You know how the word "epic" gets overused? Well, tonight's game was 108 seconds away from being epic.

The Chicago Blackhawks paid tribute to Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita before tonight's game against the Colorado Avalanche by unveiling statues of each man on Madison Street. The Hawks then fell behind 3-1 to the Avalanche before racking up three straight goals, only to let Colorado tie it up with 1:48 left in the third period.

The Hawks couldn't capitalize on a power play they received with 3 seconds left in regulation, then got shut out in the shootout, getting only one point in a 5-4 loss in the United Center.

Let's get to this:

THE GOOD:

The statue unveiling. It's great to see these great athletes getting their due, especially given the acrimonious relationship they had with Bill Wirtz. They got a huge ovation when they were introduced inside the United Center, and even the Avalanche players tapped their sticks. That was a classy move by Colorado.

The Hawks' close-but-no-cigar comeback. Falling behind 3-1 last year would have been enough for the Hawks to shut the circus down and head out of town. Tonight Jonathan Toews got the Hawks within one with 55 seconds left in the second period, then Barbados Slim tying it up before Marian Hossa got the Hawks the lead. This team is hungry.

The scoring depth. Each forward line had someone get a goal. Along with Toews, Slim and Hossa, Michael Frolik took care of Erik Johnson's tape-to-tape pass. Johnson didn't get an assist on the goal, since he's not a Blackhawk. This would be a good time to reflect on the Blues drafting Johnson in front of Toews in 2006. Mmmmmmm.

THE BAD:

The Hawks' getting smoked during offense-to-defense transition. They were pretty good at keeping the rink tilted all night, but when Colorado got their transition game going, the Hawks had no answer. Blackhawks fans might as well get used to Gabriel Landeskog haunting their nightmares. This kid is really, really good.

THE UGLY:

The spectacular display of meatballery in Section 314 this evening. People yelling "Shoot it!" during board battles. People yelling "hit somebody!" when the Hawks are on offense. Not one, but two, Karate Kid jokes.

Oh, and an added bonus "Ugly". Driving home I was flipping radio stations, and wound up on XM's 70s station. They played "Get Dancin'" by Disco Tex and the Sex-O-Lettes, so the damn thing will be stuck in my head all night. Now I'm sticking it in yours.