Blackhawks capture Stanley Cup
Jonathan Toews raised the Stanley Cup over his head and soaked in the cheers from the adoring crowd. Patrick Kane pumped his right arm in celebration. Johnny Oduya pulled a Chicago flag with a Blackhawks logo over his broad shoulders.
Party on, Chicago. It’s a Windy City celebration 77 years in the making.
Duncan Keith scored in the second period and directed a dominant defense that shut down Tampa Bay’s high-scoring attack, and the Blackhawks beat the Lightning 2-0 in Game 6 on Monday night for their third NHL title in the past six seasons.
Kane had a goal and an assist, helping the Blackhawks clinch the Cup on home ice for the first time since 1938. Corey Crawford, who was pulled from Chicago’s first-round series against Nashville, had 25 saves in his fifth career playoff shutout.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman tagged the Blackhawks as a dynasty, and the frenzied crowd of 22,424 at the United Center agreed wholeheartedly.
“We won it for each other, for the city,” Toews said. “In so many ways, winning a championship like this in our home city, I think it really transcends the sport. Everyone wants to be a part of it. It’s amazing.”
Keith was a unanimous selection for the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP after he finished with 21 points while playing more than 715 minutes in a grueling postseason.
“It feels so great. You want to keep being a part of these things,” Keith said. “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