The numbers are on their side, even if their own history is not. The Chicago Blackhawks have not won the Stanley Cup in 49 years, giving them the longest drought of any team in the NHL.
But they also hold a 3-2 series lead over Philadelphia entering tonight’s Game 6. Then again, the Flyers overcame a 3-0 deficit to eliminate Boston. And this is a team that clinched a playoff spot in a shootout on the final day of the season.
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Clearly, other numbers look good for Chicago. Fourteen of the last 20 teams that won a Game 5 went on to win the Cup.
And it helps that the Blackhawks are 7-3 on the road, considering Wednesday’s game is in Philadelphia.
It adds up to the potential end of a drought. But if anyone knows not to take it for granted that they’ll win, it’s Chicago. Surely, some of their fans remember 1971 when the ‘Hawks blew a 3-2 series led vs. Montreal. And Chicago’s Marian Hossa understands what can happen. Last season, with Detroit, he and the Red Wings led Pittsburgh 3-2. The Penguins won the next two games.
