Did you sleep well last night?
Gonna guess yes on this one. You see that Indian Head logo on the red Blackhawks sweater? There's a reason it's smiling today. As is Kaner.
In a game that became an instant classic --- the thing of legends, really --- there was good ole' #88 doing what he does best, despite the damnedest efforts by many in Chicago to always look for some sort of flaw in Kaner's game.
Stop trying.
Or in the words of Matthew Broderick, A.K.A. Ferris Bueller (for us old-timers who remember the 1986 Chicago-filmed classic): "Life can move pretty fast sometimes. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
So caught up in the moment was Kane after scoring the goal that sent the Hawks to their second Stanley Cup Finals since 2010 last night, he had some unusual words following the epic 4-3, double-overtime, series-clinching masterpiece at the United Center.
"It’s almost like I’m in a different zone," Kane said. "Like the Twilight Zone or something. I’m kind of out (of) it."
Those are the words of someone who has gotten so used to doing things so spectacular on the biggest of stages at such a young age, he almost can't believe it himself.
How soon we forget, yesterday's hattrick --- yes hattrick --- goal wasn't the first time he scored three times in a game to send a team packing, and his to the Stanley Cup Finals. He did the same thing to Vancouver, on the very same sheet of ice, back in 2010.
Bravo, sir. Take a bow. You and your helmeted, err, masked buddies.
Kane, and his counterpart, Jonathan Toews, you see, have become the NHL version of Batman and Robin. Only these superheroes aren't fighting crime ... instead they seem to prefer coming through in the biggest of moments, and hoisting 30-pound shiny silver things.
Playing at his locker following the game-winner, which came on a gorgeous pass from Toews --- the man they call 'Captain Serious' --- was the Aerosmith song 'Dream On.'
Only this was very, very real. 22,000-plus fans sent into a jubilant frenzy.
It was also a moment that almost didn't happen.
With just nine seconds left in regulation, and the Hawks ahead 3-2, they seemed destined for the Cup Finals. But a Kings goal that stunned the Chicago crowd left those fans in disbelief. The Kings, who were the defending Cup champions, weren't done yet, let by amazing goaltender Jonathan Quick.
But Kane and Toews, who just happened to be recently reunited on the same line together by coach Joel Quenville, tapped into one last adrenaline reserve almost 92 minutes into play, while legs everywhere resembled spaghetti in this marathon. Their 2-on-1 goal that clinched the game, and Western Conference, will be played, and replayed again for the ages.
It's scary how young these two, and this team, are yet. And how talented.
Much like two fellas named Hull and Mikita, no?
Yes, I made the comparison. Last I checked, Kane and Toews had the same number of Cups as those Hawks legends, and counting.
While different players, from different eras, there's a reason Hull and Mikita, who are Hall of Famers, have statues outside the "House That The Man With The Other Statue Outside" (ahem, MJ) built. Because they were all winners, ones who came through in clutch, almost larger-than-life moments. In the biggest games.
Remind you of anyone lately (88, 19?)
Someday we may very well see Kane and Toews statues gracing West Madison Street, too.
I know, getting ahead of myself. But am I really?
Next up will be the Boston Bruins. The Hawks are more talented, quicker, deeper. There's really no reason to think Kane and Toews won't come through again, along with Hossa, Keith, Sharp ... the list seems endless. As long as the Hawks keep playing their game.
That means a mini-dynasty, should our "Caped Crusaders" finish what they started in the Cup Finals.
"We have the ability, the talent, but most of all we're hungry to get back to where we were in 2010," Toews said.
And while there will be some complications next season salary cap-wise that will force the Hawks to make some difficult decisions, the fact remains, the core of this team is signed long-term, and outstanding.
But hey, what am I doing looking ahead too far?
Like I said above in the Ferris Bueller quote ...
Life can move pretty fast sometimes. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.
Let's enjoy it, Chicago. Last night was merely another chapter in the growing legend of Kane and Toews.
A saga that rapidly seems to be adding chapters to its delightful, tantalizing tale.
Not to mention shiny things.
Our very own Caped Crusaders: Hattrick Kane and Captain Serious.
Next.
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