This past Wednesday was a day that had been on the calendar of Chicago sports fans for months. For some it was the Blackhawks’ opener; for others it was the Cubs’ Wild Card Game. Both were led up with excitement and perhaps for the latter, a bit of stress.

That night marked something that hasn’t been true for at least five years. For the time being, the Blackhawks weren’t the most important team in Chicago.

The Cubs marched into Pittsburgh, Jake Arrieta had it going on, and the Cubs won their first playoff game in twelve years. For those of us watching, it was a moment of joy. Even if this upcoming series doesn’t work out, that Wild Card win is something we’ll never forget.

On the West Side of Chicago, the Blackhawks raised the Stanley Cup banner (in a ridiculously long ceremony) before facing off against the New York Rangers. In the end, inconsistent play resulted in a 3-2 loss and their first opening night loss since 2011.

But I had no idea what the score was or that a bad call happened or anything regarding the game. To be honest as a huge Hawks fan, I’m happy they lost the game. If they had won, it would have taken away from an amazing performance by a young Cubs team. It finally dethroned Blackhawks (regardless of how short a time it may be for) as “the team” in the city.

And perhaps to the dismay of Hawks fans, this trend will continue. The next Blackhawks game is Friday night, a game they will play against the other New York team, the Islanders. But, it happens to coincide with Game 1 of the National League Division Series which will see the Cubs and Cardinals play in their first playoff series. The Cubs and Cards have never faced each other in the playoffs despite their great rivalry. So, TVs will be tuned accordingly.

Maybe all will tune into the Hawks’ third game? Not likely. Saturday is NLDS Game 2. So unfortunately for the Hawks, the Cubs’’ dominance in this category will continue.

The point is until at least Monday, October 12, the Blackhawks will be nearly irrelevant on the grand scale of things. But don’t worry – this is a GOOD thing.

The past five years has seen sports fans in Chicago living in a bubble. The Blackhawks were irrelevant to most people prior to 2008. Most who say “I’ve been a Hawks fan since the beginning” probably weren’t, and the numbers don’t lie. Last year the Hawks managed an impressive attendance of 21,769 per game. In 2006, they averaged only 13,300 fans at the United Center. So, it’s safe to say the fanbase has grown considerably because of their success.

The Cubs are a little different. Having been to a Cubs game in 2011, the season when they lost over 100 games, I can tell you first-hand that the Cubs have ALWAYS had a loyal and loving fanbase. If the Cubs won only fifty games this year, Wrigley would still be packed on a Saturday. Unfortunately, the Blackhawks really can’t say the same.

So, the Blackhawks can wait. There are 81 games left to play. The Cubs are on an amazing run, and we need to step out of our Blackhawk bubble and enjoy it. Who knows, as the “Back to the Future” prophecy predicted, 2015 might be the year it finally happens.

The Cubs open their series against the Cardinals Friday at 5:45.