Finally, it's just like old times

That unmistakable voice boomed in the Blackhawks dressing room following Friday's morning skate.

"Let's go get 'em tonight, boys," Bobby Hull said.

On Friday, all was right again with the Hawks. Hull and Stan Mikita were back in the family, the United Center was jam packed for a meaningful game in March, the rotting of the franchise for much of the last decade a thing of the past.

It has been a stunning turnaround for an organization that had become insignificant around the NHL and in its own city. As recently as last fall, the scene in the United Center on Friday night couldn't have been imagined in anyone's wildest dreams.

Hawks coach Denis Savard made sure his players knew what they have helped accomplish in a season already a rousing success even if the playoffs don't happen.

"I told them, 'You guys created this, this atmosphere going on, the buzz,' " Savard said. "They created all of that and they want to continue it, I can tell you that."

It was only fitting that the San Jose Sharks were Friday's opponent, allowing former great Hawks Doug Wilson and Jeremy Roenick to be part of festivities.

"I've been looking forward to this game for a long time," Roenick said. "A packed United Center -- it's like old times."

Mikita was Wilson's first roommate as a Hawks rookie, and he wouldn't have missed this night.

"He's a special guy, like a second father to me," Wilson said. "He called about a week ago and asked if I'd come in and have dinner last night. Whatever Stanley wants, he gets."

The revival of the Hawks does Wilson's heart good even as general manager of the Sharks.

"Seeing this organization struggle, for all of us who used to play here, was tough to watch," Wilson said. "But it's back, and if they keep doing what they're doing they will be a force in this league. I think any of us that played here, we want to see great success here because the city deserves it."

On one hand, it's a shame a night like Friday was needed to repair much of the damage done over the years by those formerly in charge. But as much as it reminded us of how bad things were, the promise of what's ahead should be all that matters now.