Last night, in a hotly contested game 7 against the Vancouver Canucks, the mighty Chicago Blackhawks fell from their Stanley Cup high of last year. Let us not remember them for bungling the salary cap in the offseason that followed their Stanley Cup year, but remember them for rising to the occasion in spite of such a problem, one that just might creep up again this coming offseason. Antii Niemi? He's doing well in San Jose, but Corey Crawford stepped in and did an admirable job. Dustin Byfuglien? The Blackhawks could have used his big ass to block the opposing goaltender's vision, but his character remained in Dave Bolland. Andrew Ladd? No definitive replacement, but if the unknown kids that surfaced in the playoffs are what I think they are, then the Blackhawks are well off. Brent Sopel? Shot blocking defenseman is still a need, but few teams ever have that option. Ben Eager? An antagonizing player is also a need, but the Blackhawks can survive without one if needed.
Who knows what the future will hold for the Blackhawks this offseason, but if their seven game series against Vancouver this year is any indication, they'll be a pain in the ass no matter the odds.
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