The Morning Skate: 6/13/13

Jun 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view during the third period in game one of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Stanley Cup Final started last night, everyone had been patiently waiting for game one (100% sarcasm)….for what seemed like an eternity (100% truth). I even noticed a collaborative countdown on Twitter until 8:00 o’clock…was that planned by someone?

Game one of the Stanley Cup Final did not disappoint though. In fact, the rest of the series is going to have to be spectacular to beat how great game one was. It had everything you can ask for; huge hits, goals galore, and TRIPLE OVERTIME! That is what playoff hockey is all about!

Jun 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Bruins left wing

(17) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period in game one of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Bruins opened the scoring, scratch that, Milan Lucic opened the scoring. Not only once in the first period, but then again in the second. Shortly after Lucic’s second goal, the Chicago Blackhawks finally got the crowd on their feet when Brandon Saad put a wrist shot past Rask. The second period would end 2-1, Lucic still ahead, whoops, meant Boston.

As the third period rolled on, it was not looking good for the Hawks. Patrice Bergeron extended the score to 3-1 just over 6 minutes into the period. The Hawks began to rally though and evened the score with goals from Dave Bolland, and Johnny Oduya (Nominated for Best Name In Hockey for this years NHL Awards). At this point there is less than 8 minutes left to go in the game. What a nail bitter!

Jun 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman

celebrates after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period in game one of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

First overtime, nothing, second overtime, nothing, third overtime must be the charm. I can’t imagine playing that much hockey, the NHL must have known this was going to happen since the next game isn’t until Saturday.

Jun 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center

(65) scores the game-winning goal past Boston Bruins goalie

(40) during the third overtime in game one of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Shaw, 21 year old from Ontario, Canada, scored the game winning goal in triple overtime for the Hawks. Shaw saw himself alone in front of the net, when a shot from the point was making its way towards the goal. He then scored the biggest goal of his career (so far), by deflecting it past Tuukka Rask. Thus giving the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Final.

Check out FanSided’s own Blackhawkup.com for a recap of the exciting game.

I am sure Saturday will be a boring, fall asleep on the couch, wish you were into Basketball so you could root against Lebron, kind of game. I don’t think anything can really top game one. What a game. Game two will be played on Saturday, same time, same place.

I look forward to reading all the tweets about how the Hawks are going to lose momentum, that the schedule for the Cup Final is ridiculous, and then another countdown to what hopefully will be a spectacular game two.

Charging Through The Headlines:

• Like facts and stats? NHL.com posted an article with some interesting “facts and figures” regarding last nights game.
• The most hated man in the NHL talks about the state of the Phoenix Coyotes and more. Check out what GB had to say.
• On Saturday June 15th, the Blue Jackets will be hosting a Bob4Vezina viewing party at Buffalo Wild Wings (Grandview), check out the Fanzone on BlueJackets.NHL.com for more details.