The Blackhawks: A Season in Pictures
By Marcus Gilmer in Miscellaneous on May 28, 2009 5:00PM
We admit, this year's Chicago Blackhawks team captivated us like no local sports team has in a long time. While the Sox and Bulls also overachieved (last year and this spring, respectively) - and the Cubs have underachieved - what's notable about the Blackhawks' run this season is the resurgence in their popularity. When Benjy previewed the team back in October, there was reason to be optimistic: they were back on TV locally, they were a young team already showing signs of improvement, hosting this year's Winter Classic. All the pieces were there for a breakthrough year for the 'Hawks...and it happened. Hockey is once again popular in Chicago, like it hasn't been since the days of Chelios, Roenick, and Murphy. We're disappointed in their playoff exit, but we'd be lying if we said we weren't already pumped for next season.