Chicago Blackhawks Win Stanley Cup

The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-0, to clinch the series 4-2 and secure their sixth Stanley Cup.

Chicago Blackhawks Win Stanley Cup

Last night, the Chicago Blackhawks cemented themselves as one of the most dominant hockey teams of the last decade — something only rivaled by the Los Angeles Kings — as they clinched their third title in six years.

But the Lightning had plenty of opportunities to claim this game with Steven Stamkos — who would miss a wide open net and a breakaway chance to end the championship series goalless — Ondrej Palat and Anton Stralman all missing opportunities to send this series to a deciding game seven in Tampa.

On top of this, Ben Bishop, who has revealed that his lower body injury was a groin tear, even kept them in the game with some fantastic saves — one literally off his toe — finishing last night with 30 saves. But it was the solid Corey Crawford, who used a mixture of luck and skill to get the shutout on 25 saves, and the Blackhawks’ late goal scoring ability that pushed Chicago to their sixth Stanley Cup victory.

The first goal of the night came in the second period, when the Conn Smythe trophy winner, Duncan Keith, ripped a slapshot from the blue line, which Bishop was unable to control. This resulted in the defenseman retrieving his own rebound and scoring. Keith had an amazing playoff run, being the pillar of Chicago’s ailing defense: he by far played the most time — 715 minutes — garnering 21 points, 18 assists and three goals over the Stanley Cup playoffs.

“It feels so great. You want to keep being a part of these things,” Keith stated after winning the trophy. “You don’t get these awards without being on great teams with great players, and like I said, I’m just proud to be a part of this group of guys who cares so much and do whatever it takes.”

The insurance goal was scored with five minutes left in the game, when Brandon Saad made a gorgeous no look pass to Patrick Kane, who scored on a wide open net. While the young Saad was a standout in this series — and in the entire playoffs with eight goals — Kane saved his best for last night: after only one point throughout the Stanley Cup finals, he assisted Keith’s game-winner and put away any hope for a Lightning come back.

Though the Blackhawks have won titles in 2015, 2013, 2010 and 1961, this is the first time since 1938 that they clinched the Stanley Cup while on home ice. And the scary part is the young age of this Chicago team, giving them plenty of chances to secure future championships.

Article by Anthony Falco