As the Blackhawks head back to Chicago for game three of the Western Conference Finals, I assume that everyone around town has already hopped on the bandwagon. The feeling I had while watching the Hawks throughout the season, and this year's playoffs, is indescribable. The hockey that these guys are playing is unbelievable. It doesn't matter who the team is, how big they are, how fast they are, or how strong they are, the Hawks find a way to get the job done and win.
This team has no fear of anyone, and Dave Bolland proved that in game two against the Sharks. After Joe Thornton slashed him prior to the faceoff, Bolland didn't back down and continued to shadow Thornton for the remainder of the third period - he probably got on his nerves a little bit, that is until Thornton had Bolland in a headlock. Like I said, it doesn't matter how big or strong the other team is, the Hawks still fight and come out on top.
I can do nothing but smile while watching Niemi in net. He's an absolute stud! The saves he makes are unbelievable, sprawling across the net, using every lim and inch of his body. And he is only a rookie! When I see the "History will be made" commercials for the NHL, one commercial stands out. The Patrick Roy, "what if Roy played like a rookie?" Whenever that commercial airs, I think, what if Niemi played like a rookie? Is this the year? I believe so.
Our offense is ridiculous. Patty Kane is surgical with his stick, and he can slide through the smallest spaces and slap the puck to his teammate with ease. Toews will go down as one of the best centers and captains to ever play the game, and he is only 22. Eleven straight post season games with a point - that is impressive. Sharpie has been outstanding on the ice, physically and mentally. He and Hossa are so smart on the ice and even when they may not put the biscuit in the basket, they do the little things that result in goals. Steeger has moves as good as anyone else on the ice, and not to mention, one of the better playoff beards on the team. I'm a big Eager fan. He is afraid of no one. He talks trash all games and uses his body as well as anyone else playing.
This team is so much fun to watch and root for. After many years of forgotten hockey in the city of Chicago - having to root for the Chicago Wolves for years because they were the only team that could win in Chicago - the wait has been well worth it. There are not many organizations and cities that have a team like the Hawks do this year, and hopefully, for many years to come. It's a gift to be able to watch a team play hockey the way they do.
On that note, go Hawks! Game three will be just as good as the first two of the series, tonight, and hopefully the Hawks get one game closer to lifting the greatest trophy in all of sports - Lord Stanley's Cup.
One last thing - it's a shame that one of Chicago's great hockey players won't root for the Hawks. Jeremy Roenick is still bitter about his departure from the Hawks in '96. He's an analyst so he calls the game how he sees it, but if someone held a gun to his head and made him pick a team to root for, JR said it would be the Sharks.
Go Hawks!
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