Top-Seeded Blackhawks Swept Right Outta the Playoffs
Last year at this time, it seemed strange to see the Stanley Cup bracket without a familiar name already missing.
That was when the St Louis Blues finally overcame its own frustrations and bounced the powerful Chicago Blackhawks in the first round.
It took seven games to dispose of the defending champions.
This year, it doesn't seem so strange to bop the Hawks so early anymore. Nashville did the job this year, banishing what passed for a modern-day dynasty in four straight games with a 4-1 beating:
Could we be seeing the twilight of a modern-day dynasty?
It's definitely too early to toss dirt on the likes of Chicago captain Jonathan Toews and trusty sidekick Patrick Kane, but the way they were held in check in this series was impressive.
Nashville's ballsy trade of franchise face Shea Weber for PJ Subban more than made up for dealing Popeye's kid for another crucial piece in Ryan Johansen. The Preds plugged him in with young Swedes Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson, and they've electrified Music City ever since.
One of the most successful franchises in North American sport is making way for the likes of a non-traditional hockey locale selling out every one of its games for the first time in its history.
What's more, Nashville's done it with Chicago's formula, blending youth with toughness.
And the Preds' mascot wants to correct everyone who hasn't been paying attention:
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Everyone's feisty in Tennessee these days.
And deservedly so.