from Dirk Hoag of On The Forecheck,

The controversial aspect of this plan involves bundling each single-game ticket for a Chicago Blackhawks matchup (Saturday November 16, Tuesday December 17, and Saturday April 12) with the purchase of a ticket to another game. So if you're planning a trip from the Windy City, you can either make another trip to Smashville during the season (a great idea, obviously) or find a way to dispose of that ticket.

Is this a ploy to keep Blackhawks fans from invading Bridgestone Arena en masse, as they have done on a few occasions since they returned to prominence with their 2010 Stanley Cup championship?

Maybe, maybe not. My impression is that it's more about making those out-of-towners open their wallets a little bit extra to make the trip to Smashville.

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