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Mayor pledges “world class celebration for a world class team”

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* From a Rahm Emanuel press release…

“On behalf of the City of Chicago, I am thrilled to congratulate hockey’s new dynasty — the Chicago Blackhawks — on winning the Stanley Cup for the third time in six years. To do it at home in front of the most dedicated fans in the world makes this title that much sweeter. I want to congratulate every member of the Blackhawks family, including Rocky Wirtz, Coach Joel Quenneville, and especially every player for their grit and determination to bring the cup back to Chicago. I want to also congratulate the Tampa Bay Lightning on a great season and a thrilling series. Be ready, Chicagoans, because in the coming days we will put on a world class celebration for a world class team.”

This is an NHL Stanley Cup open thread.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 7:09 am

Comments

What a great end to the season. We weren’t sure this was possible when Kane went down, but this team is just pure gangster. A true dynasty!

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 7:14 am
Heh: https://twitter.com/howsito/status/610771482004684800

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 7:17 am
In 1971 I cried myself to sleep after the Game 7 loss at home. Last night I lost my voice screaming with joy! This is a special team!

Comment by Concerned Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 7:29 am
Especially satisfying to beat such an excellent opponent and to have Keith score the winning goal and Kane score the last goal of the season. The smile on Kane’s face after scoring that goal said it all.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 7:30 am
Sweet!!

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 7:41 am
There is nothing like your team winning a Stanley Cup. Two times, the Blackhawks thrilled us with triumphs of winning Lord Stanley’s and bringing it back to Chicago. Those cup wins are unforgettable.

Last night, the Blackhawks skated the Cup on home ice. The Chicago Blackhawks were able to embrace and share the immediate gratification with Chicago. Each Cup is special. Watching the Chicago Blackhawks share with their fans, and all of us with here in Chicagoland, that was special, and the time passed from the last home skate of the Cup made this a bit sweeter, allowing a closure of a streak not winning it at home. The box is checked now, another “last time” is reset.

Thanks, Rocky Wirtz, Coach Q, the Hockey Organ-eye-zation, and thanks to the players. What a ride. You are a dynasty. Thanks for taking us along.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 7:44 am
That Hawks game sure ended a lot better than Sundas Game of Thrones! We won the Cup!

Comment by Modest Proposal Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 7:50 am
To watch it with my soon to be 85 year old Mother was priceless. She can’t see as well as we would like but on the big screen, she saw everything.

It was a beautiful memory that I will cherish forever, Thank you to all of the Blackhawks.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 8:01 am
Dynasty!

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 8:05 am
That clip is hilarious. Bring the cup to the statehouse, maybe that will get them all together.

Comment by LTSW Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 8:08 am
with Hedman crashing into Kaner so much, and so fast, it was easy to forget that Kane came back just into the playoffs and he’s still recovering from a significant injury. that was never given as an excuse. glad he got on the score sheet with a goal. he looked so happy and thankful. and Duncan Keith…superhuman.

one really hilarious moment from last night’s post game coverage was the rant from one of the commentators at the desk. that rant against the Lightning reveals of their injuries was epic! one of the most basic comments I’ve heard.

ready to touch the cup!!!!!

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 8:08 am
Phenomenal. I watched almost every gut-wrenching minute of the last two series. The Blackhawks exemplify resilience–bend but don’t break. They withstood offensive onslaughts in their own zone by the Lightning, during much of the series. This is a great lesson for us all: bend but don’t break.

This is a great victory for a beleaguered city and state. I welcome everyone in Illinois to share our joy here in Chicago. It is for all of us (except St. Louis Blues fans).

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 8:14 am
http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2015/06/15/bishop-reveals-his-injury-after-such-a-close-series/

minute 1:20 is when he goes all Milbury-ish. and this clip cuts off a second rant!

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 8:17 am
Who is paying for the “world class” celebration? I thought the City was too broke to pay its pensions.

Comment by Cold Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 8:19 am
The Cup was delayed arriving at the UC by heavy rains. Note the Cup arrival was NOT effected by Lightning.

Comment by a drop in Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 8:22 am
He should have congratulated Tampa Bay and their fans on a great series.

As the coach said, “Act like you’ve been there.”

Especially when it is your third time in six years.

On behalf of superstitious fans everywhere, let’s stop the dynasty talk. I’d like to see a fourth soon, and wise men don’t tempt the fates.

Secondly, I think it is about time for UIUC to launch a varsity hockey program.

Comment by Juvenal Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 8:23 am
===He should have congratulated Tampa Bay and their fans on a great series.===

Umm…

“I want to also congratulate the Tampa Bay Lightning on a great season and a thrilling series”

Please read posts before commenting. Thanks.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 8:25 am
Our Cups runneth over. This one is so sweet after last year’s heartbreaker to the Kings in Game 7 overtime in the Western finals.

The Hawks are just getting started. They have Hall of Famers in tneir primes with kids coming into their own.

Toews, 27. Kane, 26. Keith, 31. Seabrook, 30. Crawford, 30.

Saad, 22, is going to be a superstar. Teuvo, 20, might be faster than Kane and the sky’s the limit.

The salary cap being what it is, Sharp snd Bickell are gone. But they have the best player in Russia, 22, coming on board next year.

Old Man Hossa still has it and will probably stick. The intriguing question is Crawford. The Bowmans have been known to deal, placing a higher priority on defensemen than goalies, and they have two other goalies they like. But that’s for another day.

Toews is the best leader in team sports. Mad skills on both ends of the ice, he’s completely unselfish and makes everyone around him that much better. He’s Magic on skates.

I told my boys this is their MJ/Scottie run. It’s a stone cold groove.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 8:25 am
This one meant more. The team was bruised and beat up. If reports are true, several roster moves are in the offing and this was the last waltz for some members of the team. I felt for Timomen who is about to retire. The salary cap may require some Blackhawks to be traded. All of the players chose to go out in style.

Tampa Bay is a good team and I expect that they will be back in the playoffs again. For the future, the Blackhawks reportedly have some top prospects ready for the NHL.

Beautiful. Cherish the moment.

Comment by Under Further Review Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 8:31 am
Juvenal,

UIC had a DI hockey program for years and ended it in about 1994. I do think they should bring it back, though.

Comment by Concerned Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 8:31 am
Rahm Emanuel and the Blackhawks…two winners for Chicago!

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 8:47 am
My humblest apologies.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 8:56 am
– Who is paying for the “world class celebration?”–

The hundreds of thousands who will be spending mad money at the downtown bars, restaurants, stores, taxis, Uber, etc.

Geez, Debbie Downer, want to skip the Christmas lights this year to save on the electricity? Ain’t no sin being glad you’re alive.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 9:01 am
===Geez, Debbie Downer===

Seconded.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 9:03 am
I love Duncan Keith but my vote for MVP would have went to Crawford.

Comment by Bedbug Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 9:06 am
Bedbug,

The Conn Smythe (not”MVP”) is based on the entire Stanley Cup playoffs, not just the Finals. There is more than good reason why Keith was the unanimous choice for the Conn Smythe. Crawford might have been in third place for that award, even considering how well he played in the Finals.

Comment by Concerned Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 9:11 am
Bring the Cup to Springfield! Go Hawks!

Comment by Roamin' Numeral Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 9:13 am
Congrats to the Hawks! Great team…great fans.

Now, many of my friends who identify as Cubs fans believe they’re next.

Really?

That’s too much man.

LOL LOL LOL

Comment by Deep South Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 9:18 am
Winners from top to bottom.

Don’t forget Bowman in the mix. When they need to fill holes, he comes up with guys who can and do.

They can be outplayed for a bit, and still not be beaten. Natural born winners!

Comment by walker Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 9:22 am
Not buying the Debbie Downer. After all, you posted a question recently about cancelling fairs downstate. Only fair to ask the same question for Chicago hockey fans.

Comment by Cold Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 9:22 am
Nice way for Crawford to end series with a shutout and quiet the critics, for now.

Comment by HeavyB Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 9:34 am
There are definitely a dynasty in this salary cap era.

Comment by woohoo Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 9:39 am
‘World class’ celebration is set for Thursday. I tried to explain to my 7 year old how special this team is, to no avail. But they truly are special and we all should take time to appreciate it!! Wow, go Hawks!!

Comment by DG53 Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 9:42 am
You have to hand it to the Hawks. They turned around a rinky-dink organization after Bill Wirtz passed in 2007 to the best organization in hockey. Remarkable team!

Comment by Stones Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 9:50 am
= Bring the cup to the statehouse, maybe that will get them all together. =

Cheesecake

Comment by Dirty Red Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 10:00 am
=Rahm Emanuel and the Blackhawks…two winners for Chicago!=

It’d be nice to think of Rahm going to Canada now that the season is over. He could retire and do something meaningful like be a Mountie.

Comment by Carhartt Representative Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 10:00 am
DG53

Have explained to my 14 year old he has seen as many Hawks Cups as his dad. It’s the norm to him to have them in the hunt.

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 10:04 am
+++===Geez, Debbie Downer===

Seconded.+++

Tripled.

Ice going boys!

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 10:04 am
Did Rahm Emanuel join us at 8:47 a.m. today?

I can’t equate the mayor with the success of the hockey team.

Comment by Under Further Review Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 10:08 am
GO SOX!

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 10:19 am
Bread and circuses.

Comment by Jack Burden Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 10:22 am
– Who is paying for the “world class celebration?”–

Umm…now is not the time to be asking such vapid questions.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 10:30 am
As one who suffered with no home games on tv, being asked to pay $3 to sit in a movie theater to watch HOME PLAYOFF GAMES in the early 1970’s (yeah, kids- “Dollar Bill” was so greedy he wouldn’t let home playoff games be “given away for free”), the last 8 years have been some of the best years as a sports fan of my life. For those fans mad at anyone who has recently become a Blackhawks fan (yeah, I have heard haters on tis subject) I say- the more the merrier! To have a squad that plays at such a hig level of skill, year in and year out, with a solid core of both home grown and acquired talent, and Stan Bowman filling the holes they find with available players on other teams so expertly, we should be enjoying this type of excitement for years to come!

Comment by Roadiepig Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 11:27 am
Growing up in the South I wasn’t really exposed to hockey until my late adult years. But the excitement and tension of the final 7-8 minutes with the Blackhawks fighting off shots and trying to hold on to a tenuous 1-0 lead was right up there with my favorite Super Bowl and World Series moments. Of course when the Blackhawks went up 2-0 we started a celebrating a little early! Thanks Blackhawks for a nice diversion from the current dreariness of politics!

Comment by Bluegrass Boy Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 11:58 am
That was a fun series, and to cap it off at home was perfect! Awesome season, and see y’all Thursday at the parade….and I don’t care WHO pays for it!

Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 1:51 pm
Congratulations to the Blackhawks! Who will be paying the bill for this “world class” celebration? Just wondering …

Comment by forwhatitsworth Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 2:00 pm
fwiw, are you a slow learner or a slow reader?

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 2:05 pm
I’ll never be anything more than a desultory hockey fan, but wow, that was a great series. Now if the Bears would just catch whatever it is the Hawks have - wouldn’t three Super Bowl wins in six years ease a lot of scars?

Comment by Excesseively Rabid Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 2:48 pm
oooooh, FBI investigation of the baseball Cardinals, please!

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 3:00 pm
Amalia, just heard that. What could the possible upside be to risking felony charges, hacking the player database of a team in the American League?

I mean, don’t they have scouts? Just bizarre, if true.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 3:17 pm
well, Wordslinger, we need a whole thread on this!!! because it sounds like a tale of a former employee developing something technical which the Cardinals wished to explore, and did and now some people could be eligible for prison. it’s really heating up the news!

also, analytics of all sorts are more and more important in sports. for anyone who did not see it, there was an interesting article in the Trib about the relatively new use of that in hockey, as in it’s not just all about plus/minus, there’s so much more. you need old school plus new school in my opinion.

I’m a White Sox fan, so I have no dog in the Cubs/Cards fight. (although I was at that memorable game in June1984 with multiple Sandberg homes and a Card who hit for the cycle, Cubs win, me behaving nicely to impress a guy.) but it is fun to watch the carnage.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 3:33 pm
back to the Hawks, Solder Field for the rally? that sure limits the numbers who can be there. not liking it.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 4:48 pm
If Golden State wins the NBA Finals, Shaun Livingston (Peoria) and Andre Iguodala (Springfield) deserve a bit of homestate love too. That trophy is likely coming to Springfield and/or Peoria.

Comment by Timmeh Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 7:02 pm
It’s all good. It’s way too wet and muddy to have it in the park. The park would be destroyed. Everyone can find a spot to see the parade, a lucky bunch will score tickets to the Soldier Field ceremonies, and the rest of us will be watching on TV. After the 2005 Sox, and two previous Blackhawks Cup parades–Can’t wait for this one!

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 7:05 pm
Timmeh, Cavs starter Iman Shumpert played at Oak Park River Forest.

Besides playing in the NBA Finals and being from Illinois, the other thing all three have in common is that none of them played AT Illinois.

Like Derrick Rose, Anthony Davis, Jabari Parker, Jahlil Okafor, Frank Kaminsky…..

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Jun 16, 15 @ 7:23 pm