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For those overly excited or overly depressed by the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 victory Saturday (June 1) against the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 of their Western Conference finals, it’s only one game — in what many experts expect to be at least a six-game series. Until the Kings win a game road (while not losing a contest in L.A.), the chances of the Hawks reaching the Stanley Cup finals remain overwhelming.
This poster pretty much says it all.
* Speaking of the Hawks, the Associated Press reported there was no shoot-the-puck contest after the second period because the NHL wants to maintain ideal ice conditions. Commissioner Gary Bettman couldn’t be that dumb, could he? That’s a rhetorical question, folks. On the bright side, such silliness does provide a reason to run a photo of a Blackhawks Ice Crew member (as if there ever needs justification/rationalization for doing so).
* Speaking of postseason play, with the Indiana Pacers’ 91-77 victory Saturday in Game 6 forcing a Game 7 Monday in Miami against the Heat for the Eastern Conference title, Chicago Bulls fans — among others — can take some satisfaction in knowing the Heat is not having an easy time repeating as NBA champion. Heat management and the folks running the NBA can take more than a little satisfaction in knowing the game will bring in more money.
* Speaking of Game 6, Grant Hill announced his retirement on TNT before the contest. You mean he wasn’t already? Injuries may have been the most enduring theme in his 19-season career, but there is much to be said for his talent level and his perseverance. It’s doubtful anyone worked harder to come back from injury. Or had reason to work more frequently.
* Probably the best part of Chicago Cubs manager Dale Sveum’s night at Wrigley Field was being tossed in the second inning of the rain-delayed game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Meaning he was not on hand to be an eyewitness to the grand slam Carlos Marmol gave up to Paul Goldschmidt to break a 4-4 tie in what became a 12-4 loss. Not sure who was responsible for the Cubs playing the infield in in the top of the ninth inning with a runner on third (a sacrifice fly scored the run anyway for a 10-4 lead).
* There’s nothing more exciting than a walkoff winner in baseball (OK, so actually there is, but we’re trying to make a point here). Well, with the possible exception of the way the Oakland A’s-White Sox game ended with Oakland prevailing on a bases-loaded walk for a 10-inning, 4-3 victory. On a 3-1 pitch from Hector Santiago that Josh Reddick had no intention of swinging at. And, yes, the editorial staff at elliottharris.com is aware that a preposition is something writers are not supposed to end sentences with.
Elena Delle Donne is off to a much better WNBA start than Skylar Diggins.
* Depending on how large the Notre Dame contingent might be for the Chicago Sky-Tulsa Shock game, Sky rookie Elena Delle Donne (No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 draft) might not have the most vocal backing during pregame player introductions. The reason is former Irish standout Skylar Diggins of the Tulsa Shock (No. 3 overall pick in the 2013 draft).
* Speaking of Diggins, the pregame might be about the only time there’s a reason to cheer for her. She has struggled as the Shock is off to an 0-3 start with two overtime losses. She is averaging 5.3 assists per game and 4.7 turnovers per game. Diggins’ shooting from the field: 4-of-13, 4-of-15 and 2-of-11. The mathematical calculation department at elliottharris.com believes that is 26 percent shooting to Delle Donne’s 48 percent accuracy.
* Speaking of the Sky, the team is holding a Food Truck Festival before Sunday’s game. Featured will be food from several Chicagoland food trucks, including Toasty Cheese, Raging Kitchen and The Slide Ride, among others. The event is to begin at 3 p.m. and last till 4:30 in the north parking lot at Allstate Arena in Rosemont. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Illinois No Kid Hungry Campaign.
OK, here we go with our daily dose of non-gratuitous video — thanks to the editorial and video departments at elliottharris.com (and their broad definition of “gratuitous”):
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