Chicago Blackhawks: Enjoying the Little Victories Versus Winnipeg

After a decade of great success, the Chicago Blackhawks are nearing the end of a long, disappointing season. Last night, though, was full of great memories.

Last night, with five games left in their season, the Chicago Blackhawks hosted the Winnipeg Jets. Led by Patrick Kane and Tomas Jurco, the Hawks dispatched their in-division counterparts, 6-2. Even though their season was long over and it was all about getting to the finish line, there were a few intriguing storylines worth discussing in last night’s home game.

A Wily Ol’ Vet Hits the Millenium Mark

For starters, this was Brent Seabrook’s 1,000th career game. As a member of the Blackhawks organization for the last 13 years, his presence with the team has been nothing short of magnificent. Whether it was the dark years in the cellar of the old Central Division or being apart of three Stanley Cup-winning seasons, ‘Seabs’ has seen it all.

He’s only the fifth ever Blackhawks player to play 1,000 games. As fate would have it, his defensive partner-in-crime, Duncan Keith, is very close to a 1,000 game milestone of his own. However, he’ll need to wait until next season to reach that mark.

Young Guns make their NHL Debuts

One of the more notable developments over the last few days has revolved around ex-Northeastern stud, Dylan Sikura. The former Huskie was drafted by Chicago in the sixth round of the 2014 NHL Draft. Last Saturday, Sikura’s collegiate career came to an end when his squad fell to the Michigan Wolverines, 3-2. He popped off for 22 goals and 32 assists in 35 games this collegiate season. Not too shabby, wouldn’t you say?

Even though he missed out on the Frozen Four, things were immediately looking up for the young buck; he officially signed on with Chicago a day later.

In his professional debut, he tallied two assists to go with four shots on goal. Let’s see if he can build on that debut tonight when the Hawks travel to Colorado to take on the Avalanche.

The other notable Hawks debut was goalie Collin Delia, who was called up from the Rockford IceHogs. Anton Forsberg was shelved with a pregame injury and this opened the door for Delia to make it happen.

And he did.

He opened up the first two and a half periods saving 25 of 27 shot attempts. Then, disaster struck. Delia suffered a cramp making a save. This cramp that would effectively end his NHL debut.

But, the Hawks just so happened to be in luck. For they had a backup for their backup waiting in the wings.

Just waiting for his dream to come true after all of these years.

One of the Best ‘Feel Good’ Stories of the NHL Season

Let’s face it. You didn’t know who Scott Foster was before last night. Frankly, no one would blame you. But the reality is that Foster hadn’t played a meaningful game since his last season at Western Michigan in 2005.

However, Delia’s unfortunate injury opened the door for the former Bronco to take to the ice in red. In front of nearly 22,000 hockey fans, it was time for Foster’s moment to shine.

And shine he did.

The 36-year-old stood tall between the pipes, denying all seven scoring attempts. With each shot turned away, the crowd got louder, chanting “FOSTER! FOSTER! FOSTER!” as if he was the MVP.

When the final buzzer sounded, he was mobbed by his teammates.

The newest Chicago sports hero and everyday accountant was given the honors as the ‘Number One Star’ of the game. While Seabrook was rightfully recognized, given his new career accolade, it would’ve felt unjust to leave out the emergency goalie, who was thrust into an unlikely situation (and was perfect no less).

In a season with not much to write home about, it seems the Chicago Blackhawks are ending on a positive note. For the Winnipeg Jets, let’s just say they’re fortunate enough to not deal with ‘The Man, The Myth, The Legend’ ever again:

Forsberg has been ruled out for the rest of the season so Delia should draw the last few remaining starts.

Next: Chicago Blackhawks: Don’t treat Joel Quenneville like Lovie Smith

Meanwhile, Foster likely won’t suit up for the Hawks ever again. But at the very least, if they need an accountant, they have one on speed dial.