Hawks Win 3rd Cup in 6 years!!

Well Game 6 had plenty of thunderous lightning outside in Chicago, but there weren't many bolts of Lightning inside the United Center on Monday night.

The heavy downpour cut off my ability to make it downtown, after driving thru 3-4 flooded streets that I probably shouldn't off. I have to say I'm fairly disappointed I wasn't able to make it down, but I was able to watch and cheer from my couch.

After a stirring national anthem, which gave me goosebumps through the TV, both teams seemed slightly nervous, but the speed of play still made the scoreless first period exciting. Corey Crawford looked great in net and the Chicago rush attack was working in waves.

Once 7 or so minutes pasted in the second period, everyone in the building could tell that something wonderful was about to happen. Eventually late in the period, Patrick Kane found Duncan Keith for an open shot which he took and deflected off of Tampa goalie Ben Bishop and landed right on Keith's stick after following his shot and put the puck in the back of the net. Needless to say the crowd went wild, as did I.

Heading into the 3rd period, everyone was on pins and needles, waiting to see what would happen. There was so much up and down the ice play, both teams were so skilled every rush was heart-stopping for Hawks fans. Finally Mr. Clutch, Patrick Kane, ended up with the puck on his stick after a great pass from Brad Richards, for the first two goal lead in the series and the eventual clincher. What a game! 

Obviously after winning 3 Stanley Cups in 6 years, the dynasty talk has started and probably won't stop for a while, rightfully so. What a team! Blackhawks are Champions!


Highlights of Game 6

Another 2-1 Blackhawks Win!

The Chicago Blackhawks snuck out another win in Game 5 from the Tampa Bay Lightning, 2-1 in Florida. Which now sets the table for Lord Stanley's Cup to be in the Madhouse on Monday night. Coach Quinnville's record now goes to 42-14(.750 win ptg) in playoff games 4-7. So there will be even more a buzz throughout the city of Chicago this weekend, with Kane & Toews jerseys covering the city.

The Blackhawks goals were netted by Patrick Sharp in the first with assists from Tuevo Taravian & Cpt. Johnny Toews. Antione Vermette had the game winner in the third period, which was assisted by Kris Verteeg. The Lightning followed in the second period with a goal by Valtteri Filppula assisted by Jason Garrison & Anton Stralman. Corey Crawford was amazing again in goal collecting saves on 31 of 32 shots on goal.

Game 6 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final will be Monday night at pm on NBCSN.

I'm predicting a 4-1 Blackhawks win

Upcoming Game 4's

Courtesy of NHL.com

NHL: Lightning up 2-1

Tonight the Blackhawks attempt to tie up the series at 2. After a stadium deflating loss in Game 3 in the closing minutes, you would expect the stars of Chicago to finally shine and score. So far zero goals from Kane, Toews and Sharp. An injury to Johnny Oduya could mean even more ice time for Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Coach Quinnville has said that Oduya will play Game 4, but we shall see how productive he is on the ice. Speaking of Coach Q, his Blackhawks teams in the playoffs, in Games 4-7 are a remarkable 40-14. Look for the Hawks to jump out to an early lead to keep the Madhouse on Madison rocking all night.

Courtesy of NBA.com

Cavaliers up 2-1

If you are a fan of basketball and yet haven't watched any of the NBA Finals, you are missing out on one of the greatest Finals performances ever. LeBron James has imposed his will and has lead his injury-riddled team, with its band of no-names (pre-playoffs), to two games away from his 3rd Championship. In the Finals he is averaging 41 points, 12 rebounds, & 8.3 assists. He has nearly wrapped up the MVP of the Finals, now just needs to get a couple more wins. 

On the other side, what can the Warriors do to help get more open looks or paths to the basket for Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Neither has looked comfortable until its usually too late.

NHL: Game 4 in Chicago, Wednesday night @7pm

NBA: Game 4 in Cleveland, Thursday @ 8pm 

Stanley Cup Preview

This year's Final sets up to be an exciting one, with all the star power and speed on the ice. 

For the Blackhawks, this is familiar territory with it being the 3 Cup Final appearance in 6 years, hoisting 2 Cups. We all know the names Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews & Marian Hossa, but this year's postseason star has been defenseman, Duncan Keith. The future Hall of Famer has lived on the ice the the Hawk zone, keeping goalie Corey Crawford away from as many pucks as possible. 

As for who Keith will be chasing around, that mainly would be Steven Stamkos. He seems to be the catalyst of the Tampa Bay offense, who makes their first appearance in the Cup Final since they won it in 2004.

Both teams have shown they can beat quality teams along the way to their match-up. All hockey fans are hoping for an instant classic.I'm sure most hope it can match the NBA Finals. 

I'm predicting Chicago in 6 games!

Coverage begins at 7pm on NBC 

Check out all the action and reaction here: Blackhawks vs. Lightning