One year ago today, the Chicago Blackhawks ended nearly a half century of frustration by winning the Stanley Cup in Philadelphia. And the images still seem as fresh as they were when Patrick Kane set off the celebration with an overtime goal in a 4-3 victory at a raucous Wachovia Center.
“I knew it was in right away,” said Kane, who ripped off his gloves and skated down the ice with his arms thrust in the air. “I just kind of tried to take off and book it to the other end and try to start the celebration.”
After 49 years, the Hawks once again were NHL champions.
“It was crazy,” Kane said. “At the moment it’s just like, ‘We won the Stanley Cup’ and that’s all you’re thinking about. To play this game, this is the only thing I want to do in the world and be a part of moments like this.”
That was only the start of the party. Two days later came the victory parade through the streets of Chicago. And that launched a Stanley Cup tour in which the cherished chalice traveled through North America and Europe visiting the hometowns of Hawks personnel.
Savor the anniversary of the Cup conquest will a tour of the Tribune’s photo galleries.
