Blackhawks Eliminated by Red Wings in Five

Ah, well. The Hawks lost to a better team. But they gave a great effort in game 5, and have nothing to be ashamed of. The game was scoreless well into the third period, and even after Detroit went up 1-0, the Hawks came back to tie it a few minutes later to force overtime. Their determination and will to win were evident for all to see.

And losing to a better team is an education of sorts, for the players, coaches and front office staff.

Questions come up. Are we good enough at defense? Do we have enough size? Do we need to get better at puck possession skills? No, no, and yes.

Even more important, hunger is created in the hearts and minds of the players. It hurts to lose in the round before the Final of any tournament in any sport, because it feels like unfinished business. You’ve worked so hard, for so long, and won so many tough games, and then you have to go home and watch the team that just beat you play some other team in the Final, and get all the attention and respect that comes from that.

So, looking back? A great, great season. The Hawks showed us a lot during this playoff run. Next year, this team will still be the youngest in the NHL, but with the added experience and education of winning two playoff rounds—one of them without home ice advantage and against a team (Vancouver) that many saw as superior—and then losing a tough series against a superior opponent.

Good luck to the Wings, I guess. I don’t know why, but it’s hard to like that team. Maybe it’s the goofy red uniforms? The white unis are cool, but the red ones look like little kid jammies. And the Pens have one of the best uniforms in sports, for my money. And two uber-cool young stud players in Crosby and Malkin, who have been making sick plays all during the playoffs, and have 30 goals and 56 points between them.

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