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Chemistry; A Winning Formula For ‘Hawks

Written by: Jesse Michael on 20th May 2010

Chemistry; A Winning Formula For ‘Hawks | read this item

Plenty of teams have built dynasties on team camaraderie; the Boston Celtics of the 60’s, the Edmonton Oilers of the 80’s, the New York Yankees of the 90’s, and the New England Patriots of the early 2000’s.

Of course, there are teams that were never very cohesive as a group, and let talent take over – see the early 90’s Dallas Cowboy championship squads.

More times than not however, groups that spend a lot of time together as a unit are more successful in sport.

Some call it a “brotherhood”; that each player would give their left arm for the guy on either side of him in the dressing room.

Nothing can be closer to the truth with this year’s version of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Leading 2-0 in their Western Conference final matchup against the San Jose Sharks, the ‘Hawks returned home Thursday after a successful road trip.

Captain Jonathan Toews felt that they were able to bond better on the road, as they didn’t have the distractions that they sometimes have at home.

“There’s a lot of expectations from family and friends, people want to be a part of this whole thing,” he said. “When you’re on the road, it’s just you and the guys. In that way, it’s a little bit easier.”

Another integral part of this Blackhawk team, Patrick Kane, echoed his teammates’ thoughts.

“On the road, it’s a little bit different,” he said. “I think there’s really no distractions and everyone’s with each other. You’re all hanging out with your teammates. It’s been really good for us as far as that’s concerned, especially the way our team is.”

“The way our team is.”

What exactly does Kane mean by this?

Is it the goofy, hotel pranks they pull on each other to keep things loose? Or the ability to chirp and name call in the media?

He thinks it’s all of the above, and more.

“We bond together really well,” Kane said. “We’re a young team. Everyone hangs out with each other.”

Kane, and the rest of the team, is hoping that this strong chemistry will bring the city of Chicago its first championship since the White Sox won the World Series in 2005

Coach Joel Quenneville has no problem with what goes on behind closed doors, as long as they continue winning.

“They’re an extended family,” he said. “They spent a lot of time together on this trip [to San Jose]. I’m sure nobody was complaining. At the same time, I think winning makes it all worthwhile. “

But is there such a thing as too much male bonding?

“I never heard of that one,” Quenneville said with a smile on his face.

With chemistry comes competition. And according to Quenneville, the guys are just as competitive on the ice, as they are off the ice.

“I think these guys are probably fed up with the video games,” he said. “I’m sure it’s pretty competitive in there as far as who is the king of the handheld games.”

When asked if there was one way to mimic the road scenario at home by checking into a hotel to play Mario Brothers all night, Toews didn’t shy away.

“It could be one solution,” he said laughing.

A solution that could help lead the Blackhawks to their first Stanley Cup title since 1961.

Topics: Boston Celtics, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Cowboys, Edmonton Oilers, Joel Quenneville, Jonathan Toews, New England Patriots, New York Yankees, Patrick Kane, San Jose Sharks