June 3, 2015: Current Era

I talked about a new era hitting the United Center on yesterday’s blog.  Of course, I was talking about the Chicago Bulls.  There is another team that plays there by the way.  A team, that in this current era, may be the best team ever in franchise history.  That of course is the Chicago Blackhawks.  The 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs begin tonight.

If it hasn’t been established already with 2 Cups, a third Cup will most definitely make this Blackhawk team the best in team history.  This coming after an era when there were maybe the worst teams in franchise history.  What a turn around for this team.  Looking at what they did, and how they did it, makes me think that any of our teams could do it. 

They built through the draft.  They took advantage of all those high draft picks that were awarded for all those bad seasons, and picked some great guys.  I guess if they didn’t make those picks, we may not be talking about a 3rd Cup.  This is why the draft is so important… in all sports.  To be able to build from within, through your own system, is really the way to go.  Looking up and down the Blackhawks roster, you have guys that were selected through the NHL draft.  These guys have been Blackhawks for life.

Seabrook, Keith, Toews, Kane, Saad, Crawford, Bickell, Hammer, Kruger, Saad, Shaw, and Teuvo all drafted by the Hawks.  This is how you become great.  These guys are the bread and butter of the franchise.  Some of these guys are already legends.  Some may become one.  Whoever was in charge of drafting for the Blackhawks should get a raise…

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So they take the ice tonight for Game 1.  We made it back.  The last 2 times we got here, we took advantage of those opportunities.  That’s really what it’s all about.  It’s not easy getting to the top of the mountain… surviving an 82 game season… winning 4 playoff series… getting that 16th win in the 2nd season.  But when you DO get there, when you do get to the Finals, it’s not over yet.  You still need 4 more wins.  That is the task that lies ahead for the Hawks.  4 more wins. 

I’m guessing we’re all feeling pretty good about this.  The Blackhawks are favored, and rightfully so, even though they don’t have home ice.  That is no guarantee.  What will this series hold for us?  Will it have some OT drama?  How long will it go?  Will the Hawks get one down in Tampa in Game 1 or 2?  Will they keep their sparkling home ice record in the playoffs?  It doesn’t get any better than this folks. 

The Blackhawks are back in the Stanley Cup Finals.  Sit back and enjoy, and for God’s sake… GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!