What a series.  The Chicago Blackhawks lead the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2015 Stanley Cup Final, 3 games to 2.  All five games have been decided by one goal.  No team has led by 2 goals the entire series.  It's been an unbelievably close series.  You could argue that the Lightning have been the better team in four of the five games.  But this is hockey.  A hot goalie, a couple inches here or there, a deflection, one little mistake... this can be the difference between winning and losing.

I got into the Blackhawks during the 2007-08 season as they were beginning their ascension as one of the NHL's best teams.  I want to make it clear that I was on board before their championship year of 2009-10... no bandwagon jumping here.  I attended my first Blackhawks game at the United Center in January 2008 (a 1-0 loss to Columbus).  I haven't seen them on their home ice since because they're always sold out and ticket prices are a little high.  Over the past few years, my wife and I have traveled to St. Paul or St. Louis to get our Blackhawks fix.

There has been a lot of talk that another Stanley Cup would give the Blackhawks the status of "sports dynasty".  This would be their third championship in the last six seasons.  With salary cap restrictions and so much parity in the sport, it's probably as close to a dynasty as you're going to see in today's NHL.

The Blackhawks also have an opportunity to do something they haven't done since 1938... win the championship on their home ice.  There is going to be unbelievable excitement in Chicago on Monday night.  I won't count out the Lightning.  They have been tremendous on the road during their playoff run, but they have their work cut out for them.  The Windy City is ready for one big-ass party!

 

The Game 5 game-winning goal (Getty Images)
The Game 5 game-winning goal (Getty Images)
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