The Gutter to the Penthouse: Teams That Should Mimic the Blackhawks

Sports and movies are often said to be linked with many of the same qualities. They are full of drama, suspense, humor, and sometimes horror.

They also share a quality that is common for the audiences or fans that are watching them. People always love to see a "Cinderella Story," or in sports, a "Worst to First" outcome.

It isn't usually the ending that people like to embrace the most; it is the journey in these films, or with these sports teams, that seem to be the most enjoyable for those who pay to see it.

The Chicago Blackhawks, more any other team in this short-lived century, have shown that with the right attitude and mix of organizational people and on-ice/field/court talent anything can be achieved in a short period of time.

With their possible and most likely probable upcoming Stanley Cup title, it has brought many people to think about the miserable times the franchise had gone through, and how quickly they have circumvented a renaissance.

This has led to the possibility for other franchises to look at the blueprint that the Blackhawks have laid out, and try to "right the ship" and bring peace and prosperity to their fans.

Cleveland Browns

Obviously there are many things that the Browns need to do to compete in the AFC.

With Mike Holmgren making decisions they should have some sense of direction, which has been lacking pretty much since they came back to the league.

With a solid draft this past year and possible stability at the QB position with famed Texas Longhorn Colt McCoy as the gunslinger, this could be a team going in the right direction in a few seasons.

Washington Nationals

One of the ways that the Blackhawks came to their successes so quickly was the acquisitions of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane at the top of the draft.

This dynamic combo is a lock to be a threat to goaltenders for years to come.

The baseball counterpart to this has to be the possibility of the Washington Nationals having soon-to-be debuting phenom Stephen Strasburg and 17-year-old prodigy Bryce Harper, who is expected to be selected No. 1 in the upcoming MLB Draft.

This pitcher and catcher duo has the makings to be the NL All-Star starters for years to come.

And, maybe the National League can win the game for once with their help.

New Jersey Nets

Few times have fans of teams been excited about a new owner coming in and the possibilities it could bring to a franchise. It happened when Rocky Wirtz took over the Blackhawks and his leadership and aggressive actions have accounted for much of the turnaround.

Mikhail Prokhorov, the Russian billionaire and new owner of the Nets, is looking to make things better for the fans.

Though after a bad season they looked and hoped to get the No. 1 pick and add John Wall, they must settle for the third pick, which still will give them a piece to their puzzle.

If the Blackhawks are any example to be mimicked, than the Nets need look no further than Chicago's disappointing 2006 lottery, where they got the third pick.

The Blackhawks got a guy named Jonathan Toews.

New York Islanders

The once proud team that won four straight Stanley Cups in the late 1970s and early 1980s is looking to turn around in a big way.

Bad free agent contracts and poor ownership have made the Islanders a team in limbo.

Adding to this is the issues involving their sorrowful arena, which is regarded by many to be the worst in the league.

Not all is bad for this team, as promise is seen in the form of their No. 1 pick last year, John Tavares.

They also hold the fifth pick in this year's draft.

Hopefully they can get a new stadium and get back to the culture of winning that was seen 30 years ago.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Blackhawks and Clippers for many years had much in common.

Bad owners in Donald Sterling and Bill Wirtz, poor relationship with the fans, and the inability to land big free agents.

The Clippers are counting on Blake Griffin to return from injury and be the big man that they need, as it is imperative to have the inside presence for the success in the Western Conference. Eric Gordon is a solid player that will continue to get better in his youth.

And, the addition of LeBron would not hurt.