Chicago's Alternative Sports

The Chicago Blackhawks are playing host to the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight. Goaltender Jeff Glass is getting the start for Chicago even though he gave up two goals to the Lightning in a shutout game 2-0 but he did well making 29 stops. Corey Crawford worked out off the ice yesterday and Coach Quenneville says once they get him on the ice the trainers can make a better assessment on when he will return.   The Bulls coming off of a 132-128 double overtime loss to the New Orleans Pelicans are visiting the  Philadelphia 76ers tonight. The Bulls are going into this game with a 18-29 overall record this season.

40 stops for Andrei Vasilevskiy in his national hockey league best seventh shutout. Chris Kunitz had a shorthanded goal which helped the Lightning shutout the Blackhawks 2-0 on Monday night. The Blackhawks host the Maple Leaves on Wednesday.   DeMarcus Cousins had 44 points, 24 rebounds, and 10 assists. Anthony Davis had 34 points helping the Pelicans come back from a 17 point deficit in the final five points of regulation. New Orleans pulled off a win over the Bulls in double overtime with a score of 132-128. Jerian Grant had 22 points and 13 assists, Robin Lopez had 22 points in the loss. The Bulls visit the 76ers on Wednesday.  

The Super Bowl matchup is now set as the Philadelphia Eagles will take on the New England Patriots in Minnesota on February 4. The Pats came back to win the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars after being down at the half. After an impressive fourth quarter performance Tom Brady and Danny Amendola helped New England win 24-20. Philadelphia beat Minnesota yesterday 38-7. Nick Foles had 352 yards in the air and three touchdowns as the Eagles take down the Vikings.   The Bulls visit the New Orleans Pelicans tonight after the road win against Atlanta. The Blackhawks host the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at the United Center.

Chicago Bulls guard Kris Dunn will be out indefinitely he has been placed on the NBA’s concussion protocol due to a fall that occurred against Golden State. Dunn fell awkwardly after a slam dunk. He dislocated his two front teeth, the team says the teeth have been splinted with braces. Tomorrow the Bulls visit the Hawks. Chicago has climbed to 17-28, twelfth in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. Atlanta is tied with Orlando for the fewest wins in the league.   The Blackhawks back at it tomorrow night after their five game NHL mandated break. They’ll host the New York Islanders. New York fell 5-2 at home to the Boston Bruins.   NFL Conference title games this Sunday with Jaguars facing the Patriots in the early game. In the later game will be the Vikings taking on the Eagles.

The Cubs and free agent reliever Brian Duensing have a agreed to a two year seven million dollar deal. The lefty went one and one with a 2.74 ERA in sixty eight appearances for the Cubs last season.   Klay Thompson had 38 points as the Golden State Warriors had their fourteenth straight road win. They took down the Bulls 119-112 last night. Steph Curry had 30 points and Kevin Durant added 19 points. The Warriors have tied with third longest road winning streak in NBA history. Nikola Mirotic had 24 points for Chicago in the loss.   The Blackhawks will host the New York Islanders this Saturday.

The Chicago Bulls are home tonight against the Golden State Warriors. Chicago has won three in a row after they snapped the seven game winning streak of Miami 119-111 this past Monday. Justin Holiday had 7 three pointers and 25 points scored against the Heat. The Warriors lead the NBA with a record of 36-9, they’ve won three in a row. Golden State is an incredible 20-3 away from home.   The Blackhawks are enjoying some time off because the mandatory bye week. Chicago is 22-17-6 so far this season. They are 5-4-1 on their last ten games. Right now they sit at the bottom of the NHL’s Central Division. They are only 9 points away from leader Winnipeg.   College hoops last night, Buffalo ripped through Northern Illinois 95-67. Tonight 9-9 Illinois State plays host to Bradley. Tonight has Southern Illinois at Loyola.

Miami’s seven game winning streak is over thanks to Zach LaVine’s 18 points and the Bulls’ 16 three pointers in a 119-111 win over the Heat. Justin Holiday had a record 7 three pointers, he finished with 25 points in Chicago’s third consecutive win. The Bulls are twelfth overall in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. They improve to 17-27 with this victory.   The Blackhawks are preparing to host the New York Islanders this Saturday. All the NHL teams are getting a five day break. The Blackhawks have dropped to the bottom of the Central Division with a record of 22-17-6.

The Bulls play host to Miami this afternoon. Chicago has won two in a row. Nikola Mirotic returned to action this past Saturday and had 16 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block. He made 6 of 13 shots with 4 three pointers in 22 minutes. Zach LaVine in his long awaited debut had 14 points with 5 of 9 shooting, 3 three pointers and 2 assists in 19 minutes. Tip off is at 2:30pm at the United Center.   Anthony Mantha and Tyler Bertuzzi each had a goal and an assist as the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks 4-0 on Sunday. Petr Mrazek made 27 saves in net, it was his second shut out of his season and twelfth in his career. 22 saves for the Jeff Glass in the loss. Chicago is off until this Saturday when they host the New York Islanders.

The Chicago Blackhawks are coming off of a loss to the Minnesota Wild 2-1 at home this past Wednesday night. They host Winnipeg tonight. The Jets are number one in the central division in the NHL they have a record of 26-11-7, they’ve won three in a row and seven of their last ten. The Blackhawks are sixth in the division and eleven points behind Winnipeg   The White Sox have agreed to a 4.75 million dollar one year deal with pitcher Miguel Gonzalez. They’re bringing back the right hander after trading him late last season. The 33 year old was 8-13 with a 4.62 ERA in thirty three starts with both Chicago and Texas.   The Bulls are digging out of the bottom half the NBA’s eastern conference. Chicago is home tomorrow night against the seventh place Pistons who are just 9-13 away from home. Zach LaVine is making his Bulls debut after his knee rehab.

Lauri Markkanen scored his season high with 33 points as the Bulls beat the Knicks 122-119 Wednesday night. Nikola Mirotic sat out his second consecutive game with an illness. Chicago snapped a four game losing streak in New York and a two game skid over all. Zach LaVine schedules to make his Bulls debut Saturday against Detroit. He has been recovering from ACL surgery.   It’ll be the Marlins hosting the Cubs in this year’s Major League opener March the 29th. It’s the earliest start in the sports history. Every team is scheduled to play the same day for the first time since 1968.   The Blackhawks and Coyotes have worked out a four player trade that sends Anthony Duclair to Chicago. Blackhawks receive defenseman Adam Clendening and sent Richard Panik to Arizona. 25 saves in net for Anton Forsberg and a goal for Brent Seabrook but the Minnesota Wild shut down the Blackhawks 2-1 last night. With that loss Chicago is two points behind the Wild in the western conference standings.

Blackhawks had an 8-2 victory last against the Senators. Nick Schmaltz and Jonathan Toews each had a pair of goals. Patrick Kane had a goal and 4 assists. Richard Panik, Patrick Sharp, and Jan Rutta also had goals and at goalie was Anton Forsberg with 25 saves in net. Chicago will host the Wild tonight.   The Bulls visit the Knicks tonight. Chicago has lost two in a row and six out of their last ten games. The Knicks aren’t doing much better with losing seven out of their recent ten games.   New Bears coach Matt Nagy says he is here for the entire Bears organization not just to develop Mitch Trubisky. Chicago is looking forward to next season.

The Chicago Bears have hired Matt Nagy as their new head coach. He spent last season as the Chiefs offensive coordinator and has been working under Andy Reid for the past ten years in both Philadelphia and Kansas City. Nagy received praise for his measuring of quarterback Alex Smith, he’ll have the task of developing Mitch Trubisky in Chicago.   Eric Gordon and Chris Paul each had 24 points and 9 assists, Gerald Green had 22 points for the Rockets as they beat the Bulls 116-107 Monday night. Bobby Portis lead Chicago with 22 points. Denzel Valentine and Kris Dunn each had 19 points but Chicago lost for the fifth time in six games.   The Blackhawks visit the Senators tonight. Chicago is last in the NHL central division but just 11 points off leader Winnipeg. Ottawa has won two in a row and the Blackhawks are coming off of a 4-1 victory over the Oilers.   Alabama beat Georgia 26-23 in overtime last night to win their fifth national championship since 2009 under Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide rolled back from a 13

Anton Forsberg made 32 stops, Nick Schmaltz and Alan Debrincat scored in the first period. The Blackhawks beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-1 improving Chicago to 20-15-6. This was their first home win since defeating the Minnesota Wild 4-1 back December 17.   The Bears are interviewing Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy for the head coaching position. Nagy spent ten seasons under Andy Reid in Philadelphia and Kansas City. The Chiefs won the AFC West only to blow an eighteen point halftime lead in a playoff loss to Tennessee on Saturday. Chicago has also spoken with Philadelphia’s quarterback coach John DeFilippo, Minnesota and New England offensive coordinators Pat Shurmur and Josh McDaniels as well Vikings defense coordinator George Edwards.

The Dodgers, White Sox, and Royals pulled off a three team deal involving major league relievers and minor league prospects. Las Angeles gets lefty Scott Alexander and minor league infielder Jake Peter. Chicago gets veteran relievers Luis Avilan and Joakim Soria along with some cash. Kansas City gets pitcher Trevor Oaks and infielder Erick Mejia in the deal.   Zach LaVine is heading to Dallas and Indiana this weekend. He will be evaluated by coaches, doctors, and trainers when the Bulls come back from their road trip. Chicago has now lost three in a row they’re just 4-15 away from the United Center this season.   NFL wild card action tomorrow with the Titans visit the Chiefs while the Falcons are in Las Angeles facing the Rams. On Sunday the Bills visit Jacksonville and the Saints are at home against the Panthers.   The Blackhawks host the Golden Knights tonight. Vegas is coming off of a 2-1 loss against St. Louis and Blackhawks beat the New York Rangers 5-2 this past Wednesday.

DeMar DeRozan had 35 points, Delon Wright set career highs with 25 points and 13 rebounds as the Toronto Raptors beat the Chicago Bulls 124-115 Wednesday night. Justin Holiday lead Chicago with 26 points. Lauri Markkanen had 22 points and 12 rebounds. Nikola Mirotic had 20 points but the Bulls dropped their third in a row. Zach LaVine will travel with the Bulls to games in Dallas and Indiana on Friday and Saturday. Head Coach Fred Hoiberg said the two time slam dunk champion will meet with doctors, trainers and coaches after the Bulls return home.   The Chicago Blackhawks scored three unanswered goals when they topped the New York Rangers 5-2 Wednesday night. Patrick Kane, Nick Schmaltz, and Jonathan Toews each finished with a goal and an assist to support Jeff Glass. He made 23 saves since his third start since Corey Crawford was placed on injured reserves. Patrick Sharp eventually scored the game winning goal early in the third period for the Blackhawks who host Las Vegas on Friday.

The Chicago Bulls will host the Toronto tonight. The Raptors have won two in a row, their second in the eastern conference with a 25-10 record. The Bulls have dropped to 13-24 and have lost two in a row. Zach Levine has had no complications with his knee rehab. If he continues on this pace he’ll be back on the court mid January.   The Blackhawks visit the Rangers tonight. Chicago has dropped to the bottom of the central division with an 18-14-6 record. New York is coming off an overtime win in the Winter Classic Monday. 32 year old Jeff Glass will get the nod and be in net a third time now. He’s defending against pucks since Corey Crawford has been out with an upper body injury.

NCAA college football bowl games get underway tonight #5 Ohio State collides with USC in the Cotton Bowl Classic. In the Music City Bowl it’s #21 Northwestern taking on Kentucky. NC State and Arizona State face off in the Sun Bowl. It will be Wake Forest and Texas A&M in The Belk Bow. In the Arizona Bowl New Mexico State takes on Utah State. NFL this weekend Atlanta can clinch the final NFC wildcard spot with a win at home over the Panthers, they’ll also clinch if Seattle looses to the Cardinals. In the AFC the Chargers and Bills are still clinging to life chasing Tennessee. The Titans end the conversation with a win at home against Oakland. College hoops tonight has #2 Michigan State against Cleveland State. #7 West Virginia is going up against Oklahoma State. #11 Kansas is challenging the Longhorns in Texas. #16 Kentucky is protecting home court against Louisville. #18 Baylor heads to Lubbock taking on Texas Tech.

On December 2nd the college football playoff committee released their final four teams for the playoffs. No surprises with the top three as conference champs Georgia, Clemson, and Oklahoma were selected. Alabama has the fourth seat over Ohio State despite not winning their division. The crimson tide faces Clemson in the Sugar Bowl while the bull dogs meet the Sooners in the Rose Bowl. On December 9th this year’s Heisman Trophy was awarded to Baker Mayfield. He beat both Stamford running back Brice Love and Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Oklahoma quarterback is the sixth winner of trophy in the school’s history.

Here are some of the top sports stories of 2017. On January 9th the Clemson Tigers won the NCAA college football championship defeating Alabama 35-31 in Tampa Florida. The Tigers scored 21 points in the fourth quarter including the winning score with just a second remaining. On February 4th the New England Patriots brought down the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime to win Super Bowl 51 in Houston. The Falcons dominated most of the game but the Pats and Tom Brady came roaring back in the fourth quarter with 19 points and then won it when James White scored with just two yards out. On February 28 Kurt Busch caught the checkered flag at the Daytona 500 as the NASCAR Monster energy series got under way.

Bears and Browns face off this Sunday. Cleveland is looking to prevent a winless season. DeShone Kizer will be the starting quarterback for the Browns. As for Chicago linebacker Pernell McPhee has been placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury that will end his season. Denzel Valentine had 16 points and 10 rebounds, Nikola Miratic had 15 points in the Bulls seventh straight win, they beat the Magic 112-94. This winning streak started when Miratic returned from his injuries on December 8th and matches their longest winning streak in three years. Blackhawks are looking to continue their five game winning streak tonight in Dallas when they take on the Stars.