When the Blackhawks ended their season with a loss in Game 5 of the 2002 Western Conference quarterfinals, it’s a good bet players figured they would be back in the playoffs the following year to avenge the defeat.
Instead, that defeat kicked off a seven-year postseason drought that ended this year. With that in mind, these Hawks are trying to soak in every ounce of the experience.
“It’s the first thing we said before the second round started,” forward Adam Burish said before Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals Tuesday night against the Canucks at the United Center. “[Coach Joel] Quenneville got here in front of us and said, ‘You now what, it’s not about just being here. You never know if you’ll be given another chance to be here. This could be the best team you’ll be on in your career. This could be the best chance of winning the Stanley Cup.’
“It’s so true. Who knows who could be gone next year? The pieces may not fall. You may run into injury problems. While we’re here … in the second round we may as well see how far we can take it.”
Grinder ball: Much of the Hawks’ postseason success can be credited to the strong play of the fourth line of Burish, Ben Eager and Troy Brouwer.
The trio has been throwing its weight around delivering hard checks and also has combined for two goals and four assists in eight playoff contests heading into Tuesday night.
“We have four lines that want to be a part of this series,” said Eager, who had a career-high 11 goals during the regular season and one thus far in the playoffs. “We keep rolling the storm at them.”
Fun times: Dave Bolland is one of 12 Hawks who have made their postseason debuts this year and said he’s having a blast.
“All of us young guys are having a great time,” the second-year center said. “It has been unbelievable for us to soak it in and just keep going at it.”
One-timers: Hawks legend Bobby Hull dropped the ceremonial first puck. … Rookie center Colin Fraser and veteran defenseman Aaron Johnson were healthy scratches.
