Dismal

Game One of the NHL Western Conference semi-finals between the Blackhawks and Canucks is in the books.  It was a fairly close game until 19:50 into the first period.  The Canucks score their second goal and came out smoking in the second.  When it was all over, the Blackhawks surrendered home ice and were on the losing end of a 5-1 game.

They played like a team that was distracted and really didn't care.  The Canucks were aggressive and set up shots on goal with a solid passing game.  The Blackhawks couldn't pass if their lives depended on it.  The blasted the puck at the goal, most often finding it deflected by the Canucks defense.

It was so bad, I turned the channel at the 5-0 point to watch The Birds on Svengoolie.  If the Blackhawks continue to play this poorly, the only cup they will be the cup on every hole at their local golf course.  They have not been the same team since the Olympic break.  They better shake out of it because these games won't get any easier.