2011 NHL Playoffs: Nine Reasons To Celebrate Chicago Blackhawks Playoff Hockey

For Chicago Blackhawks fans who watched the team toil out of the playoff spotlight nine times from 1997 to 2008, seeing the team in the post-season carries a measure of excitement.

Sure, this season sees the Hawks up against the top-seeded Vancouver Canucks.  We don't seem to be the favorite of many experts to successfully defend the Stanley Cup.  But gearing up for a tough opening series with Vancouver sure beats the alternative from my perspective.

Here are nine reasons (to coincide with the lean years) to celebrate playoff hockey in Chicago.

9. The Fact That We're Here

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 10: Michael Frolik #67 of the Chicago Blackhawks (center) is congratulated by teammates including Ben Smith #57 and Patrick Kane #88 after scoring a goal in the 2nd period against the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center on April 10,

It's not called the second season for nothing.

We've all seen enough hockey to know that how or when you got into the playoffs isn't as important as the fact that you are in the field of 16.  The Western Conference has been a dogfight all season.  We match up as well with Vancouver as we do with several other playoff teams.

Recent Blackhawks converts may not realize this, but until recently all we had to do in late April is watch the Cubs or White Sox (the same could be said for Bulls fans for most of the last ten years).

8. The Rally Towels

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CHICAGO - MAY 24: Ushers hand out Playoff rally towels to fans as they enter the arena prior to Game Four of the Western Conference Championship Round of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings on May 24, 20

For those fans so cash-strapped that you don't buy souvenirs (even the bootleg stuff out in the parking lots), playoff hockey usually guarantees that you'll be taking something home with you.  Unless you toss your rally towel onto the ice.

I'm looking forward to adding to my collection.  Hey, there are still empty spots on my walls.

7. Late Night Finishes in Vancouver

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - FEBRUARY 4: Alexandre Burrows #14 of the Vancouver Canucks fails to get a handle on the loose puck after goalie Marty Turco #30 of the Chicago Blackhawks made a pad save during the second period in NHL action on February 04, 2011 at Ro

Games at Vancouver mean 9:00 p.m. starts, which gets the Chicago-area working man to bed at close to midnight or later.  Overtime?  Sounds like a great excuse to call in sick the next day (unless your boss is a Red Wings fan).

6. Messing with the Sedins

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - FEBRUARY 12: Brothers Daniel Sedin #22 and Henrik Sedin #33 of the Vancouver Canucks talk during a break in in NHL action against the Calgary Flames on February 12, 2011 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo

They're both great players, but part of the fun of a series with the Canucks is seeing how long the Hawks can yank the Sedin's chain before they snap.  Nothing starts trouble better than Dave Bolland telling Daniel how ugly his brother is.

5. Beards and Mullets

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CHICAGO - JUNE 06: Patrick Kane #88 (L) and Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks speak at a press conference after defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 7-4 in Game Five of the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the United Center on June 6, 2010 in Chicag

The first thing Patrick Kane did Sunday night after the 'Hawks got into the playoffs (other than hit some night spots) was to get his playoff mullet in order.

How are guys like Michael Frolik and Corey Crawford going to look with some first-round fuzz?  Will Tazer lead the 'Hawks far enough down the road to sport his nifty muttonchops?

Remember this when growing your playoff beards, fans.  The itchier they get, the closer we get to another cup.

4. The Ambassadors

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 09: Former player Bobby Hull of the Chicago Blackhawks is introduced to the crowd during a Heritage Night to honor the 1961 Stanley Cup Championship team before a game against the New York Islanders at the United Center on January 9,

Who doesn't get a charge of seeing Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Tony Esposito, and Denis Savard in the house, pulling for a Blackhawks win?

3. The Anthem

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GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 20: (L-R) Niklas Hjalmarsson #4, goaltender Corey Crawford #50 and Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks stand attended for the National Anthem before the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on March 20, 201

A playoff tradition since 1985, the practice of cheering through the Star Spangled Banner, now sung by Jim Cornelison, is one of the memories opposing players and fans have when attending a Blackhawks game.

The tradition has carried over into all Chicago home contests, but like the level of play on the ice, the intensity is always cranked up to 11 for the playoffs.

2. The Madhouse

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CHICAGO - MAY 31: Fans stand during the National Anthem before the Chicago Blackhawks play against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game Two of the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the United Center on May 31, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andre Ringuette

I've been in the United Center for pre-season games.  I've been to regular season games.  Heck, I've even been to the circus (hey, I've got kids).  The electricity before a Blackhawks playoff game is without parallel.  Unless you count the days of the Chicago Stadium.

Whether you're on the glass or standing in the 300 level, nothing beats hanging out with 20,000-plus and watching playoff hockey.  The place is poised to explode on every Chicago possession.  Bask in the sea of red, but only when the puck isn't in play.

Playoff games in the Madhouse On Madison are always something to remember.

I'm sure game three with the Canucks will be no exception.

1. The Hope

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 09: Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks carries the Stanley Cup trophy across the ice in a ceremony before the Blackhawks season home opening game against the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center on October 9, 2010 in Chicago,

As long as the 'Hawks are skating, there's a chance that the planets will align and the team can win another Stanley Cup.

We all know what kind of season Chicago has had.  The struggles with consistency, the trades, the third-period losses, et cetera.

For now, the Blackhawks have a new lease on life.  Until someone wins their fourth game against us, Chicago is in defense of the cup.  Let's try to enjoy the ride and hope it lasts for a while.