I know it may sound absurd given our salary cap situation, but just imagine for a second that there was no salary cap. Imagine that we could acquire whatever players we wanted and just continued to dominate the entire league with every weapon at our disposal. Imagine that there is no longer "offside" or even penalties. Sounds pretty great, huh?

Well quit dreaming. This ain't gonna happen. Why did I even bring it up? Some questions you just can't answer.

Much has been said and will continue to be said about the dismantling of our mighty Hawks and how this team won't be the same threat next year. I'm a little tired of hearing it.

Yeah, we'll lose some decent players, but not our best players. We could still have: Kane, Toews, Hossa, Sharp, Boland, Brower, Keith, Seabs, Hammer, Campbell and Niemi, give or take 1 or 2 of those.

The assumption out there is that when we make the playoffs next year, we won't be able to succeed in the same way because we'll be less of a team after losing some players that helped us win the Cup. But for some reason, no one seems to be factoring in the fact that our youngest players (who are incredibly skilled) haven't even peaked yet. In fact, these are the years where we will likely see the most growth. I think we'll be MORE of a team during the playoffs next year.

Hossa will be Hossa next year. Campbell will be Campbell. Sharp (if we have him) will be Sharp.

On the other hand, Kane, Toews, Boland, Brower, Keith, Seabs, Hammer and Niemi are very likely to be BETTER, in some cases, much better. And, they are now all veterans of winning a Stanley Cup. Whatever youth joins the team full time (Beach, Bickel, Hendry, etc.) are now developing next to some unbelievable talent, where the organization is now fertile ground to foster limitless talent. This has the makings of a Scum-like dynasty (sorry, but I wouldn't mind being compared to that franchise).

I just don't think we've seen the best of this team yet.

So far, we've only lost 4 games this post season and here are the losses:

4-1 loss to Nashville
4-1 loss to Nashville
5-1 loss to Vancouver
4-1 loss to Vancouver

To me, this is very very good news -- not because we've only lost 4 games, but those 4 games are unique in that we got our asses handed to us, largely because we didn't show up. But when we do show up, we win.

We have yet to lose a close game. Nashville, Vancouver and San Jose are really good teams, but when they came with their best and we came with our best, we've won every one of those games.

To me, the fact that we are undefeated in the grinders gives me great hope for this year.

Matt Cooke - Evander Kane Fight - History Will Be Made (via thehawkjaw)

I know this has nothing to do with our current series, but I figured you guys might like this. I'm enjoying making these videos now, because of my OCD.

It is so sad that the Hawks don't have a chance to play the Pens for the Cup this year. My best friend is from Pittsburgh and I was looking forward to dismantling Cindy Crosby so I could be vindicated for 92.

Oh well, at least I can take pleasure in knowing that Matt Cooke is playing golf.

Enjoy

History Will Be Made - Dustin Byfuglien (via thehawkjaw)

Since Big Buff won't get his own commercial, I figured I'd make one. I'm not sure what's going to happen if/when we lose Buff next year, but I am sure loving him right now.

For some reason, I need to write at least 75 words for this post to work... so here goes BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF BUFF.

2010 NHL Playoffs Chicago Blackhawks Byfuglien Goal (via VERSUSvsTV)

Did you notice that Buff was unbelievably wide open on the final goal? Versus didn't show the replay but watch the first few seconds of this video (top right of screen) and you'll see Buff absolutely DESTROY Burrows (at least I think it was him), knocking his stick out of his hands and sending him flying into the boards right in front of the Hawks bench.

3 full seconds pass and Burrows still isn't back in the play. Kane steals passes it to a wide open Buff.

So basically Buff created the whole play. I wish there was a better angle that showed the hit, because he CRUSHED him. I also hope we see more of this from the big fella.

I think that's what Q was talking to Buff about after.