16 Chicago Blackhawk Fan Reactions In The NHL Playoffs

Apr 23, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) is congratulated by teammates after scoring the game-winning goal against the St. Louis Blues during overtime in game four of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

NHL playoffs are the best time of the year for hockey fans, and fans of the Chicago Blackhawks may react a little more strongly than others this year because we just really don’t want to say goodbye to the Cup. The first week of the 2014 NHL playoffs had its downs and ups, so here’s a quick recap of life as a Blackhawks fan for the past week.

Game 1 in St. Louis had an eventful start and a long, drawn-out finish. Five goals were scored in the first period with three belonging to the Blackhawks.

The game went into overtime. Then another overtime. Then another overtime. If you followed the game on Twitter, you would see Blackhawks fans checking up on each other to make sure they were still breathing and whatnot. This was our response.

After staying up so late and having our hearts stop every 2o seconds, the triple overtime loss was a little too much to take in before we passed out.

The beginning of Game 2 was one to forget with the Blackhawks literally falling over each other and offering the Blues control of the game with a bow around it. Trying to explain what exactly the Blackhawks were doing was confusing.

Scoring 3 goals in the third period of Game 2 to take the lead was enough to bring us back and  think that we had a chance above all odds to steal a game in St. Louis.

Then Brent Seabrook went in for one of hits (like we like) and caught David Backes in an unprotected position. We could sense the suspension coming…

And, of course, the Blackhawks lost the lead on the ensuing penalty with only 7 seconds remaining in the game. It was also a reminder of the late 3rd period goal given up in Game 1.

Given the Blackhawks less than stellar OT record during the regular season, the eventual loss was sort of expected.

We also expected the Seabrook suspension announced the next day. We had our objections but held them in check nicely.

The Blackhawks power play has been pretty abysmal so far in the playoffs, but it never ceases to amaze us how poorly some professional hockey players handle a man advantage.

But there was a turnaround in Game 3, and Corey Crawford led the way. We imagine he told himself something like this halfway through the game.

Crawford’s Game 3 shutout win was the icing on the cake for Blackhawks fans, and we celebrated it as a statement that we were back in the series for the long haul.

Game 4 was a different story with Blackhawks stars turning out in full force. Patrick Kane turned into the playoff beast that we all know and love, and we made sure Blues fans knew it.

And then the Blackhawks gave up their two-goal lead in a matter of seconds… We’ve experienced this a few times  in the regular season, but having it happen in the playoffs is a little more dramatic.

This time, the Blackhawks tied it up late in the third period and pulled off their late-game heroics that brought back very fond memories of last season.

With a playoff overtime win in Game 4 coming on the heels of a shutout, Blackhawks fans are ready for anything! …Until 30 seconds into Game 5.

What were some of your favorite moments of the playoffs so far? Share in the comments!

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