all band together, can't we? (Except when we're playing each other.) We all want to see good hockey, and probably see Bettman get canned. We really aren't that different, you and I. But I've probably ranted enough. I am a Blackhawks fan in hostile domain. I will be as respectful in your house as I think that you should be in ours. Here's to a good game Detroit. I hope to make some good, civil conversation with some people.... PS: Keep in mind that even if you win, we are still 3-1 against you so far this year.