Blackhawks Players Celebrate At Championship Rally
(CBS) For the second time in four seasons, the Blackhawks celebrated their Stanley Cup Final victory in the streets of Chicago.
After defeating the Bruins in six games in the Stanley Cup Final, the Blackhawks victory parade culminated with a celebratory rally at Grant Park
Chicago police said more than 2 million people turned out for either the parade or at the rally.
"For the guys that were here in 2010, we didn't think there was a chance that we could outmatch that performance by the fans, but you guys did it somehow," Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews said. "This shows how unbelievable this city is.
"I can't think of a better bunch of guys to represent this city - hard-working guys, down-to-earth guys that go out there and play for each other every single shift. To bring the Stanley Cup home twice in four years is unbelievable."
The Blackhawks orchestrated an unprecedented start to the 2012-13 season, setting an NHL record with points in the first 24 games, going 21-0-3, including a franchise-record 6-0 start.
"I look back over the start of the year to an amazing start and an even more amazing ending - and all the stuff in between," head coach Joel Quenneville said. "All these players should be commended on having a great season, a great commitment to one another and a great commitment to the team. We're all very fortunate to play in such a special place like Chicago. We're all so excited about what just happened. The best part about winning this championship is we get to share it with you, our fans."
Winger Patrick Kane, winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy, took a different approach during his time behind the mic.
Instead of using the moment to glorify himself, Kane gave credit to goalie Corey Crawford, who many believed should have won the Conn Smythe.
"I got a little present here," Kane said as he pulled out a championship belt. "It's a little trophy we give out after every game - the belt. I think it should go to the best player in the playoffs, No. 50, Corey Crawford."
Veteran winger Patrick Sharp, one of only eight Blackhawks who remain from the 2010 Stanley Cup team, issued a challenge for next season:
"In 2010, you guys waited 49 years to do this, this year we waited three," Sharp said. "What do you says we do it again next year?
