What began as a cup drought of 49 years, dating from 1961 to 2009, now has turned into a modern day dynasty. With their win on Monday evening, the Blackhawks solidified their name into sports history. Becoming the first team since the Detroit Red Wings (1997, 1998, 2002) to win 3 Championships in a 6 year period.
Sport on the Rebound
After the 2004-2005 season was cancelled due to the lockout, times were grim for the sport of hockey and the NHL. An overnight TV rating of 5.6 makes this the 3rd most watched game 6 since 1995, tying the Blackhawk’s win over the Boston Bruins in 2013. Hockey may never be able to catch the Lebron ratings of the NBA or the success of a Super Bowl Sunday, but it is reassuring to all hockey fans that at least the sport is headed in the right direction.
Bright Future
With Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Corey Crawford, all under contract through at least the 2018-2019 season, the Blackhawks have an opportunity to rule the NHL. Something fans haven’t seen since the Gretzsky led Oilers of the late 80’s.