Diary of a Chicago Sports Fan

Picture Courtesy of Bing

Blackhawks win, Sox and Cubs prepare for their openers and Cutler exposed

After being fleeced like a tourist in Florida, the Blackhawks made their way to Pittsburg and handed the Penguins a 5-1 loss.  The Hawks erupted for four goals in the first period, including two in the last minute of the period.

Patrick Kane’s skill was on display on two of the goals.  His blind pass from behind the net to Artemi Panarin got the Hawks to a quick start.  Later Kane made a beautiful touch pass to Marcus Kruger to set up a rare Kruger goal.  The suddenly sniperish Richard Panik and resurgent Marian Hossa also scored in the first period.

Tanner Kero added a goal, scoring on a breakaway after blocking a shot.  After being shelled in Florida, Corey Crawford was both sharp and aggressive in the nets for the Hawks.  It feels like order has been restored in the universe.

How about those Charlotte Knights!

Opening day of the MLB season is almost here and I have to confess I haven’t followed the Cubs and White Sox spring training very closely, but I have noticed a few things worth noting.  Carlos Rodon will start the season on the DL for the White Sox.  It’s apparently nothing serious, but it does make it tougher for the Sox to get off to a fast start.  The first part of this Sox season could be like Cubs seasons were like a few years ago. There may be more interest in the farm teams than in the big club.

It looks like Jacob May will start the season as the Sox center fielder.  Not to knock the kid, but this is indicative of the lack of depth the Sox have in the outfield.

How long will the Cubs be Happless?

As for the Cubs, Ben Zobrist has been dealing with a sore neck and Addison Russell has had lower back problems this spring.  The nice thing about it is Javy Baez is available to fill in at second or short.  Ian Happ should hit Chicago sometime this season.  While the farm system isn’t what it was before the likes of Bryant, Schwarber, Russell, Contreras and Baez came up to the parent club, it’s certainly not devoid of talent.

Cutler stripped again

NFL free agency is well along and Jay Cutler still hasn’t found a new home.  I’m not a huge fan of Cutler, but I can’t believe he can’t help some NFL team.  The Jets, Texans and Broncos come to mind.  I’m curious what he could do in a more stable environment.

There has however, been a Cutler sighting of sorts.  Apparently his wife took a nude picture of him (from behind) while they were on vacation.  Jay hasn’t been that exposed since Mike Martz was the Bears OC.

More next time.