Chicago has another "heart attack" team in the Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks are officially the second "heart attack" team for the city of Chicago, the first being the Chicago Bears. The Blackhawks barely hung on to beat the Dallas Stars 4-3, then won in a six-round shootout against the Washington Capitals. The teams went back and forth, with the goaltenders being the difference makers, earning the first and second stars in the contest. Spencer Knight kept his team in the game, as did Logan Thompson, leading to an entertaining tilt with chances on seemingly every possession.

The "Heart Attack Hawks" strike again

After letting in a Ryan Leonard miracle tip, making it 2-2, Knight made numerous saves in the final minute as the Caps were buzzing, the Blackhawks looking like they were hanging on for overtime. The last few seconds saw Knight track a puck patiently, making a huge save in the final second to earn the first of two points on the night. Overtime was no different, with chances back and forth with a powerplay in the final 50 seconds or so. The number of heart-stopping chances that Knight managed to save is something to be admired.

Compared to the long pass from Caleb Williams to an exhausted DJ Moore against the Green Bay Packers (or any of his six comeback-winning plays), reactions to the recent Blackhawks play are similar to the Bears' reactions: simple heart attack. "How did he make that throw?!" and "How did he stop that?!", "What was that catch?!" and "Aw, off the post!" Fans can find solace in the fact that another Chicago team's fanbase may also need a cardiologist due to their team's play.

Better than last year

Either way, it is much more entertaining to watch hockey like this than last season. The Hawks likely played their best game in recent memory against the Caps, not backing down to the physicality and checking extremely well. Offense is finally coming to the team in a way they can maintain, which can only make Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar's return that much easier. They found that Nick Lardis is a shootout specialist, while Louis Crevier isn't a bad choice either. Their playstyle has been so much fun to watch this season, and the coaching has been equally entertaining.

The Vegas Golden Knights are up next, a true test for this young team coming off two intense wins. They are not forgiving of mistakes, so fundamental hockey will be pivotal for another strong performance.