CHICAGO – The Chicago Blackhawks made it official Monday night on home ice, they are now a dynasty.
Duncan Keith scored with less than three minutes left in the second period to stake the
Hawks to a 1-0 lead, an advantage they would not relinquish in a 2-0 Cup-clinching win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Patrick Kane added insurance in the third period off a brilliant feed from Brad Richards leaving Kane to one-time the puck past lunging Ben Bishop.
Corey Crawford made 25 saves for the shutout.
The standing room only crowd at the United Center was pumped from the opening phrase of the national anthem and only quieted as the Stanley Cup was carried to its presentation table on the red line.
Keith was announced as the unanimous choice for the Conn Smythe Trophy after the game. His game-winner in the second period was the clincher for the silverware.
The core of the success the Blackhawks have enjoyed rests with the eight members of the team who have been in Chicago for all three Stanley Cups in the last six years including coach Joel Quenneville, Toews, Kane, Keith, Brent Seabrook, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Bryan Bickell Patrick Sharp, and Marian Hossa.
Much had been made this post season that this year was critical for the Blackhawks to win as their salary issues and tough decisions in the off season may end breaking up the team. But for now, Chicago can bask in the glory of one more Cup, their win on home ice since 1938.
Contact the photographer: patrick.gorski@prohockeynews.com



































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