Party like it's 1996

The Blackhawks are in the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs!

For those keeping track, I was 10 the last time that happened. It was against the same Calgary Flames with a Hawks roster consisting of Roenick, Daze, Chelios and Belfour. After 13 seasons, the Hawks have entered the second round again. Going forward, here are some things I have noticed:

1. The Hawks are FAST.

Anyone who watched the last two games of the series might have thought the Flames were moving in slow motion. I was at game 5 on Saturday night and repeatedly witnessed Hawks defenseman take pucks the length of the ice with little obstructions. It was a blur of red jerseys around the Flames. The speed of the Hawks is obvious and will be a key to their success moving forward against the Canucks.

2. The Bulin Wall still exhists.

Nikolai Khabibulin answered the call in Game 6. The young Hawks team is going to need leadership and stable goaltending moving forward and Habi can give them both. He went on a huge hot streak for the 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Lightning. If he can reproduce that run, the Hawks will be in every game and could go very far. Goaltending will be a hot topic of the next series with Canuck's goaltender Roberto Luongo being as hot as any goalie out there. 

3. Joel Quenneville can coach, plain and simple.

Did you notice every time Jarome Iginla and Oli Jokinen were on the ice, so were Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith? That was not by accident and it was a key to the series. Iginla is one the most prolific scorers in the league and was held to 2 power-play goals and 1 empty net goal for the series. Not one 5-on-5 goal. Coach Quinneville put his team in positions to succeed the entire series. Look for this same strategy with Canucks' scoring Sedin tandem (Daniel and Henrik). 

4. Cam Barker and Dustin Byfuglien are here to stay

Both players have spent the past few years jumping between the AHL and the NHL. Byfuglien was rumored to be heading back after the acquisition of Paulsson. Barker has been overshadowed by Keith and Seabrook. But both were integral pieces to the first round win. Barker had 3 goals, 3 assists and tied Patrick Sharp for the most shots (17). Big Buff had a goal, 3 assists and had 7 hits in each of the first two games. These two guys were the X factors in the Calgary series. Who will it be against Vancouver?

5. Chicago Hockey is Back!

With 14 players younger than 25 years old, the Hawks are the youngest team in the league. They are clearly also one of the most talented. This team has rejuvenated a fan base and inspired a city and will be a presence for a while. I have never heard the United Center louder than during the national anthem on Saturday.  This is an exciting time for a Hawk's fan!

Bring on the Canucks! (More O' Canada....)