Jonathan Toews (right) celebrates his second goal with Cam Barker and Kris Versteeg.
No, this series is not over. Hawks history tells us it isn't, and you don't have to go back all that far for proof: The last time the Hawks rallied to win a series after losing the first two games was in the 1995 Western Conference quarterfinals, when they dropped a pair at home against Toronto but rallied to beat the Maple Leafs in seven games. And yes, they've done it against the Red Wings, too: In a 1965 semifinal, they lost the first two at Detroit but won it in seven games. So it can be done.
But let's face it, that's ancient history when you're talking about an up-and-coming -- but still quite young -- Hawks team that now must beat the defending champs four times in the next five games. When they ousted Calgary in six games, it was their first postseason series victory since 1996. When they upset Vancouver in six games, they earned their trip to the conference finals since 1995. These Hawks have come such a long way in such a short time, it was probably asking too much to think they could hang with the Wings.
Home-ice advantage awaits in Game 3 Friday and Game 4 Sunday. Will that provide the boost the Hawks need to get back into the series? They are 5-1 at home in this postseason, dropping only Game 3 vs. Vancouver. During the regular season, the Hawks were a terrific 24-9-8 at the United Center, where the frenzied fans always help get the juices flowing.
Despite the disappointing loss, Game 2 was a huge step forward. The Hawks elevated their play from Game 1 and gave the Wings all they could handle before falling 3-2 in overtime. It could be a springboard to success in Game 3, and if the Hawks can get energized at home and take the next two games, it's a brand new series.
How about it, Hawks fans? Will home-ice edge help tilt the scales back in your team's favor? And if not -- if the Hawks are eliminated by Detroit -- will you be satisfied with how far they've come, or will you walk away disappointed they couldn't go farther?
You cant be anything but proud of the Hawks, but I will be disappointed if they don't beat these guys like a drum at least once in Chicago and once on the road. Hawks need that for themselves. There ARE moral victories and the Hawks need to know they can beat the Wings. They just proved last night - they can play with them. Now take it a little further. Confidence is EVERYTHING in sports.
The Hawks need to understand the moment they are in. They need to understand that although they are young, that does not guarantee you another chance at going to the finals and many more years to come like they have been sold. Just like the miracle on ice - THE TIME IS NOW or NEVER, and especially for many of the players on the team. Sports are a very very strange thing and each team and year different. There are teams that are young and good and make a great showing and - NEVER get another chance. The media and everyone is telling them the wrong message. I hear it in their interviews. Yeah we got time... Do we?
Home ice should tilt the scales back into the Blackhawks' favor, but obviously we don't have home field advantage in this series. Again, I'm not surprised that the game was closer last night. The Hawks overall played a solid game, but the Red Wings somehow pulled it off. It's really just time for the team to stop giving the Wings too much respect and just believe in themselves that they can get the job done. Pretty much what Keith said above... confidence. This series is not over by any means. The Hawks were down against Vancouver and then they went off on a 3-game winning streak to take the series. I don't see it happening here of course, but they can take this series to 7 games and make it compelling. The only way I'll be disappointed is if the Blackhawks are swept 4-0, otherwise I'll be satisfied.
Home ice should help, but the Hawks are playing with house money. They're just excited to be in West Conference finals. "Being there" seems to a triumph for the Hawks and their fans. The Wings are just too skilled, too fast, too calculating and too cool to lose 4 of the next 5 games. The Hawks only won two meaningless end of the season games with the Wings. It's over in 4 or at most 5.
Confidence. As a Red Wings fan I could very easily go on and on about how home ice doesn't mean a thing to the Wings (their playoff record on the road speaks for itself). Blah Blah about experience, assasins, blah blah blah. But hockey is a funny game in that a bounce, a tip, a timely check, and a roaring crowd can cause a perceived underdog to rise up.
So, rise up Hawks fans, shake the boards, shake the rafters, shake the very foundations of the 'UC' & lets give this O-6 matchup the thunder it deserves! Go Wings, Go Hawks!!
For me, that was the worst loss that I've had to endure as a fan since perhaps the Super Bowl against Indy. Even so, that loss wasn't as "sudden" a death.
It is extremely frustrating to lose a game also when you know that you've played much better. Yes, I know this will sound whiney, but I also take exception at some of those "ticky tack" penalties called against the Hawks. One of them produced a goal in regulation (the first one for Detroit) thereby contributing to the loss.
Anyway, it is what it is. That stuff happens. We are now down 4-0 in the bottom of the ninth against Mariano Rivera in the year 2000. It's possible, but highly unlikely. I will try to keep the faith. Still, I greatly desire that we don't get swept. I also would have a difficult time with a mere 5-game affair. I think losing in six or seven is the right "next step" against the "impossible-to-beat" (that's what Detroit fans are saying) Red Wings.
Go Blackhawks!
A win on Friday for Chicago, puts them back in the series. Just like with Vancouver. It's far from over. They say series doesn't start when the home team loses in its ice. We'll see Friday, can't wait! UC will be rocking!
Chris is right, one win is all it will take to swing back a little momentum. The UC will be going nuts on Friday, should be a great game! Go Hawks!
I'm a Detroit fan and playing the Hawks in the Conference finals is the way it should be. I wasn't too sure about them beating Calgary, but once that series was over, I knew Vancouver didnt stand a chance. With their first trip to the conference finals since '95 and this being a very young team, I do believe the two previous series on the west coast will catch up to them. I mean no disrespect, but I only see Chicago taking on game at the UC. I was at game 2 and the chicago fans I ran across were pretty cool people. The UC will be intense for these next to games, thats for sure. It's great to see the two best crest's in the league battling for the right to go to the Finals!!! Blackhawks have a hell of a team... but GO Wings!!!
I just finished reading Dan McNeil's column and am still cracking up at his comment that Detroit is "America's largest city in need of an enema". With that in mind and the series shifting to the UC, just maybe the Hawks can do the next best thing and think of the puck as a suppository and shove it where it will do the most good.....between Osgoods legs.... in the net ofcourse!