Stanley Cup Champions

After 49 years of waiting, the Chicago Blackhawks are Stanley Cup Champions!

What a great and entertaining game 6. The Hawks came out strong with 17 shots in the 1st period. The refs were calling the game tight from the start and that was evident regarding some holding and interference penalties. In the 3rd period the Hawks had a 1-goal lead. You knew the Flyers were going to bring a ton if pressure. All Hawks fans were clock watching hoping somehow the time would speed up. With approximately 3 minutes left in te game the Flyers got the tying goal off of Scott Hartnell. For the remaining time in the 3rd period, the pressure continued. Antti Niemi was spectacular. He made an amazing save on Jeff Carter. That saved the game and helped get it to OT.

In OT, you just never know what will happen. Well, Patrick Kane gets the game winning goal and everyone except Kane a few others knew the puck went in. A minute or two later and the celebration was on. 2010 Stanley Cup Champions!

Jonathon Toews won the Conn Smythe as the playoff MVP. He tied the Blackhawks record for the most points in the playoffs with 29 (tied Denis Savard from 1985). Toews has had one heck of a year. Wins the gold medal with Canada in the Olympics, wins the Conn Smythe and then the Stanley Cup!

Game 6

Stanley Cup Final - Game 6 is tonight!

As Game 6 approaches, here are some points to note.

1. Pressure - the Hawks need to have the pressure they showed in Game 5 throughout Game 6.

2. Elimination - even though this is an elimination game for the Flyers, that is the mindset the Hawks must have in this game.

3. Forecheck - the Hawks need to constantly forecheck. They need to be all over the Flyers.

4. Home ice trend - this is the perfect time to break that home ice advantage. So far all games have been won by the home team.

5. Antti Niemi - enough said

This should be another great game. I expect the Flyers to come out strong at home in the 1st period. The Hawks just need to be able to withstand it. Hopefully they will and get a goal quickly to quiet the crowd.

I also need to point out a checklist for tonight.

1. White gloves
2. Hall of Fame Sport Coats
3. NHL Tablecloth
4. The Commissioner
5. A certain silver trophy 3 feet tall weighing 35 pounds
6. A team ready to hoist the cup after 49 years!

Enjoy game 6!

Let's go Blackhawks!