The time-honored tradition of the handshake line following the Chicago Blackhawks's Western Conference quarterfinal series with Vancouver afforded us a chance to reflect on what had transpired in this opening-round series.
The talk of the shortcomings of the regular season and summer roster changes can soon commence. In the moments after the Blackhawks' 2-1 loss in the series finale, I focused on what the team was able to deliver to the city of Chicago over the last 10 days.
Last weekend, we were facing the prospect of an ugly sweep at the hands of the Canucks. Tuesday evening in Vancouver, the 'Hawks were a converted power play away from completing one of the sports greatest comebacks.
Chicago had the man advantage seconds into the extra session. As the end of the penalty wound down, there it was. Jonathan Toews coming up with the puck to the right of the goal, with Patrick Sharp moving into position on the other side.
We all know how it usually goes. Toews finds Sharpie camping out by the crease for the one-timer. Cue the music and book a flight to San Jose.
On this night, it wasn't meant to be. Roberto Luongo, like he had dozens of times throughout the night, kept the puck out of his net. The Canucks' Vezina-nominee proved why he is a finalist for the trophy in Game 7.
Also proving his playoff mettle was Corey Crawford, who matched Luongo save for save for the bulk of the night. The 'Hawks rookie played like anything but a young man going through his first postseason test in this series.
Alex Burrows book-ended the scoring, giving Vancouver an early lead, then finishing off Chicago by pulling down Chris Campoli's clearing attempt and firing home the series winner.
In between was classic playoff warfare.
The 'Hawks, led by Crawford, survived several furious runs by the Canucks throughout the contest. On this night, Vancouver forechecked relentlessly and proved to be the dominant team.
Crawford was the equalizer for much of the night, stopping 36 shots. He turned away a 15-shot barrage in the second period, then denied Burrows on a penalty shot in the opening minute of the third.
Through the first 58 minutes, Luongo and the Canucks defense stonewalled the 'Hawks. Nevertheless, Chicago found a way to extend Vancouver one more time.
Thanks an incredible shorthanded effort by Toews with the sands running low in regulation, two familiar playoff foes found themselves face to face in overtime for the second consecutive game.
The Blackhawks weren't shortchanged on opportunities to write the fabulous final scene we'd hoped for. Vancouver just closed the book before the 'Hawks could find the right words.
Yes, this was a team that quite frequently maneuvered below the lofty expectations of a defending Stanley Cup champion. The slings and arrows will be flying shortly. We'll all weigh in, in due time.
Hopefully, we all took a moment to contemplate the stones displayed by the Blackhawks in making this series, well, a series. The 'Hawks lost their final battle with the Canucks Tuesday night, but they were able to win back a measure of pride that could prove instrumental in the future of the organization.
It also appears that Chicago baptized a goalie.
Colin Curtis Kevin Russo Curtis Granderson Nick Johnson Javier Lopez Alex Hinshaw
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