Emma: Blackhawks, Lightning Bring Thrilling Hockey
By Chris Emma-
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Zamboni circled the United Center ice, preparing for five more minutes of skates slashing and pucks flying. Meanwhile, players for Chicago and Tampa Bay paced back and forth rather than resting the legs.
A tempo so exhilarating forced the players to keep their skates moving, even between the end of regular and start of overtime. On Tuesday night, the fastest sport in the world seemed faster than ever.
The Blackhawks and league-leading Lightning needed overtime to decide a winner. Chicago would prevail 3-2 over Tampa Bay, earning that one extra point. But that almost seemed a moot point in a matchup so entertaining.
This was a clash of similar styles. The Blackhawks and Lightning were looking at themselves in the mirror for 65 minutes. Speed met speed in a thrilling pace.
With the game on the line, there was the spectacular Steven Stamkos streaking up the ice, with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane tailing. The puck then went toward Tampa Bay's net, and there was Stamkos in pursuit.
Eventually, it was decided by skill in a shootout, where these talented teams put their best on the ice for a shot at a win. Kane beat the 6-foot-7 Ben Bishop to the top shelf, then Stamkos was stuffed by Corey Crawford.
Chicago knew what it was in for -- there were no surprises in store. But when Kane took his first shift, it really sunk in.
"It's fun," Kane said. "First period was really fun."
That pace continued on from there. For the hockey diehard, this matchup was well worth the price of admission. It's rare to see two teams of such tempo, especially from opposite conferences.
Any idea of this being a statement game for the Blackhawks is simply misguided. That just doesn't happen for a team with such winning ways. Their core of talent has two rings to wear.
But this Blackhawks group has admittedly been lacking confidence, so the significance of a win over the top team in the standings can mean something. Facing a team with such skill, Chicago would triumph while proving its worst play is in the past.
"We're getting better and better every game," said Crawford, who was voted the game's No. 1 star on Tuesday.
Added Chicago coach Joel Quenneville: "Certainly, our game is getting closer to becoming complete."
Perhaps it was fitting that 60 minutes wasn't enough for the Blackhawks and Lightning to solve their differences Tuesday, because these two teams are so similar. It's fair to look toward the future and envision this as a potential matchup for the Stanley Cup Final.
Tuesday's ticket lived up to its billing and left those in United Center clamoring for more.
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.