What a Sunday, huh? The Bears, the Sox AND the Blackhawks all won... and the Cubbies almost did it too, losing to the Reds 3-2. Nice 19-16 win by the Bears against the Vikings. The Bears are now one of only four teams that have started 3-0 this season. I have been particularly impressed by Rex Grossman. He still makes some mistakes, but he has been battling back when the going gets tough... the mark of a seasoned pro and a champion. Maybe THIS is the year for the Bears? Let's cross our fingers. The Sox are probably done, but then again if they can "cinch it up and hunker down", plus get a little (o.k... a LOT of) help from the baseball gods, perhaps making the playoffs can still happen. In talking with Sox players Brian Anderson and Rob Mackowiak during some joint public appearances we made at US Cellular stores this past week, I get the feeling the boys are down about things, but not ready to give up. It sure would be exciting if another "Miracle On 35th" is possible. Here's hoping. Last but not least, the Blackhawks are 5-0 in the pre-season. I went to Sunday's game against the Minnesota Wild at the United Center (Minneapolis didn't win THAT game either!) with the Hawks winning 5-2. The team is looking better this year, with a more shooting-intensive approach. It seems to be working since the Hawks out shot the Wild 44 - 27. In fact, had they kept up the aggressive approach of the first two periods instead of getting defensive to protect the lead, the Hawks were on pace to rack up 50 shots on net. Now THAT'S impressive and a very distinct difference from last year. Defensively, Nikolai Khabibulin is playing better (working more with goaltending coach Vladislav Tretiak seems to have paid off), and defenseman Duncan Keith continues to develop into a first rate player. In addition, the Hawks grabbed a great forward in the off-season named Jonathan Toews. He's only 18, but was touted as the best new prospect in the draft. He has elected to finish his schooling first (a wise and mature decision), but will likely add even more offense in the near future as the team continues to rebuild. It's probably not our "season" quite yet, but the team this year looks like it could be a contender and engaging to watch. It would be a welcome change, since last year's team was rather frustrating to watch, losing some 26 games by a one goal margin. This season will be better for another reason as well. There will be seven games at home against four of the "Original Six" heritage teams (that include the Blackhawks) which was lacking since the lockout. Four games against the Detroit Red Wings, and one each with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens. The only team of the six we will not face this year at home will be the New York Rangers. There are three more pre-season games (all on the road) before the regular season begins on the road versus the Nashville Predators October 5th and the home opener with the Columbus Blue Jackets October 7th.