Shaw Media sports copy editor Kevin Murphy picks his top sports events to watch this weekend:
DON’T MISS IT
Pro hockey: Blackhawks at Dallas, 7 p.m. today, CSN
OK ... so the Hawks are finally on a winning streak again. Seriously... Hawks fans have been spoiled this season. The Hawks (22-2-2) get another somewhat easier opponent in Dallas tonight. The Stars (12-11-3) are fifth in the Pacific Division and lost to the Hawks, 3-2 in overtime, earlier this season. This game is the second in a four-game road trip for the Hawks.
Goaltending was much better against Columbus on Thursday night. After giving up 12 goals during the losing streak, Corey Crawford gave up only one goal to the Blue Jackets and stopped two of three shootout goals.
Men’s college basketball, Big Ten Conference, championship, teams TBD, at Chicago, 2:30 p.m., CBS
Yes, it’s the Sunday of Division I college basketball tournament finals. If this game, whoever’s in it, is anything like the rest of the Big Ten season, be sure to stick around for a crazy finish. Odds are Indiana and Michigan State are likely to clash for the title.
But crazier things have happened in the Big Ten this season.
SET THE DVR
Men’s college basketball: NCAA Division I tournament, Selection Show, at Indianapolis, 5 p.m., Sunday, CBS
Brackets revealed. Who’s in? Who’s out? Whose bubble burst? Can a 16-seed beat a 1-seed for the first time?
You’ll want to DVR just to see the reaction of the young college basketball players making the NCAA Tournament. And there’s a gluttony on March Madness analysis to help you fill out the brackets. Good luck.
And if your favorite team or alma mater didn’t make to the Big Dance, check out the NIT Selection Show, 8 p.m., Sunday on ESPNU.
CATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS LATER
Men’s basketball: Mid-American Conference, championship, teams TBD, at Cleveland, 5:30 p.m. today, ESPN2
The Ohio Bobcats are favored to reach the final after playing Western Michigan in the semifinals.
Do you remember Ohio from last season?
Here’s a refresher: John Groce is now the Illinois coach, but Ohio senior D.J. Cooper is having another phenomenal season for the Bobcats.
Cooper pushed the Bobcats to the Sweet 16 last season before falling in overtime to North Carolina.
Oh, and another reason to root for this mid-major? Broadcaster’s Clark Kellogg son, Nick, is on the Bobcats.
OF NOTE
Men’s gymnastics, Minnesota, Iowa at Nebraska, 7 p.m. today, BTN
Check out Batavia graduate Angelo Bronzino competing for Iowa on national TV.
Also, West Aurora graduate Doug Sullivan competes for the Hawkeyes.
Sullivan’s father wrestled at Northern Illinois and Sullivan trained at the St. Charles Gymnastics Academy.
• Agree? Disagree? Is someone from the Kane County Chronicle coverage area going to be on TV? Let Kevin Murphy know at kmurphy@shawmedia.com.
