I already mentioned that I don't really know enough about hockey but...it doesn't take an expert to tell you how awesome that game was last night. I was writing my blog last night during the first two periods and had the game summary up in my web browser. 1-0 Hawks, 1-1, 2-1 Hawks, 3-1 (feeling REALLY good at this point), then 3-2, 3-3 (what's going on here?), and that's where the 2nd period finished up. I'm thinking OK, we're still at home, the crowd is still NUTS, we can do this and punch our ticket to the conference finals for the first time since 1995. Then I started thinking about the 2003 Cubs - NO get those HORRIBLE thoughts out of your head man!
It didn't take long but there it was - a stupid penalty for too many men on the ice (really?). Mats Sundin made it 4-3 Canucks (what?!?). Wait! What happened to that 3-1 lead at home? NO! Officially, it was not considered a power play goal, but the tally occurred 2 seconds after the Canucks finished their power play so the Hawks 5th skater wasn't in the play yet. But wait, these guys are so resilient, it's really only me that's nervous at this point. So how do these guys do it? How do they not get nervous in BIG spots when they're down? I think maybe its because they're too young and inexperienced to really get the gravity of the situation. You know? Too dumb to be scared! Whatever it is...it worked!
The 3rd period was one for the ages...UNREAL! Down 4-3 against arguably the best goal tender in the world...no problem. Then the barrage started...Burish (really? yes!) tied it less than 2 minutes later at 4-4. And then back and forth, back and forth...finally about 6 1/2 minutes after Burish tied it, Vancouver struck again to take their final lead of the series...of the season when Sedin scored his second goal of the game.
The rest of the 3rd belonged to the young Hawks. First Kane tied it at 5-5 with a great steal and wrap-around from behind the net. Really? 5 goals against Luongo - isn't he supposed to be the best in the world? Less than 30 seconds later, the Hawks drew a borderline (looked like a good call to me :)) hooking penalty and then Towest took advantage on a pass intended for Sharpe that went off the skate of a Vancouver defenseman about 25 seconds into the final power play of the series to take the lead for good. That was Towes second goal of the game matching Kane to that point. Well, last year's Calder Trophy (i.e. Rookie of the Year) winner wasn't to be equaled on this night...Kane scored the 7th goal of the game to get his very first hat trick of his 2-year career (there will be PLENTY more in the very near future for this star).
The final seconds of the period could not tick down fast enough. Tick...tick...tick...whistle...tick...tick...tick. But the Hawks would finish off the Canucks on home ice before an absolutely ecstatic crowd. What a roller coaster ride for those folks! I was going crazy at home by myself and I was only able to watch the 3rd period (couldn't have picked a better period to watch though); these people were there for the whole game. Up 3-1 and feeling pretty good...down 4-3 and sick to your stomach just a little bit...tied 4-4 and thinking "OK, here we go now"...not yet; down 5-4 and going "come on boys - let's cheer louder!"...tied 5-5 and going "now?"...then 6-5 "woohoo"...then 7-5 "WOOHOO"...then tick, tick, tick..."bring on the Red Wings (or Ducks)!"
What a fantastic season...and it ain't over yet! GO HAWKS!!!
I was a huge hockey fan back in the early to mid 90's, but fell off the Hawks wagon with most of the city of Chicago. I've got to say that Rocky Wirtz is a genious. He has to be one of the only Chigao Sports Team Executives that does not get booed when shown on the scoreboard.
ReplyDeleteI have followed the Hawks closely most of the season....it's a lot easier with their home gams now televised. I think most Hawks fans were excited for them to qualify for the playoffs. Now on to the Western Conference Finals!!!
The 3rd period of Mondays game was one of the most absolute craziest periods in hockey. 6 goals? A hat trick by Kaner!!!!
The excitment of the final 5 minutes clicking down. My heart had raced with anticipation.
Maybe another Chicago team can learn from these Hawks about playing with a meaning!!!!
Rocky Wirtz is definitely a genius with a more modern and fresh approach than Dollar Bill. And it helps to have ex-Cubs President, John McDonough in the mix as well. The attendance and revenue figures for the Hawks are off the charts combining everything in a "perfect storm" scenario - ALL games televised, Rookie of the Year and runner-up, exciting hockey, getting the ex-Hawks involved at the UC throughout the season...just everything. And they're so young...as long as they can deal with the salary cap and be smart with their contracts, this team is going to be around for a LONG, LONG time. Watch out Detroit - your reign is about to end (sound familiar to the early 90s with the Bulls and Pistons?).
ReplyDeleteONE GOAL!
The difference between 2003 Cubs and this years mighty Hawks is coaching. Baker vs Quenneville, not even close! You say the team is too young to understand pressure, I say it's great coaching, plain and simple. While I'll always love Savoir-Faire (Savard) the move to Quenneville early in the season is one of the main reason the Hawks are as far as they are.
ReplyDeleteCan't say too much more about the game on Tuesday. The atmosphere was electric, it just felt like the wouldn't/couldn't lose. What a run it's been!
You are OH SO RIGHT about the coaching difference. Baker arguably lost that 2003 NLCS when he didn't go out to the mound following the Bartman play just to get everyone calmed down and refocused. He was probably sitting back in the dugout and didn't see the play. Quenneville is pure coach - no emotion, never cracks a smile, all business out there. He does let the "kids" have fun while they play though which keeps them loose. The attitude when they're down (and they seem to inevitably be down every single game) is NEVER panic and Quenneville MUST be given a lot of credit for that.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a great run and hopefully it will last several more weeks. ONE GOAL!