Chicago is a totally great city -- I'm going there this weekend myself (for the US/Brazil men's soccer game)

Well, since you approve the hijack ....

Yes indeed, Joe is great hockey player and fun to watch. But he only knows three plays. Come playoff time, the other teams can watch the tapes, figure out his moves and shut him down, and he can't adjust. Boston knew this, and everybody knew it was time to move him -- he can't lead a team in the playoffs. (I admit, if he doesn't have to be the leader, SJ might do well, but that wouldn't have happened in Boston.)

On a travel note, I love Chicago too, but I have only been there in the off-season.

Well, I beg to differ! (not about Joe's leadership, perhaps we need a more vocal leader, and maybe that will be be Jeremy the Loudmouth, but about Joe's "moves" -- if he were so limited, I think the Pacific Division teams we play a jillion times a year would be able to shut him down at least as effectively as the playoff teams, and they can't. Uh-uh. He's the best!!!)

So, as the hijack continues: Capxxx...what's the outlook for the Bruins this year? Do tell.

And have you seen the new Bruins unis? Fortunately, nearly no changes...why change perfection? Love the laces at the top of the sweater. But have you guys seen some of the other NHL teams' new RBK atrocities that are out there? If not, do take a visit to this site and see what some of the new unis look like. http://nhllogos.blogspot.com/ Scroll down past the tournament of logos stuff and all the new jerseys that have been unveiled are listed on the right side. Sharks haven't been revealed yet, but I do like the changes to their logo. Perhaps a more agressive shark will yeild better post-season results, dmlove? ;-)

Will be Chicago starting Tuesday to see my family. My ex-Brother-in-law new people in the Wirtz organization, so I have been to the United Center for a hawks game. It is a bit sterile because it assumes a modern look.
One niece lives across the street from the Sox park so we will go there to be lonely.

Chicago is a great sports town and they deserve better than than the last 40 years of the Hawks.

Joe is an excellent passer and has great hockey instincts. He seems much freer since leaving the Bruins. Gretsky's office was behind the net from which he controlled play. he had a nice little career.

dmlove - current issue of The Hockey News is "Can Joe Thornton Lead the Sharks to The Cup?" I get a digital subscription and will forward the issue to you (and anyone else interested...) if you post your email address.

Audchamp1 - Thanks for mentioning Gretzky's office. Brought back fond memories! Have fun in Chicago. Maybe you can catch a preseason game and get a good look at those rookies!

Lutece, thanks. You can send it to my "alternate" email address, which is [email protected]. Much appreciated!!

Emailed! Hope you enjoy it!

Back on topic, I stayed at the Hilton Chicago and really thought it was great!! I am not someone who normally can afford to stay in "nice" hotels, and this to me was a very nice hotel. Just having a very comfortable, king-sized bed made me happy after getting off a transatlantic flight! The room had a city view, which I also enjoyed - love the sparkle of city lights. It was also really handy having taxis in front of the hotel at all hours, so it was easy to get around wherever, whenever. The free shuttle from the hotel to shopping on Michigan Ave. was also a treat. The only irritating thing was that the hotel bars/restos close when they want, not at posted hours, so you're at the mercy of them being busy or not as to whether you'll find them open later in the evening. Overall, it was a well-appointed, comfortable place to stay.

To answer your question, Lutece: Sigh. Bruins fans hope not to finish at the bottom of the division this year. Some of us dare dream to make the playoffs, but only some. Everyone is depressed about Bergeron's injury and Fernandez's knee.

So did you get to see a Blackhawks game?

capxxx - Yes, I did go to the game, and had absolutely fantastic seats, but the Hawks lost decisively. Bummer for me because they won a bunch of other games during that same stretch, and that happened to be the only one they lost. And although they are losing as I write this, the outlook and buzz for the Hawks is pretty darn good at this particular moment. Kane & Toews (Hawks rookie superstuds) are on the cover of the The Hockey News this week. I'll be following from afar this season, no doubt!