Last night was the Chicago Blackhawks first playoff game in seven years and their second playoff series since 1997.

Obtaining Tickets
For the third time this season, my “first cousin once removed,” who at this point we will call “Blackhawks Jim,” invited me to the game with his friend’s season tickets.

Pre Game Dining
The plan was to meet “Blackhawks Jim” and his wife and daughter at our usual pre-game meeting place – The Beer Bistro, which has $5 martinis and ½ priced appetizers on Thursday nights. However, the Beer Bistro was too crowded and did not have a place to sit. Thus, we crossed the street to The CrossRoads Bar & Grill (located at 1120 W. Madison St.) – a new establishment this season.

Crossroads has a “home cooking” menu. I had the Thanksgiving Turkey sandwich with Celery Stuffing. Other interesting items on the menu include deviled eggs and hush puppies. On Thursday nights, CrossRoads has a $5 glass of wine special.

The Game
On April 19, 1996, I also saw the Blackhawks host the Calgary Flames in a playoff game. Last night, with every fan receiving a red playoff towel upon entering the United Center, the Blackhawks defeated the Flames in the third quickest overtime period in NHL playoff history. Twelve seconds into OT, Martin Havlat scored the game winner. The NHL record is nine seconds set by Brian Skrudland for Montreal on May 18, 1996. J.P. Parise of the N.Y. Islanders scored at 11 seconds of OT in 1975 and Pit Martin of Chicago also scored at 12 seconds in 1972.

During the 17 minute intermission between regulation and overtime, “Blackhawks Jim” and I discovered you could purchase drinks from the Ketel One Club even though alcohol sales are cut off in the rest of the United Center. We figured we would have awhile before a goal would be score. Oh well!

Chicago Bears newly acquired QB, Jay Cutler, dropped the ceremonial “first” puck, while Bears offensive tackle Chris Williams participated in the Blackhawks shoot-the-puck contest between the 2nd and 3rd periods. Also in attendance, were Bears Earl Bennett, Caleb Hanie and Israel Idonije.