Mr. Miller's BLOG

Winning is what matters
Posted on October 14, 2009

Growing up as kids, we were taught: It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game. It's a nice sentiment and one today's parents continue to push on the current trophy-generation. Fortunately, we all grow up and are forced to deal with reality.

Aside from blatant cheating or other unethical forms of play – sports is about winning and losing. And for the 2009 Chicago Blackhawks, to coin a familiar Chicago term, they're winning ugly.

Those of us at the home opener saw a rather ugly hockey game. The first two periods, and most of the third, provided a level of excitement not seen since the first meeting between the Lightning and the Panthers in front of a rabid crowd of 8,000 at the Bank Atlantic Center (or whatever it was called back then).

Then came the final five minutes, the overtime period and a team-record nine-round shootout that will be talked about for quite awhile. More importantly, came the 4-3 win on a shootout goal by Andrew Ladd.

That game was followed two days later with Calgary taking a 5-0 lead in the first period, scoring on their first three shots on goal and forcing Coach Q pull Cristobol Huet in favor of backup goalie Antti Niemi. No doubt the 20+ thousand in attendance were stunned and silent.

The 'Hawks then roared back scoring six unanswered goals from Madden, Kane, Byfuglien, Bolland, Sharp and the game winner in OT by Brent Seabrook.

Winning. Winning ugly. Does it really matter?

In the short term the fans, media and the participants themselves scrutinize individual play and team statistics. History, however, is more cut and dry. Over the long term, the numbers simply don't lie. There are no underlying stories to tell or trends to discuss. Rarely is there a discussion for an asterisk to be placed in the books because a team hit a losing streak due to injuries.

Statistically speaking, the Blackhawks are 3-1-1 and are in 2nd place in the Norris Division. That's the bottom line right now. While individual moments make for great memories, unfortunately teams aren't judged by individual moments.

You win or you lose. And in this league, not everyone gets their name on the trophy.

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