A different breed

(Picture courtesy of totalprosports.com)

Relax Cubs fans, the Chicago Blackhawks are a different breed of team.


But I will admit, after being dismantled 5-1 at the hands of the Canucks Saturday night, I’m starting to fear that my worst nightmare is coming true.

That nightmare involves having only the Cubs left to bring a championship to Chicago this year (unfortunately, another White Sox title counts for nothing in my eyes, and I assume I hold the same view with about 47,000 other fans on a daily basis).

Though I will say that even after turning in a very Cub-like performance Saturday night, I advise Hawks fans not to jump ship just yet. Up until now, this youthful, star studded hockey team has done nothing to warrant it; especially when you compare them to your typical underachieving Chicago sports franchise.

If the Cubs, Bulls, Bears, or Sox turned in a performance such as the Hawk’s second round opener, it would be time to start thinking about next year. But these Hawks are different. Unlike its professional brothers, the Hawks break the typical Chicago mold and rise to the occasion when facing adversity.

Look no further than last series versus Nashville. Instead of folding up after being faced with the tough, defensive style the Predators bring, the Hawks adjusted their game and did what it took to be victorious (although we can all agree it took them a little longer than most Hawk fans dreamed).

Clearly the effort put forth in Game one is not going to cut it against a worthy adversary such as Vancouver. But thankfully it’s not the Cubs who are faced with game two Monday night. Tune in to Versus at 7 pm for a strong response from this young team. Empowered by the roar of the National Anthem at the United Center, look for continued production from Kane and Toews along with a breakout game from Marian Hossa.

Although I am not guaranteeing a victory, every Chicago sports fan should tune into this game. Not because it's the "new" thing to do in Chicago or because local sports radio hosts drool over these guys. People should watch these games because the Blackhawks are not your average 2k-Chicago team playing in a playoff series.

They are a fine tuned machine that got bumped off the tracks for a quick minute. But believe you me, behind Joel Quinnevile and the talent he has at his finger tips, the Blackhawks are a different breed.

-Paul Czerwien