The Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings have been more historical rivals than competitive throughout the years. Recently, it has been the Hawks drifting aimlessly and out of the playoffs, while Detroit was winning Stanley Cups or playing deep into the playoffs.
But after pressing their faces to the windows looking in on the playoff fun, the Hawks now have walked through the competitive door.
“I think it’s starting to be a bigger rivalry [again],” Detroit defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom said after scoring the winning goal in overtime Monday. “When I came in in ’91, there were some big games against [the Hawks]. You’re starting to see that come back again.”
The Hawks and Wings will meet for a third time in 11 days Wednesday at what is sure to be a raucous United Center.
Through the first three games, each team has collected four points and each team has scored nine goals. The last two have gone into overtime after each team rallied late.
“Three pretty good hockey games,” Hawks coach Brian Sutter said. “You’ll see another one Wednesday night.”
The Hawks believe they can play with the Wings, reel in their seven-point lead, and catch them for the Central Division title. Unfortunately for the hometown fans in each city, Wednesday’s game is the last between the two until the regular-season finale in April.
Part of the blame lies at the door of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who many believe doesn’t appreciate fully the rivalries that fuel the sport.
The Hawks and Wings play just five games against each other this season. Hawks brass, and management from teams around the league, would like to play division rivals as many as 10 times each. Insiders think a return to divisional playoffs–in which the same teams played each other nearly every year, pouring gasoline on an inferno–would be welcome as well.
From 1985-1995, the Hawks and Red Wings played five playoffs series against each other but only in the 1995 conference finals was the series under the current playoff format.
“We know it’s going to be a lot of fun come Wednesday back in our building,” defenseman Lyle Odelein said. “Games against Detroit seem to mean a little more.”
And that’s why so many wish there were more of them.
Opposites attack
They’re both Original Six franchises, but that’s where the similarity ends between the Hawks and the Red Wings. Excellence is expected in Detroit–a.k.a. “Hockeytown” –while mediocrity rules here in Chicago.
Hockeytown
100 percent sellouts at home
Won 3 of last 6 Stanley Cups
Home arena named after legendary hometown boxer
Known for signing big-name players such as Luc Robitaille and Brett Hull
Die-hard fans flock to see team on road trips
Stole Chris Chelios from division rival Hawks
Acquired Dominik Hasek so he could finally win Cup
Sergei Fedorov once spent quality time with Anna K.
Hawkytown
66 percent sellouts at home
Won 1 of last 42 Stanley Cups
Home arena named after financially challenged hometown airline
Known for losing big-name players such as Jeremy Roenick and Bobby Hull
Die-hard fans can’t see home games on TV
Gave Chris Chelios away to division rival Red Wings
Traded Dominik Hasek so he could finally win Cup
Boris Mironov once spent quality time with Frito-Lay
