I'm sure our guys "wanted it" just as much as the Hawks. The whole "lack of leadership" narrative gets tired after a while. Even seeing some people say Getz should be stripped of the "C", he should be traded, he didn't look like he cared after the game, etc. I mean WOW, people really don't understand how good we have it with our team to spew **** like that.
Only one squad can win the Stanley Cup; does every other team that loses in the playoffs have a leadership problem? It is probably more because of the way in which we lose, but as more information comes out injuries played a part as well for both Getzlaf and Lindholm. I know it gets people even more pissed because of the game 7 chokejobs, but to think the guys on the ice didn't give it their 100% effort is really dumb and shortsighted.
It comes down to the fact that we didn't execute as well as they did plus having a bad bit of luck, just like it does in any other game. Chicago have elite talent up and down the ice, and they showed it over a seven game span. Their best players came through when they needed them most, and ours didn't. Crawford was good enough to get his team through to the finals, Andersen gradually played worse as the series went on. Keith crapped all over us and showed why he is a perennial Norris candidate, Beauchemin flopped and looked every bit of his near 35 years. We hit what 4? posts in that triple overtime game that could have ended it at any point and put us up 2-0.
It stings like hell right now, but we'll all be back in a few months supporting the team like always and I'm sure we'll be glad to have Perry and Getzlaf on the roster in October.