Here we go again! We are on the verge of winning the Stanley Cup for the third time in six years, but this time feels different than the last two. Why? Because we are at home. This is the first time since 1938 that the Chicago Blackhawks have a chance to win the Stanley Cup at home. As you know, 2010 and 2013 were won away, so what does that mean for a win at home? Chaos. It means a lot of people will be out celebrating, and probably not making it to work the next dayâme included.
I donât know about you, but today is going to drag on for what seems like forever when we have such an important Game 6 to watch tonight. As we anxiously await tonightâs game, letâs discuss the Blackhawksâ dominant supporting cast, Patrick Kane, and Stan Mikita.
A Dominant Supporting Cast
The Chicago Blackhawks team is full of all-star players, but itâs the supporting cast that remains dominant and has put Chicago on the brink of another title. As we watched Game 5, it was clear just how important good depth can be in the Stanley Cup Final. The Blackhawks could not have come away with the win if not for the superb play of their bottom two linesâChicagoâs depth forwards were dominant. And, of course, the game-winner for Game 5 came in the third period as Antoine Vermette and Chicagoâs third line went head-to-head with Tampa Bayâs forwards. The Blackhawksâ ability to get scoring from its bottom lines has been the clubâs decisive edge so far in the Stanley Cup Finalâproof that depth is key for wins.
Patrick Kane is Still Able
We have seen, or barely seen, Kane throughout the Stanley Cup Final, as he has been in a bit of a scoring drought. However, donât count Kane out just yet. As you know, in 2010 Kane scored a Cup-clinching game-winner in overtime. Heâs been battling to make himself known throughout the series, coming close to scoring, but, alas, not succeeding. As Game 6 begins tonight, I definitely wouldnât eliminate Kane just yet. I have faith he can make his presence known tonight, helping to bring the Blackhawks to victory once again.
Win it At Home. Win it for Mikita.
As the Blackhawks prepare for tonightâs Game 6, we were introduced to a sad story: Stan Mikita doesnât have any memory of his Blackhawks days. Hall of Famer Stan Mikita spent his entire 22-year NHL career in Chicago, but he now suffers from dementia. Mikitaâs wife, Jill, told the Chicago Tribune that, âhis mind is completely gone. I donât like to use that term, but thereâs no other way to describe it. He doesnât know heâs missing out. He has no idea.â
As we struggle to think about Blackhawksâ all-time leading scorer in this condition, there is one thing we can do. The Blackhawks need to win at home for Stan Mikita. While he doesnât know the Blackhawks are one win away from winning the cup and hoisting it at home for the first time since 1938, the rest of Chicago and the entire team will know. SO, Blackhawks, letâs do it for Mikitaâthat should be enough motivation, other than the Cup itself.
The Chicago Blackhawks have the experience, the game-breakers and the overall health of the two teams. As long as the Blackhawks come out strong again, there is no doubt that we can close out the series at home. Whether it is another one-goal game to extend the Cup, the Blackhawks are ready.
Are you ready for tonightâs Game 6 and potential Cup-clincher at the United Center? I am, but the day will drag until 7:00 P.M. CST rolls around. Go Blackhawks!
