Mar 1, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook (7) is congratulated by his teammates for scoring a goal for scoring the game winning goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during overtime at the United Center. The Blackhawks beat the Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Blackhawks now hold the longest streak to start the season in NHL history, but for hockey it feels like so much more. This streak brought hockey to a whole new level, a national stage, but not only will the streak go down in the books for the longest streak, it will go down as a sense of hope for the fans after a brutal lockout.

In the heat of  the streak the Hawks brought attention to Hockey mynah the sport itself could never bring. Chicago was bringing something to the game that was unheard of, ESPN was comparing the Miami Heat to the Hawks, they were on the front lines of every major sports network.

it seemed like enduring every pre-game or all the intermissions only one thing was talked about and that was the streak, we saw the streak everywhere no matter what channel. NBC sports network used the streak to their advantage and talked  about it with every chance.

The crazy thing about the Hawks run is the amount of fans the Hawks have gained, if you noticed the Hawks had a big following wherever they went, the amount of fans that came out to every game could nearly match the home team every game.

At the end of the day we as fans should be really thankful for what this team gave us. Not only did we witness our team win, we witnessed a team touch greatness when less than 3 months ago we had nothing to look forward to. We as fans don’t witness this often and need to then see that this put hockey on the map. This is something we may never see again we should take this glory and cherish it to come.

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Jan 22, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) is congratulated by right wing Marian Hossa (81) and defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) for a victory against the St. Louis Blues at the United Center. The Blackhawks beat the Blues 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Blackhawks took on the St. Louis Blues Tuesday night in Chicago. The Hawks showed the fans their speed and style in the home opener defeating the Blues 3-2.

The Hawks had a lot of chances early, but Blues goaltender Brian Elliot  turned them away. Patrick Kane broke Elliot at 7:20 in the first period on assist  from Sharp, and Leddy. Brent Seabrook scored at 8:20 of the second period from Keith, and Toews. Stalberg scored at 2:09 in the third from Bickell, and Oduya finishing the Hawks scoring.

The real story on Thursday for the Blackhawks was goaltender, Corey Crawford, stopping 32 shots on 34 attempts with a .941 save percentage. Crawford seemed to keep composed letting up 2 third period goals to McDonald, and Oshie, only to break through the hectic last minute when the Hawks faced the 6 on 5 attack from the Blues.

Chicago has shown that they can keep up with the best beating a team that scored 6 goals in their opener, and came back in the third period against Nashville the night before. the Blackhawks have started 3-0 for the first time since the 1972-1973 season where they advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals.

The Blackhawks return to the ice Thursday when they take on the Dallas Stars in Dallas. The puck drop is scheduled for 7:30.

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Here’s a set that I did during the Wings-Sharks playoff series but never got to use. It’s a parody based on scenes from the Coen Brothers movie No Country For Old Men (if the title didn’t make that obvious enough for you, then thanks for stopping by Wings fans). Since I do plan on continuing my series “The Detroit Model” during the hockey dog days of August – and since it’s never a bad time to poke fun at Detroit – I felt these were fitting. Enjoy.

Word on the street: Babcock will actually be showcasing this haircut next season…

More photoshops after the jump.

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No pressure little buddy. Nope, none at all. (via blackhawks.nhl.com)

One could state that the Chicago Blackhawks swapped Brian Campbell and Chris Campoli for Steve Montador and Sami Lepisto, and make the argument that the Hawks won’t be as much of a defensive zone breakout team next season. I would disagree with that statement and counter that the Hawks defense was out of balance at the end of last season and that now balance has been restored.

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