Spellman's Scorecard: It's all about the Blackhawks

For years all we've heard about when it comes to the Blackhawks is the “core.”

Well, if it wasn't for the play of their “noncore” guys against Detroit, the Hawks would be hanging their heads and cleaning out their lockers right now instead of preparing to take on L.A. in the Western Conference finals.

In fact, you could argue that the Hawks' top three stars in the series all were noncore guys, led by Corey Crawford and Bryan Bickell and then take your pick from any of a handful of players for the third spot.

And sure:The core guys probably will shine more and more as the postseason progresses.It always seems to happen.Just good sometimes not to forget the other guys' contributions.The all-hustle awards:In no particular order and with no scientific data to back it up: Michael Frolik, Marcus Kruger, Bickell, Jonathan Toews, Andrew Shaw and Patrick Sharp.Did you know:Detroit entered the season ranked 22nd in the league in average weight per player (201.2 pounds), while the Blackhawks were 20th at 203.Advantage Hawks.But ...:The Hawks' next opponent, the L.A. Kings, weigh in second in the league at a whopping 209.7 per guy.Advantage: Ouch.Question:Will Hawks fans find a way to turn L.A. goalie Jonathan Quick's last name into a two-syllable chant?Yeah, pretty sure they will.NostradamOs:First he gives TV viewers the trifecta in the Kentucky Derby.Then he goes on the radio before Game 7 and insinuates that the showdown with Detroit just might go beyond regulation to provide an epic finish to an epic series.How does Eddie O do it?Two words:Go Pacers.You auto know:If you like racing, and I know every single one of you do, Sunday had to be heaven.It was for me, beginning with the Monaco Grand Prix, then on to the Indianapolis 500, and capped off #8230; eventually by the Coca Cola 600 from Charlotte.Quick thoughts:I keep trying to stick with F-1, but when the most excitement is a possible pass for fifth place, I don't know, it's tough.Indy was the exact opposite with a gazillion lead changes.Awesome.That's how you do it:Best part of the Indy 500 prerace show? That there really wasn't a prerace show.About a two-minute glossy intro (OK, but kinda weird), an image of the Boston marathoners finishing up the last mile or so of their race (awesome), Jim Nabors warbling, the release of the balloons, the call to start engines #8230; and away we went.No fuss, no muss.Perfect.Get ready, it's coming:Another couple of weeks of hearing #8220;your best players have to be your best players.#8221;A White Sox winner:The White Sox may have struggled against the Cubs on the field this week, but at least Paul Konerko schooled Jeff Samardzija in the shoot-the-puck contest Wednesday night at the United Center.Big time. And he even showed off some fancy stick work in the process.Still standing:Has Alfonso Soriano started running yet on that line shot he hit off the wall the other day at the Cell?Yeah, you know the answer.Amen:There was something very weird about walking to the United Center among thousands of Blackhawks fans for the last couple of home games and witnessing a group of people #8212; some with crosses, others with loudspeakers and many with signs #8212; walking the sidewalks while spreading the word. At least as they see it.Hawks fans rock:My favorite exchange from before Game 5:Sign guy: You need to find the Lord.Hawks fan: We need to find a way to get a win is what we need.mspellman@dailyherald.com