Tonight, the 'Hawks learn their destiny

I'm going on a little post-graduation road trip next week, which means I'll have to write my top ten list that usually goes up on Wednesday a few days early. One of the ideas I'm kicking around is 'Top Ten Chicago truths'. Maybe it'll have something about the Sox always being a home run-hitting team, and the Bulls constant struggle to find a low post scorer. One thing that will be included for sure though is that Chicago has always been a hockeytown.

I heard how crazy this city was about hockey growing up. Last year, we finally saw some signs of life from the team and the fanbase. This season - and particularly these playoffs - has reinforced it: Chicago loves the 'Hawks. As we've mentioned a few times before, you only need to look as far as facebook to figure that out.

By all accounts, the atmosphere inside the United Center has been insane. I'm sure television doesn't even do it justice. I've never attended a playoff game in any sport, but if I were ever to shell out tons of money for a ticket, it'd be hard to think of having a better time somewhere other than at a 'Hawks game. Bears playoff games are too cold, Bulls playoff games seem too corporate. And while we've seen US Cellular Field come alive in the past - particularly during Game 163 against the Twins last season - it seems like the electricity flowing through the UC right now is unmatched.

You know it's reached another level when The Boss can't even compete.

"I think it was louder for Game 6 to be honest," said Brent Seabrook, who went to the show with teammates Kris Versteeg, Dustin Byfuglien and Jake Dowell.

So tonight we've got the Ducks and Wings for the right to meet our 'Hawks in the conference finals. Despite my super embarrassing, major, royal F-up in my last hockey post, I was pleased/surprised to see Stompy and I were on pretty much on the same page in thinking playing the Wings may not be as much fun as everyone thinks it would be. The more I think about it though, the Ducks probably wouldn't be much easier.

If Anaheim beats Detroit tonight, that means they took out the top two teams in the conference. Sure, the 'Hawks would have home ice advantage, but the Ducks would have won two series without it already.

Either way, it won't be a cake walk. I didn't think the 'Hawks would make it out of last round though, so who's to say they'd be over-matched against either of these teams? Festivities get underway at 6.

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- Because this is a Chicago sports blog - and because everyone else is doin' it - I feel obligated to link to these totally NSFW pics of Joakim Noah and his lady friend at the beach.

- This video of Joe Crede's 13th inning walk-off grand slam last night is worthy of a link, too.