Is it us?

[LonghornBob]

There's no question that in football "home field" advantage is big. Bookies put it at a field goal or better.

In basketball it's huge.

In baseball not only do you have the crowd (which is occasionally important) but you get last at-bat.

In hockey it hasn't ever seemed to mean as much. I've seen games in Dallas and Florida and Phoenix and you might as well be on neutral ice. Hell, even Pittsburgh didn't impress me.

I have noticed though that we're 5-0-2 at home and haven't lost a game in regulation. From Jim singing the anthem to our rowdy crowd I think the Madhouse on Madison is one of the few places where "home ice" really means anything. You can argue places like Philly and the Shark Tank and so forth but in general I'm no more scared of a team on the road than I am at home, and you KNOW that teams DO NOT want to play in Chicago.

I think it's time to give ourselves a little credit...

 

[Everyday I'm Byfuglien]

I would say maybe, but they were pretty shitty on home ice last year.

Of course that team last year had more than a few issues..

 

[Jntg4]

Loving having the #1 seed right now.
:yeah:

All thanks to Stalberg for those last 2 wins to put us on top. :hi5:

 

[Everyday I'm Byfuglien]

Thought about this some more, and I hate to say it, but I think the fans in Vancouver are absolutely ape shit during games. They showed that they're apeshit after games, but that building in the playoffs (when their team is ahead) that place sounds like a warzone.

Toronto and Montreal seem pretty good just from what I can gather on TV. Canada. Go figure.

Washington too- they always have good, loud crowds.

I've been to a handful of games in Denver, including a few playoff games, and those crowds are a lot like the people in Denver- pretty laid back. People have told me its because so many people that live there aren't originally from there so they're not totally nuts for the local teams (Broncos excluded). Makes sense to me and it certainly explains how they can have an actual Detroit Redwings bar within walking distance of the Pepsi Center. Can you imagine someone trying to open a Wings themed bar on West Madison?

One thing I'll definitely credit the Hawks with and it's something I've kinda taken for granted over the years- they have a good in game presentation at the UC. The anthem, shoot the puck, the squirt shoot outs, Gene Honda... it's nothing revolutionary or super special, but it's a strong show regardless (minus Tommy Hawk... that son of a *****).

However, they could really use more Frank Pellico. Cut some of the shit-rock (and the need to play Sandstorm before every powerplay... ****) and let Frank loose. I remember talking to him when they completely cut him out of the games (right after Rocky took over) and he said that a lot of people noticed he was gone and they were upset. Moral of the story- people dig organ music at a game. Philly has a great player and they use him a lot. Ditto for St Louis and I seem to remember the Kings having a fair amount of organ music too. I know the Hawks aren't looking to replace their goal song any time soon, but remember when Frank would play after a goal? That was great.

 

[LonghornBob]

I know this is off the topic I started but speaking of Stalberg, I owe him an apology. That last goal was money and he has gotten it going in a strong way.

 

[Dementia]

THE HOUSE THAT JORDAN BUILT IS A FORTRESS!!

lol captain capslock moment.