For the third time in six years, at exactly 10:11 pm in Chicago, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman passed the Stanley Cup to the Blackhawks' team captain Jonathan Toews. After receiving the much-coveted Cup, he happily lifted it over his head for the very first time acknowledging their first 'home' championship.
Third time's really the charm of this group of talented players. The core of this Western team is so good you can't throw anyone away. They've been recognized as the best organization in the league, being known for their speed, relentlessness and skills.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are built like the Blackhawks and play a fast game as well. However, they couldn't simply match the experience and expertise that this group of guys possesses.
"We’ve got guys that just don’t quit," Canadian defenceman Brent Seabrook said. "We’ve got guys that have played in these situations before and know what it takes to win. We’ve got a lot of guys here that have been in big games, big Stanley Cup games, Olympics, World Championships. We know it’s pretty exciting to be able to do this."
This team has been rebuilt over and over again, but still managed to establish a dynasty with their equally competent players that gel together and makes their core so strong.
"It’s a challenge," general manager Stan Bowman said. "It’s the system we all play under. We’ve got to find a way to make it work. It certainly is a credit to our leadership group on the team. Also my staff. They’ve done a fantastic job drafting and developing players. The only way you make it work in this system is if you can have young players that you draft and develop."
Now, it is up to the other twenty-nine teams to find an answer and stop these ice hockey giants from dominating the league for the next few years.
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