Attention Chicago Sports Media: There Is Another Team in Town

And that team is called the Blackhawks. They play hockey here.  Heard of them yet?

I just don't get it. The Chicago Blackhawks (18-6-7) have one of the most exciting young teams in the NHL. They can skate (except Byfuglien), they can score and they can put up a wall in front of the net be it Huet or Khabibulin.  And they just came off tying a 27-year old franchise record for most wins in a row.  What does this earn them in Chicago media? Maybe a sidebar. In some papers, no mention whatsoever.

It's a little depressing to be able to find more articles on the high flying Hawks in Canadian newspapers than in their own home town. If it weren't for the upcoming Winter Classic, it would be even worse.

It's not like the fans are ignoring them, they are selling the place out every home game, an incredible sight to see.  And it's not like they don't have a few marketable stars, they have Kane and Toews, both as front runners for starting in the All Star game.  So what is it?

Short answer: Da Bears

I understand that no matter what Chicago will always be a Bears town. But it's bordering on the ridiculous these days. I think it's pretty evident by now that they are, at best, mediocre.  Are they really deserving of all this attention?

Do we really have to go to an in-depth analysis (hours and hours and HOURS worth) on radio, television and newspaper of how each boring, mind numbing quarter went for the Bears, along with equal analysis on every dink and dunk offensive play they called or should have called and every "What if" situation known to mankind? Is that really necessary for the kind of team they have? Do they need  that much of the limelight? 

I say no.  Even for the hardcore Bears fans, take a good look at this team and tell me you want to go in depth on every little nugget of info.  Like that supposed "tough" Lovie Smith half time speech or Alex Brown saying it's "meant to be" after the game ended. Please, keep the kool-aid, I'm gagging on it. 

It's like trying to decide if you want to watch the latest "Saw" movie. Have you seen it before? Yes.  Has it changed at all?  No. Is it worth going to see again?  Not really. Same old, same old.

Meanwhile on the West side there is something to be genuinely hopeful and excited about. The Hawks seem to be meshing as well as winter storms in Chicago and the people who drive in them as if it's summer.  Wait, scratch that, the Blackhawks don't  get your heart pumping quite that fast.