Monday, October 27, 2014

Passenger Story: 2013 Chicago Blackhawks

It's summertime. My favorite time for one main reason. April, May, and June is Stanley Cup Playoff time in the NHL. I am a die hard Chicago Blackhawks fan and they're in the 2013 Stanley Cup Final. Their run so far has been epic. They tamed the Wild, dispatched the Red Wings after down 3-1, dethroned the Kings, and now, our goal is to conquer the Bruins. I have been coming home from basketball each night of a game to sit in my basement ready and determined for a Hawks win.

Now it was the moment I've been waiting for all season. The Hawks are up 3-2 in the series and have an opportunity to win the cup in Boston in Game 6. The game is in the 3rd period now and so far, it has been really tight at a 1-1 score. With 7 minutes left, I'm sitting at the edge of my seat waiting for what is to come. Will the Hawks strike again and take home Lord Stanley tonight? Will the Bruins hold on and send this back to Chicago for a Game 7 with momentum? Will we see another OTS thriller? All these thoughts are racing through my head and then...

"ERRRRRRR, ERRRRRRRR," rang the the Bruins arena. Milan Lucic scores with 7 left to go up 2-1. I'm scared. I don't know how to react and I'm thinking how much that goal meant for Boston. The place is roaring and with 2 minutes left, I hear "Boston Strong" through the TV. My brother, sister, cousins, friend, and I are sitting there blankly. At this point, it's so hard not to think about a Game 7. Could the Hawks pull of yet another miracle tonight? "Let's end this tonight," I'm thinking.

With 1:16 left on the clock, I see a good looking play develop. Jonathan Toews gets a dump pass behind the net and Bryan Bickell works his way in front of the net. Toews to Bickell and he buries it! 2-2 game and the crowd is dead silent. I am jumping and screaming non stop and before I could even process the game tying goal, Dave Bolland parks by the net, and buries one past Tuukka Rask with :59 left. Hawks lead 3-2! I am stunned with joy. I feel like I'm on the ice part of this madness. The Hawks have scored 2 goals in 17 seconds. "2 seconds and 1, the Blackhawks are Stanley Cup Champions," said Doc.

Experiencing this crazy game and series as well as observing each moment has forever changed me as a passenger. 17 seconds...never forget. One Goal achieved.

1 comment:

  1. I remember watching that game, I think your story does a great job capturing the emotions of the moment. Great job!

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