BY RICKY O'DONNELL
After losing six of their first seven games in December, it would have been a reasonable assumption that the Blackhawks would fade away. Teams as young the Hawks typically run out of gas towards the middle of the season.
But the Hawks seem to have found an extra gear the past four games, all wins. More impressively, it looks as if this surprising season fueled by young talent has brought back pride to Chicago hockey fans. Wednesday’s 5-2 win over the Predators saw the biggest crowd at the United Center this year, with more then 20,500 in attendance.
I attended Sunday’s game against the Oilers, and must say it was one of the best atmospheres I have experienced at a sporting event. With more then 20,000 in attendance, the Hawks came from behind to steal a 3-2 victory. The game featured two fights, and an exhilarating final sequence where Nikolai Khabibulin faced an avalanche of shots, and turned them all away.
With teenagers Patrick Kane and Johnathan Toews leading the way, and getting loads of national media attention, the Hawks find themselves just one point out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference. If they can sneak into the playoffs, the Hawks could be dangerous. They have already proven they can play with elite teams, handing the rival Red Wings four of their seven loses this season.
The Hawks are at home this Sunday against the Los Angles Kings before heading on a three game West Coast road trip. If you can make it out to the game, I would highly recommend it. They are clearly the most competent team playing at the United Center this year.
