Monday night the Chicago Blackhawks won their third Stanley Cup since 2010 beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-0 and winning the series 4-2.
Although this was their third Stanley Cup in the last six seasons, it was the first time since 1938 the Blackhawks were able to win the cup on their home ice in the windy city. Duncan Keith raised the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP recording 21 points and a playoff high 18 assists.
It was revealed that Ben Bishop, the goalie for the Tampa Bay Lightning had a torn groin, which he suffered in Game 2. Bishop was able to play through the injury for Game 3, sat Game 4 and then came back for the remainder of the series. Tyler Johnson, the centerpiece of the Lightning’s “triplet” line also revealed that he was playing with a broken wrist.
The series between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning was extremely close. During the first five games of the series no team went ahead by more than one goal, until Patrick Kane scored his first goal of the series with a 5:14 left to play in the third period.
The Blackhawks became the first team since the 2002 Detroit Red Wings to win three Stanley Cups in six years. The Red Wings won in 1997, 1998 and 2002. With this Stanley Cup victory, the Blackhawks were able to solidify themselves as a dynasty in the NHL for the better part of a decade.
What’s scary about this Blackhawks team is that they are still young and have the potential to dominate the league for years to come. Their roster only contains four players over the age of 35 and both star players Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews are both under 30 years old. It should be interesting to see how the Blackhawks shape their team for next season following salary cap negotiations this off-season.
– Morgan
The Coaches' Daughters 