The Blackhawks are helping me through a rough stretch. One white knuckled day after another. They give me happiness when it seems there is none. They play with strength against adversity, which I can relate to. They are an inspiration in the best sense of the word.

They play again in half an hour. They are warriors. A week ago they were at death's door, down 3 games to 1 against the Red Wings. They rallied to win that series and are now ahead a game against the Kings, the defending champs. If they win tonight they will put the Kings in a 2-0 hole, a place no team wants to be. Go Hawks!

One of the things I like is that you never know who will step up. Yesterday the goals were scored by Patrick Sharp and Martin Hossa, two of their stars. But the bottom of the roster guys have gotten them here. If it goes well every one of them will deserve to carry the Cup around the ice.