Now that the big game is upon us, what comes next for Chicago fans? We will watch the Packers and Steelers battle it out for the Lombardi trophy, laugh at some funny commercials and scorn distastefully at others. We will frown each time the announcers mention Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears, and run to check our football squares to get away from it. On our way back to the TV we will grab a bowl full of chili, an appetizer, and our favorite beer. Once it's all over what do we have to look forward to?
Chicago Bulls
Derrick Rose leads the Bulls on a playoff run with expectations higher than they have been since the Jordan years. Noah returns to action soon, and the Bulls will work on getting that chemistry going deep into 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 2/24 - NBA Trade Deadline 2 p.m. CT
Friday 3/11 - 1st game of back to back vs. Atlanta
Saturday 3/12 - 2nd game of back to back vs. Utah
Thursday 4/7Boston - possible #1 or #2 seed on the line
Friday 4/15 - Playoffs begin - matchups TBD
NCAA Tournament
Everyone's favorite gambling event of the year. Get your brackets in on March 16th and don't be late!
Tuesday 3/15 - Play in Games
Thursday 3/17 - St. Paddy's Day - The real NCAA action beings
Saturday 4/2 - Final Four begins Monday 4/4 - Championship Game
MLB
The new season will be upon us sooner than we'll know it. Can the Cubs over achieve? Can Matt Garza be a true #1 starter? Will the White Sox live up to their new found power, Mr. Dunn? Who is going to close for the White Sox? All these are questions we can't wait to find out the answers to.
Sunday 2/27 - Cubs Spring Training Opener
Monday 2/28 - White Sox Spring Training Opener
Friday 4/1 - Cubs Home Opener/Opening Day White Sox
Thursday 4/7 - White Sox Home Opener
Chicago Blackhawks
As of February 6th, the Blackhawks are 11th in the Western Conference. 2 points behind Los Angeles for the 8th seed, and 1 point behind Minnesota and Calgary. The Hawks will have to step it up to make a run for the playoffs. Here are some upcoming games that could really make a difference. Mark these down as must wins as they make their playoff push.
Monday 2/7 - Calgary Flames - 1pt up on Hawks
Saturday 2/12 - Phoenix Coyotes- 3pts up on Hawks
Wednesday 2/16 - Minnesota Wild - 1 pt up on Hawks
Sunday 2/27 - Phoenix Coyotes - 3pts up on Hawks
Monday 2/28 - Minnesota Wild - 1pt up on Hawks
NFL
The ongoing story to watch will be the NFL negotiations with the players union. I am extremely interested to see how they structure the rookie salaries for 2011 and beyond. This should be a big help to teams trying to get out of the basement. I think the Detroit Lions would agree. A rookie wage scale would also increase profits across the league instantly.
Friday 3/4 - Collective Bargaining Agreement Expires
Thursday 4/28 - 1st Round of 2011 NFL Draft
The NFL draft is the most entertaining of all the professional sports drafts. Teams can make a huge impact on their team by drafting well. The Bears have not drafted well in the past, but this season I expect them to be more offensive minded. If there Bears learned anything this year it is that they need some weapons and protection for Jay Cutler.
Copyright (c) 2011 Ryan Hagensee
Ryan Hagensee is the owner of http://www.sportsfanchicago.com and is an advocate for the Chicago sports fans. He writes specifically about Chicago sports teams and the issues they are facing. The main focuses are the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, Bears, Cubs, and White Sox. Sports fans are also allowed to comment on articles and start new discussions.
