So close. Just like every game in this series. The Hawks completely negated the Blues' hot start in P1 and had them right where they wanted them at the halfway point in the game.... and then it just didn't happen. Seabrooks' slapshot ringing off both sides with 45 seconds left in the game pretty well represents what kind of a season it was for Chicago.
Oh well. Not nearly as painful as 2014 WCF game 7 loss, and three things help...
1. I'd rather the team get much needed rest after 4 years of deep runs. The core guys looked tired the last month, except for Hossa and Kane.
2. I'm not entirely convinced they could've gotten by Dallas in the next round anyway. They completely owned them during regular season.
3. They pushed this series far enough to give the younger guys some good experience with resiliency, pressure, etc. Great lessons learned for Panarin, Van Reimsdyk, Gustaffson, and (I hope) Teravainen. That stuff matters long-term.
Expectations will only be higher for 2017. Until then, I join the Sharks and Islanders bandwagons! Let's upset some bitches.