I'm Back, And So are the Hawks

It has been a week since I last caught up with you guys. I was getting ready to broadcast Saluki softball this past weekend, and I just got back from the radio work in Terre Haute yesterday. In that time, I have continued to follow the Blackhawks, and I am seeing that this team can score in bunches.

In Game 2 at Vancouver, Chicago fell behind by two very early in the contest. The goals came about a minute apart, and it looked like a 0-2 deficit in the series was inevitable. Then the second period rolled along and so did the Hawks. Three goals in that period, three goals in the final period, and you have yourselves a 6-3 win (Canucks scored another in the third). Patrick Kane led Chicago's comeback effort in a Game 1 loss, and Patrick Sharp got things going in Game 2 with two goals to tie it, a comeback that they were able to finish.

With crazy Vancouver fans and their white rally towels surrounding the ice, Chicago came through and silenced the exuberant crowd. It is hard to do such a thing in Canada, and the Blackhawks have been witnesses of how exciting hockey nights up there are. Playoff hockey is great everywhere, but playing the first two rounds against Canadian teams is even more special.

This was a big win, as the Hawks are now tied 1-1 in the series. Things shift to the United Center, where a sea of red will support the the only remaining hometown team in the playoffs. Good effort by the Bulls, but they could not get it done in Game 7. All the UC has to focus on now is playoff hockey, and I guess the occasional concert.

Anybody can score for the Blackhawks, and they are doing just that against goalie Roberto Luongo. Luongo was the story in the Canucks' first round win over St. Louis. He stopped virtually every shot his way, but this series has been different. Chicago has scored nine goals in the first two games (one on an empty net), and they will look for more of the same Tuesday night in the Windy City.