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Blackhawks Defeat Rangers in Game 7 to Capture First Stanley Cup Title
By The Associated Press
October 22, 2001 – CHICAGO (AP)
The Chicago Blackhawks are Stanley Cup champions for the first time in franchise history.
In a tense, back-and-forth Game 7 at United Center, the Blackhawks rallied late to defeat the New York Rangers 7–5, clinching the 2001 Stanley Cup Finals and capping a remarkable postseason run with their first-ever title. Connor Bedard, who was named series MVP, went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run and two stolen bases, leading a decisive eighth-inning surge that secured the win.
"We felt like this was our year all season long," said Bedard, who finished the postseason with 17 home runs and 36 RBIs. "It was our destiny to win it, and we did."
Chicago trailed 5–4 entering the bottom of the eighth before center fieldier Connor Bedard put the Blackhawks in front 6-5 with a two-run homer (his 17th) off reliever Tomas Vera. Moments later, Ron Hextrall launched a solo shot over the left-center wall to give Chicago a 7-5 lead, sending the sellout crowd of 41,915 into a frenzy.
The Rangers, bidding for their 10th Stanley Cup, took an early lead behind a solo home run from Eli Grubin and RBI from M. Grubin and A. Grubin. But despite a strong performance at the plate from H. Kim (3-for-4), New York’s bullpen could not hold the lead late.
“They’re the champions, and they deserve it,” said Rangers manager Manuel Santiago. “We played good ball—they just played better than us.”
Chicago’s bullpen, by contrast, held firm. After starter C. Kim allowed four runs over 4.1 innings, three relievers combined to allow just one more run over the final 4.2 innings. C. Krueger earned the win, pitching two innings in relief and striking out two.
The win capped a dominant season for Chicago, who finished with a 126–36 regular-season record and first place in the Western Conference. But despite the accolades and statistics, the title was never a foregone conclusion.
“New York gave us everything we could handle,” said Chicago manager Jae Kim. “We had to fight for this. And we earned it.”
Third baseman Ruben Sanchez and Hextall also homered for Chicago, while designated hitter Emilio Trevino chipped in a pair of RBIs. The Blackhawks scored in four straight innings after falling behind 3–0 early.
For New York, the loss ends a strong playoff run that included a 3–2 series lead in the Finals. Grubin’s fifth-inning home run gave the Rangers brief hope, but the Chicago bats proved too potent down the stretch.
As fireworks echoed above the skyline and confetti rained from the rafters, the Blackhawks hoisted the Stanley Cup for the first time in the franchise’s storied history. Bedard raised the Conn Smythe Trophy to a deafening roar, concluding one of the most thrilling Finals in recent memory.
“This is a moment we’ll never forget,” Bedard said.
“We made history tonight.”
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