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A Lackluster End to a Great Season


COLUMBUS, OH -- So, the Hawks ended the season in typical Hawks fashion--losing a three-point lead to a low-level team. But, you know, it's okay.

Going into the game without Toews, Keith, Hjalmarsson, Hossa, Shaw, and Anisimov, I wasn't expecting much. I really expected a shutout. But, the boys started out right, and at this point... I'll take it.

 Patrick Kane couldn't seem to wait to score, taking a shot nine seconds in and connecting. Awesome, and only a second off from a Blackhawks record! Really cool stuff, guys. Panarin and Rasmussen got assists, which is only Panarin's first point of the night.

 I really thought he'd get another hat trick with the two next goals! He was on fire, scoring twice more in the first period to give the Hawks a 3-0 lead. I really thought they had it, but apparently, the Blackhawks had to make the game stressful. As usual.

 The Blue Jackets caught up in the second period, and even Brandon Saad got to score on his old team. It stung, my friends. Oh, how it stung. But, I'm happy for him--I'm sure it felt really, really good. And in his defense, he doesn't get a postseason this year. He deserved that one.

 By the end of the second, Columbus was up 4-3, which was about what I expected from the game tonight.

 But, Kane came back in the third to tie it up, forcing overtime! I hate Hawks overtime--it makes everything so much more stressful. With a 5-on-3 power play, I thought they'd score. But, nope. Forced overtime.

 Even then, they could have won. But Teravainen's penalty... They didn't stand a chance.

 You know what, though?

 This season has been awesome. It's the first season I've really followed hockey, and though I watched all three times the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, nothing compared to watching Kaner's point streak, the team's 12-game winning streak, Kane and Panarin's respective hat tricks, a 100-point season for Kane, eight shutouts, (likely) a lot of trophies... Man.

 It's crazy to believe the playoffs are already here. Seriously, no matter how far the boys go this year, I'm so proud of them. They've all had an amazing year, and I'm so proud of them.

 Let's go Blackhawks!

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