Now that the big game is upon us, what’s next for Chicago fans? We’ll watch the Packers and Steelers fight for the Lombardi trophy, laugh at some funny commercials and sneer at others. We’ll frown every time the announcers mention Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears, and we’ll run to check our football squares to steer clear of it. On our way back to the TV, we’ll have a bowl full of chili, an appetizer, and our favorite beer. Once it’s all over, what do we have to wait for?
Chicago Bulls
Derrick Rose leads the Bulls into a playoff run with expectations higher than they’ve been since the Jordan years. Noah returns to action soon, and the Bulls will work to deepen that chemistry in the playoffs. Here are some key dates to take a look at.
Sunday 2/20 – Derrick Rose All-Star Game Starter
Thursday 2/24 – A healthy Miami comes to Chicago
Thursday, February 24: NBA trade deadline at 2 pm CT
Friday 11/3 – 1st game of back to back vs. atlanta
Saturday 12/3 – 2nd game of back to back vs. Utah
Thursday 7/4 Boston – possible #1 or #2 seed on the line
Friday 4/15 – Playoffs Begin – TBD Matchups
NCAA Tournament
Everyone’s favorite gaming event of the year. Get your brackets on March 16 and don’t be late!
Tuesday 3/15 – Play in Games
Thursday 3/17 – St. Paddy’s Day – NCAA’s True Beings of Action
Saturday 4/2 – Final Four begins Monday 4/4 – Championship Game
MLB
The new season will be upon us before we know it. Can the Cubs do more? Can Matt Garza be a true #1 starter? Will the White Sox live up to their new power, Mr. Dunn? Who’s going to close for the White Sox? These are all questions we can’t wait to find the answers to.
Sunday 2/27 – Cubs Spring Training Opener
Monday 2/28 – White Sox Spring Training Opening
Friday 1/4 – Cubs Home Opening/White Sox Opening Day
Thursday 7/4 – White Sox Home Opening
Chicago Blackhawks
As of February 6, the Blackhawks are ranked 11th in the Western Conference. 2 points behind Los Angeles for the eighth seed and 1 point behind Minnesota and Calgary. The Hawks will have to step up to make a playoff run. Here are some upcoming games that could really make a difference. Mark them as must wins as you progress through the playoffs.
Monday 7/2 – Calgary Flames – 1 point lead over Hawks
Saturday 2/12 – Phoenix Coyotes- 3 points over Hawks
Wednesday 2/16 – Minnesota Wild – 1 point lead over Hawks
Sunday 2/27 – Phoenix Coyotes – 3 points over Hawks
Monday 2/28 – Minnesota Wild – 1 point lead over Hawks
nfl
The ongoing story to follow will be the NFL’s negotiations with the players’ union. I’m very interested to see how they structure rookie salaries for 2011 and beyond. This should be a big help for teams trying to get out of the basement. I think the Detroit Lions would agree. A rookie salary scale would also increase earnings across the league instantly.
Friday 3/4 – Expiration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Thursday 4/28 – 1st Round of the 2011 NFL Draft
The NFL draft is the most entertaining of all professional sports drafts. Teams can have a big impact on your team if they write well. The Bears haven’t drafted well in the past, but this season I expect them to be more offensive-minded. If the Bears learned anything this year, it’s that they need some weapons and protection for Jay Cutler.
