The western 8th seed has knocked off one of the favorties for the TFHL 17 championship. In a suprisingly close series, the Hawks dropped the Renegades in six games. With four of the six games being decided by only one goal it is apparent that this series could have went either way. Coach Denis Savard though was quick to defend his troops in a press conference following the final victory.
"We were one of the elite teams all season. It wasn't til late in the season that a large losing slump knocked us down to the 8th spot. The goal all year was to make the playoffs. We might not have the talent that some of these other teams have but we have heart. All 21 of these guys have checked the egos at the door and are here to win. We can play with the best and have proved it".
The Hawks now move forward to face the 4th seeded Acheans. The division rivals met in the playoffs once before way back in TFHL 12. The Hawks snatched the 8th seed back then as well and upset the Acheans in first round play en route to their first finals appearance and a 7th game loss to the Hurricanes.
Rookie Lukas Krajicek and sophomore Colby Armstrong share the MVP duties for the first round with the Hawks. Krajicek has been outstanding in his own end and offensively as well chipping in 9 points while being promoted to the first line and quaterbacking the power play. Armstrong has picked up where he left off in the regular season by chipping in 5 goals in the opening series and has really found his grove playing alongside Derek Brassard and Anson Carter.
As round two starts today it should be interesting to see how the Hawks compete against the Acheans. If history repeats itself the Blackhawks could be on their way to another cinderella finish. Many factors will need to be considered and both teams have a great shot of the conference finals. Who will step up and be the next hero? Only time will tell.
The Blackhawk Reporter - Conference Semi Finals.
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