Blackhawks-Wild: Your End is Our Beginning

So, the Bears season has ended.

You're angry? We're not.

I have to admit that I feel some sort of glee regarding the plight of the 'State of Hockey'.

Jacque Lemaire's Trap De Luxe, which has treated him well over the past couple seasons, is dying faster than a Catholic in the Congo.

Chicago's 4-1 beatdown of the usually-physical Minnesota Wild proved once again that the Blackhawks' achilles heel has reversed to Chicago's greatest strength. The Blackhawks couldn't buy wins in 2007-2008 against teams that ran a physical game. Vancouver, San Jose, and Minnesota consistently posted victories against Chicago.

Yet, this team consistently charges the blueline with a full head of steam and challenges every defender to collapse. Once the Hawks gain open ice, they are able to move with the fluidity that would make an 1984 Edmonton Oiler blush.

Dustin Byfuglien was the chief grinder in tonight's match posting two goals in the first period. Byfuglien's return to his home state saw him consistently moving his feet and creating active plays.

Martin Havlat is another player who continues to impress. His third goal of the evening continued his scoring streak.

Overall, Cristobal Huet made some stellar saves, but was rarely challenged. The play of the Chicago checking line, most noticeably Craig Adams and Ben Eager, kept the puck in the Minnesota zone. It was a constant beatdown of epic proportions.

Tuesday, the Blackhawks are off to Detroit.

Believe it or not, but the Blackhawks could gain first place with back-to-back victories.

Amazing.

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