Blackhawks' air of confidence has this believer convinced

I've got a feeling about these Blackhawks.

And I think they do, too.

There seems to be quite an air of confidence about them lately, like they not only think, they know they can do it again.

And there's no way I'm going to doubt them.

Perfect timing:

This stretch without Toews and Kaner in the lineup might just be the best thing that's happened, that is, providing both come back healthy.

So, to summarize ...

The big boppers return fresh and hungry, meanwhile the depth guys, thanks to increased ice time, have found a new level of confidence in their absence.

Add in a much, much healthier Marian Hossa than we saw at the end of last year's run, and the rounding into form of Bryan Bickell, and, well ...

Just sayin'.

I know, I know:

People are hopping on the "wouldn't want to be playing Colorado" bus right now, but I'm thinking they ought to be looking at the Hawks that way.

On a totally different topic:

Has any sandwich ever had a more obtuse, more intriguing series of ad campaigns than the Filet-O-Fish?

Can you imagine:

Being in the room with the guys who came up with these beauties?

All I can say is I'll have what they're having.

Changing of the guard:

It's only been one day of The Masters, but so far I'm not missing Tiger Woods much at all.

The leaderboard right now certainly won't wow the socks off anyone, but it's early and the bigger names will eventually creep their way up over the weekend.

I think.

And even if they don't:

We've got ourselves the making of an early Good vs. Cranky showdown setting up in Adam Scott vs. Bubba Watson.

I know:

Bubba has a big following, and the former Masters champ can hit the snot out of the ball, but his body language - especially when he's putting - absolutely drives me bonkers.

Cannot watch the guy.

Horse for the course:

That would be Freddie Couples at Augusta.

Speaking of horses:

Maybe it's the winter we just went through, or the potholes, or the traffic or all of it combined, but this spring - more than ever - just driving by Arlington in the morning and seeing the horses working out has been extra good for the soul.

You gotta go:

The last time Joel Quenneville spoke about his horse Midnight Hawk, he said even though it had the points to go, it was 'doubtful' he'd run him in the Kentucky Derby.

I know Q and the connections are worried about the longer distance, but, c'mon, this is the Derby! How many of these opportunities will you have in a lifetime?

Send him.

You never know what might happen.

Ugh:

This Avisail Garcia injury bums me out big time.

Absolutely love the way the guy plays.

Not fair.

Just wondering:

As I was driving to the UC the other day, it occurred to me that I must have missed the announcement concerning the opening of shoulder-riding season on our highways.

What in the name of Cale Yarborough is going on?

Seriously great:

Andrew Shaw's "His name is Steve!" is pure genius.

Gets me every time.

No sugarcoating it:

"I played like a moron."

- Craig Stadler after his opening-round 82 at The Masters on Thursday.