For the fourth time this season (and second in the playoffs), “Blackhawks Jim” invited me to attend last night’s Game 4 between the Vancouver Canucks and the Chicago Blackhawks. As usual, I was planning to purchase tickets on the day of the game. This is another example of why I wait to buy tickets sporting events unless I have to. You never know who might invite you at the last minute.

Pre Game Dining
I met “Blackhawks Jim” and his friends at CrossRoads Bar & Grill located at 1120 W. Madison St. CrossRoads has a $5 glass of wine special on Thursday nights, which in my opinion is better than paying $6 for a beer at the same place.

The Game
In a “must win” game for the Blackhawks, Martin Havlat scored the game tying goal with 2:44 left in the third period to send the game to overtime. Last night’s game was the fifth overtime playoff game I have attended and the second in this year’s playoffs.

During the 15 minute intermission between the end of regulation and overtime, “Blackhawks Jim” and I hung out in the Ketel One Club behind where our seats were located. The Blackhawks scored 2 minutes and 52 seconds into overtime as Andrew Ladd scored the game winning goal to even the series at 2 games apiece.

Post Game
After the game we stopped in at the Beer Bistro, which used to be our pre game restaurant before it started to get crowded. Beer Bistro’s beer of the month is Okocim for $4.