As soon as we were done eating at El Mariachi, I left to meet Blackhawks Jim before the Chicago Blackhawks opening playoff game.

Pre Game Dining
We were supposed to meet at Crossroads Bar & Grill, but with a long wait, we met at Plush instead.  Plush is next door to Crossroads at 1104 W. Madison St.  This was not the best decision.  The Ultimate Sports Wife and I went to Plush a few years ago after a Chicago Bulls game and we vowed not to go back before or after an event at the United Center.  And, after yesterday, my sentiment remains the same.  Even though we could sit outside, the service was slow and the place does not have the same atmosphere as other bars and restaurants in the area.

Beg, Borrow and Deal
Tickets for the Blackhawks playoff games have been above face value throughout the week leading up to their first game.  However, as usual, ticket prices began to fall as game time approached so I was expecting to pay around face value for a ticket to the game.

I started out in front of Gates 2 and 3; continued walking passed Gate 4 to the other side of the United Center.  I did not find any extra tickets immediately so I started to think I may have to walk down Madison St.  Instead, I ran into a scalper who had a single.  He offered it for $60 and I countered by offering face value which was $55.  He accepted – a small savings, but savings nonetheless.

In the end, I still saved money by not buying tickets ahead of time.  Face value for the same sitting area through Ticketmaster was $65 (plus at least $10 in Ticketmaster.com fees).

The Chicago Cubs and the Game
Before the game and during intermissions, I went down to Blackhawks Jim’s seats.  Someone pointed out that the entire Chicago Cubs team was sitting in the luxury box just above his seats so I snapped this picture with Cubs manager Lou Piniella.  Some folks on the internet mentioned that the Cubs cursed the Blackhawks in their first playoff game.

However, I offer another suggestion for the Blackhawks jinx in Game 1.  With 10:53 remaining in the third period and the game tied at one goal apiece, I decided I would buy an overtime beer.  Remember, beer sales at the United Center end with 10 minutes left in the third period for hockey.  I ordered the beer before the 10 minute cut-off, but did not complete my purchase until 9:23 was left in the third period – the exact time J.P. Dumont scored the Predators second goal.  After that it was all downhill for the Blackhawks who allowed two empty net goals to make the final score Predators 4, Blackhawks 1.