So amid much hoopla, the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings faced off for the 2009 Winter Classic today at Wrigley Field. The "L" flag could have flown at the game's end, and along with "loss", it could have stood for "lunch", since the Wings ate the Hawks', demolishing them 6-4 on the strength of 5 straight goals.

THE GOOD:

The event itself. There was perfect weather for an outdoor game - just above freezing with no sun. Wrigley Field did lend itself to some breathtaking shots. Hearing 41,000 fans was pretty cool, even if they weren't very close to the ice.

The Hawks in the early going. They took the game to the Wings in the first period, culminating with Ben Eager's goal from behind the net, just pure hustle and muscle.

Pavel Datsyuk's goal. Holy shit. Red Wing or not, that shit was amazing.

THE BAD:

The Hawks second and third period play. Their pattern of sitting back on a big lead showed itself again, as the Hawks blew their third 2-goal lead of the season against the Wings. If the Hawks are ever going to compete on an elite level, they need to show a sustained effort throughout the game.

Pavel Datsyuk's goal. Brian Campbell looked absolutely brutal.

THE UGLY:

Cristobal Huet. His mask looked really cool, with the Wrigley Field sign and all, but the Wings could have shot beach balls past him today.

The Hawks' next game is Sunday at the United Center against the red-hot Calgary Flames. Hopefully they don't shit themselves at the sight of more red jerseys.