2013 Stanley Cup Finals facts for kids
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The 2013 Stanley Cup Final was the exciting championship series of the National Hockey League (NHL) season in 2013. It featured two strong teams: the Western Conference champions, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Eastern Conference champions, the Boston Bruins. The Blackhawks won the series, defeating the Bruins in six thrilling games. This victory marked the fifth time the Chicago Blackhawks had won the Stanley Cup!
Because of a player lockout that shortened the 2013 NHL season, the Stanley Cup Finals started a bit later than usual, on June 12. The final game was played on June 24. This made it one of the latest Stanley Cup awards in history, similar to the 1995 Finals, which also happened after a lockout.
How the Blackhawks Won the Cup
The 2013 Stanley Cup Final was a very close and exciting series. Both teams were incredibly skilled and fought hard in every game. Many games went into overtime, meaning they were tied after the regular playing time and needed extra periods to decide a winner.
Game 1: A Triple Overtime Thriller
The first game of the series was unforgettable. It went into triple overtime, lasting a very long time! After all that extra play, Andrew Shaw of the Blackhawks scored the winning goal. This gave Chicago an early lead in the series.
Game 2: Bruins Fight Back in Overtime
Boston quickly responded in Game 2. This game also went into overtime, showing how evenly matched the teams were. Daniel Paille scored the winning goal for the Bruins, tying the series at one game each.
Game 3: Boston's Strong Defense
Game 3 was played in Boston. The Bruins' goalie, Tuukka Rask, played an amazing game. He stopped every shot the Blackhawks took, earning a "shutout." This meant the Blackhawks scored zero goals, and the Bruins won, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.
Game 4: Another Overtime Victory for Chicago
The Blackhawks weren't ready to give up. Game 4 was another nail-biter that went into overtime. Brent Seabrook scored the winning goal for Chicago, tying the series again at two games apiece. The championship was still up for grabs!
Game 5: Kane Leads the Blackhawks
In Game 5, Patrick Kane was a star for the Blackhawks. He scored two goals, including the game-winning goal, to help Chicago win. This put the Blackhawks just one win away from lifting the Stanley Cup.
Game 6: The Final Minute Drama
Game 6 was played in Boston. The Bruins were fighting to stay in the series, and it was a very tight game. In the final minute of the third period, with only 59 seconds left, Dave Bolland scored the winning goal for the Chicago Blackhawks! This dramatic goal secured the Stanley Cup for Chicago, making them the champions of the 2013 season.
Key Players and Coaches
Both teams had incredible players and smart coaches who led them through the season and the playoffs.
Chicago Blackhawks Leaders
- Captain: Jonathan Toews was the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks. He was a strong leader on the ice.
- Coach: Joel Quenneville was the head coach for the Blackhawks. He guided the team to their championship victory.
- MVP: Patrick Kane was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Stanley Cup Final. He scored many important goals for his team.
Boston Bruins Leaders
- Captain: Zdeno Chára was the captain of the Boston Bruins. He was a powerful defenseman and a key player for Boston.
- Coach: Claude Julien was the head coach for the Boston Bruins. He led them to their second Stanley Cup Final appearance in three years.
Images for kids
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Andrew Shaw scored two points, including the game-winning goal in triple-overtime of Game 1.
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Tuukka Rask recorded a 28-save shutout in Game 3.
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Brent Seabrook scored the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 4.
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Patrick Kane scored twice, including the game-winning goal, in Game 5.
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Dave Bolland scored the Stanley Cup-clinching goal in the final minute of Game 6.
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Zdeno Chára captained the Bruins to their second Stanley Cup Finals appearance in three years.
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Jonathan Toews captained the Blackhawks to their second Stanley Cup championship in four seasons