Diary of a Chicago Sports Fan

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The end of Blackhawks Camelot, and don't feel sorry for Russell Westbrook

After being swept in decisive fashion by the Nashville Predators, the Blackhawks need to retool. Thursday's final was 4-1. Jonathan Toews scored the Hawks lone goal, his first in 13 playoff games. Hawks management can live in the past, or they can attempt to unload high priced, declining talent and start afresh. This is the time of playoff flop that can lead to big changes, and they're needed. Three goals in four playoff games with high priced talent doesn't cut it.

Somebody has got to go

One possibly trade candidate is Corey Crawford. Not that he's particularly at fault for the Hawks playoff loss, but he and Scott Darling are somewhat of a duplication of talent. As much as anything, trading Crawford could give the Hawks cap relief. Of course, by waiting until now, the Hawks lose some of that benefit since Darling will be looking at a big raise.

I'd like a different musical selection

I've enjoyed the Hawks run, but it's over. I hope Hawks management and fans don't adopt the Jethro Tull “Living in the Past” mentality. Now I'll have to root for the Leafs and Oilers.

There's more to it than that

The Houston Rockets – Oklahoma City Thunder playoff series is interesting for a number of reasons. One of the foremost is it spotlights the NBA's leading MVP candidates, James Harden and Russell Westbrook. The Rockets are now up 2-0 in the series and some will rightfully say that James Harden is surrounded by better players. Still, as I look at that series I understand why Kevin Durant moved on to Golden State.

Edge negated

Westbrook is truly a great player, but his game is geared more to being a one man band. In the regular season that might work, in part because he plays with a level of intensity that is unmatched. In the playoffs, the level of intensity is elevated for everyone. Westbrook therefore loses a little bit of his advantage.

Once upon a time

Westbrook might not be surrounded by a world of talent now, but at one time he had James Harden and Kevin Durant as teammates. The three didn't reach their potential until they were separated. When they were all together, Westbrook dominated the ball. And that wasn't always a good thing. I think Durant made a good read on the situation and make a good basketball decision to go on to Golden State. Don't be mad at Durant, he actually made the situation better for himself and Westbrook.

And a Bears joke in a time of crisis

I saw where the US intercepted two Russian bombers. I figure Matt Barkley must have thrown them.

More next time.