It’s tough when you lose. Why did it happen? Whose fault is it? How can we prevent this from happening the next game? All the Chicago sports teams in action yesterday took one on the chin.
Let’s start with the Blackhawks. Normally, I’d write an entire blog about this playoff game, except for the fact I fell asleep during the game. I fell asleep at 3-2; when I woke up, Nashville was up 1-0… the replay had started on Comcast. A quick check of my phone and my text messages told the story: “UGLY”, “Outhustled, outshot, outplayed”, “Chalk it up”. With a final score of 6-2, and three late goals that I thankfully missed, the Hawks come back to Chicago 1-1. We stole the home ice advantage; mission accomplished, unless you thought we were going to sweep the Preds???
A “mediocre” Hawks fan would blame Crawford, and demand his benching, and want Darling back in there, right? Here’s the thing: I had no problem with Q going back to Crow in Game 2; I would have preferred sticking with Darling, but I was fine with the decision. However, this is one of the reasons I would have stuck with Darling. Crawford didn’t play well. The team didn’t play well in front of him either, but… what is the one big move that a coach can make to “spark” his team: switch goalies. Besides scratching some dead weight (fill in the blank for your favorite Blackhawk slug, and remember, we DO need at least 6 defenseman), the most impactful move that can be made is to pull the goalie. He did that in Game 1; the results spoke for themselves. Now, that same goalie that was pulled, has a 6 spot put up on him. Yes, of course, you can’t blame him for all the goals… you never can. And yes, he’s been great, he’s got a Cup…. all things “most” Hawks fans know. Still… it’s about the right NOW… it’s not about the regular season, or past years. That is not going to get us a playoff series victory. What will get us that victory is putting the best goalie on the ice NOW. So I’m calling for Darling then? Not necessarily… but I am saying forget past accomplishments, and put the best person we have… the hottest goalie we have right now in that crease. If Crawford comes out for Game 3, I’d be OK. But what if he gives up 2 quick ones??? It’s like each goal scored on Crawford is going to beg for Darling… fair or unfair, that’s how it will be, especially since he’s been pulled once already. It was the best thing Q could have done in Game 1; what’s the best thing to do now? I have faith in Coach Q and the Blackhawks coaches. Series tied is no big deal… down 2-1 after a home ice loss starts to get hairy. The story continues Sunday night at the UC.
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The big Bryant debut for the Cubs was a bust. I got to watch each of his ABs, since it was on Channel 7, and we were able to get that in on the conference room TV at work. He had to be jacked up, and Big Game James took full advantage. 3 Ks to begin his MLB career was disappointing, but not surprising considering all the hype, and who he was facing. Welcome to the majors kid. Still, the Cubs were up…. until they had their own kind of umpire involvement. Earlier, being up 2-0, the ump called a borderline strike 3, a ball… the next pitch… a 2 run HR. In the 7th, the umpire called strike 3 a ball; both catcher and pitcher were headed to the dugout… next pitch… yep, a 3 run game winning home run. Tough break. Yet, Bryant came up in the 7th with guys on… here it is… here is his shining moment… nope, ground out to 3rd. By the way, Maddon did get tossed after that 2nd critical missed strike call, yet after the game, he didn’t blame the umpires. He said the Cubs weren’t going to be the type of team that cries about the umpires. I’m glad, but the fans still can!
Tough way to end the week. Losses lead to the blame game. Wins lead to everything being right in the world. Bulls get their 1st playoff chance tonight: who will be blamed if they lose? Let’s not think about that, at least not against the Bucks. Wins, losses, whatever… it’s all part of it. One thing is certain though; this is the best time of year.
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