It's Hawks' heart vs. Wings' will to win

The Blackhawks have made a living this postseason of falling behind and then stepping on the gas - and on the throats of opponents.

Calgary was missing too many pieces to contend with such youth and speed, while Vancouver just seemed in shock when the Hawks' energy hit them between the eyes.

Now the Hawks get Detroit, and this would be the appropriate time to tighten things up and play some low-scoring games with the lead.

The Hawks simply can't assume every time they're down a handful that they can come back and win against a foe so obsessed with winning another title.

Hey, maybe they will. Maybe the Hawks' formula will take them all the way, but it's a dangerous formula against the defending Stanley Cup champs.

The Wings have outscored their opponents 12-3 in the third period of 11 playoff games, while the Hawks are up 16-11 in the third period of 12 games, and were a dominating 13-5 against a good defensive Vancouver team.

The Hawks haven't lost a third period since Game 4 in Calgary.

But this is Detroit, and what's scary about the Wings right now is their will to win.

They had a dozen reasons to lie down against Anaheim, but they didn't because they desperately want the Cup again.

Several Hawks have already said they never expected to be here and that they've already gone far beyond what they imagined.

That's on one side. On the other, you have the Red Wings, who began the season with only one intention. The Wings aren't even thinking about winning the conference. They have their eyes on the big prize.

They just beat the hottest goalie and the hottest team in the league that physically punished the Wings on every possession of every shift, in every period, of all seven games.

When they were tied late in Game 7 against Anaheim, I thought the Wings were done because it's unusual in this day for a defending champ to care that much about winning again.

One year ago, Anaheim didn't seem to care at all, though this year the Ducks realized what the Wings also feel today, that the clock is ticking on their title shots, and the young teams in the conference - like Chicago, St. Louis, Columbus and L.A. - are poised to take over.

So Detroit didn't let up one ounce, and ultimately prevailed over Anaheim. The win sent Detroit to a meeting with the Hawks, who have had their share of good fortune thus far.

You have to get breaks in the postseason to advance even one round, and the Hawks will get another in Game 1 as they see a tired and bruised Detroit squad, giving them a good chance to quickly steal home ice.

It's a fascinating matchup, the Wings with all their experience and desire to win, up against the young Hawks, who feel no pressure at all and are just enjoying the ride.

It's the unlimited heart and energy of youth versus the unmatched need to dance with Lord Stanley's bowl one more time.

It's the semifinals, a place the Hawks haven't been in 14 years, a spot the Wings have occupied now seven times since the two teams faced off in the 1995 conference finals.

Both teams can light up the other in a hurry. Both teams believe they can win. Both teams have a chance.

It's going to be a wild one.

Hold on to your hats.

Captain courageous

You have to believe Jonathan Toews is playing through some pain.

The Hawks' captain hadn't scored for 9 games before netting 2 goals in Game 6 against the Canucks.

After the game, Toews said he's feeling fine and that it's just the usual bumps and bruises.

Naturally, no one gives away any secrets this time of year, but you have to admire the way he's still getting involved defensively despite whatever ailments are affecting him.

"This time of year,'' Toews said, "you have to find a way to contribute, even if it's not on the score sheet.''

Dollar for dollar

Brian Campbell's taken a lot of criticism this year because he was basically terrible the entire season and through the Calgary series.

But against Vancouver, Campbell suddenly began skating the puck like he was being paid $56 million to skate the puck.

Don't know what caused him to suddenly become interested - we're guessing it's Joel Quenneville - but when he's engaged, Campbell makes a huge difference.

The Hawks need that version of Campbell to show up for the conference finals.

The quote

Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom, on the economy: "It's been a hard couple years here in Michigan, and it's not getting better. We feel like we bring some happiness to the fans, and maybe they can put aside their troubles for a few minutes and enjoy the playoffs.''

And finally ...

Patrick Kane, on the Hawks being thought of as a team of the future: "With the salary cap, you never know how long we can keep this team together, so we want to take advantage of the opportunity now.''