The Morning Skate: 6/25/13

Jun 24, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks players including

(lower right) pose for a team photo with the Stanley Cup after game six of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. The Blackhawks won 3-2 to win the series four games to two. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Well, that is it, the season is over….The Chicago Blackhawks are Stanley Cup Champs! The Boston Bruins played a great season, and a great series, unfortunately it just wasn’t enough. I picked the Bruins to win the series in 7 games and I was less than two minutes away from possibly being correct. It may have been the last game of the season, but it ended with fireworks, what a finish. BlackhawkUp.com also had a fireworks display, be sure to check out all the posts!

Jun 24, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center

(36) celebrates after scoring the go-ahead goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period in game six of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports

I don’t think that anyone could of fathomed that type of finish to this series. I can understand the one goal to tie the game, but to get two goals that quickly, it is unreal. Bruins fans have to be devastated, and one can only imagine what occurred after the Hawks took the lead in the houses, bars, anywhere there was a TV with the game on in Chicago basically.

Jun 24, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing

hoists the Stanley Cup after game six of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. The Blackhawks won 3-2 to win the series four games to two. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The story for the Hawks was not only how well the core group played, but the support they received from their role players and veterans. In post game interviews I heard a lot of praise going around to every player, it wasn’t just one guy who made the difference, it was a collective team effort.

That is exactly what it takes to win a cup, teams don’t need to necessarily have the best goal scorer, or the toughest player, but a cohesive four lines. Of course it helps when you have names like Toews, Kane, Hossa, and Sharp on your team. Speaking of which, Kane wasn’t even that excited to win the Conn Smythe Trophy, he was happier that the team won Lord Stanley’s Cup.

The Bruins deserve a ton of credit as well, they too have a tremendous core group of players, and a equally as good supporting cast. Could have been a different series if Gregory Campbell didn’t break his leg, and could continue to push that energy line and penalty kill. In the end the Bruins just weren’t as spectacular as the Hawks.

Charging Through The Headlines:

• “Minnesota Wild Re-Sign No. 1 Goalie Niklas Backstrom” [Gone Puck Wild]
• It is always crazy hearing about the injuries that professional athletes play through. Find out here what Bergeron endured through game six. [The Boston Globe]
• The Avs may not be leaning toward Seth Jones as #1 pick. [ProHockeyTalk]
• The Canucks plan on officially announcing John Tortorella as head coach today. [Yahoo Sports!]