In what was likely the softest OT Cup-clinching goal ever, Pat Kane’s just-shy-of-the-goal-line fling exposed Mike Leighton at the worst possible time to hand the Blackhawks their first Cup in 49 years in Philly last night. The tally seemingly went through Leighton and lodged itself under the net’s apron. Which confused the hell out of every guy announcing the game (even in Canada, eh) and every person watching. But Pat Kane was sure as shit. And his team read it off him and jumped the boards to start the celebration. After a two-pump-chump length ‘review’, the Cup was Chicago’s.

The ending also felt like a judge’s split decision in boxing, in that the action concluded but people weren’t sure if the guy beating his chest really won. It’ll no doubt give the hockey-hating catchphrase makers in Bristol some hackneyed jokes on a silver platter. But a team might score one goal like that in a season—the Hawks’ just happened to be a Cup-winner. (Props to NBC for showing the above-the-net replay almost immediately that clearly showed the puck cross the line and get stuck, removing any doubt.) The cliche is as old as hockey itself, but good things happen when you throw the puck at the net (that’s a gold medal and Cup win this year just from putting bad angle shots on net).

The goal ended a wild game and a great series that saw the T1000-like Flyers mount yet another comeback, as they tied the game with about four minutes left in regulation with the Hawks on the cusp of a Cup win. But their 35-year bugaboo reared it’s ugly head once again, when Leighton somehow allowed Kane’s game-winner to go 5-hole on him. Just an inexcusable goal—where have you gone, Bernie Parent? Still, as much as it pains me, I gotta give that Flyers team all the credit in the world. I can’t remember ever seeing a team show the balls and resiliency that they did this season and playoffs. Mike Richards is everything an NHL captain should be. Peter Laviolette further established himself as one of the game’s great motivators and tacticians. Not bad for a Franklin kid who made his collegiate bones in the MASCAC. Chris Pronger showed why teams covet monster, mobile defensemen. Scott Hartnell….well, fuck Scott Hartnell.

 

That’s not to say I wanted them to win it—I didn’t. Rooting for the Flyers is one step below rooting for the Habs, but a forbidden step nonetheless. I was all for the Hawks. The great old city of Chicago, a hamstrung-by-the-owner-til-his-death franchise, and a yearning fan base deserved it. Walking around there last week, I saw how much a long-dormant fan base responds when the ownership finally gets it and goes all out for a winner. Hawks flags on every hotel and steak house. Hotel statues decked out. They even dolled up a Chi-town icon. It made me hopeful that maybe, just maybe, tortured Bruins fans and their city can soon feel the same buzz and electricity that courses through Chicago right now. It felt great as a visitor. I can only imagine what it feels like to have in my own backyard. Now somebody go check Jeremy Jacobs’ vitals…

A few more buds for your season-ending bowl…

*Congratulations to former Bruin and good guy Nick Boynton, who’ll become the latest former Bruin to get his name etched into the Cup. Boynton was picked up at the deadline for depth and played in four Finals games. No word yet if he’ll be having a parade on Friend Street or not. Former P-Bruin Kris Versteeg (aka Chiarelli’s most wince-inducing trade) will also get a ring in what may have been his last game as a Blackhawk. It’ll be up to the team brass to decide if taxi squad goalie and former Bruin Hannu Toivonen merits one, however.

*Mike Milbury did the impossible and briefly made Mr. Microphone Jeremy Roenick a sympathetic figure during the post-game round-up. He hit a very emotional Jeremy Roenick on national TV with, “Well, I didn’t get to do it either and I’m not gonna cry…”, when JR got choked up talking about the Chicago win and what it means. I think even Milbury realized how much of a dick he sounded like because he then complimented his on-air nemesis about his career accomplishments and put his arm around him. Ah, Milbury. Great for TV, toxic to a front office.

*Don’t expect Chicago assistant and JP native John Torchetti to stick around the Lake Michigan area too much longer. Look for him to get the head coaching gig down in Hotlanta. Best of luck with that one.

*The party likely hasn’t quieted down one bit at the appropriately named Stanley’s Kitchen and Tap on North Lincoln, nor will it anytime soon. The hockey bar was a favorite stop on my Chicago trip. It also was one of the more touching. I wasn’t expecting the classy touch below, which the owners put up as a Midwest tribute to former Kings scout and Boston native Mark Bavis. A damn fine gesture. Well done, gents.

Bavis jersey

*Finally, I don’t want to leave you on a down note. So here’s another reminder why the Hawks have the best jerseys in sports (assist: lugnutz)…

Stanley Cup in Chicago 053

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