Shadows (Patrick Kane)

(79) About Damn Time

Sophia

The city was on edge. The Blackhawks have pushed the eastern confrence champions to the edge and now wait mere hours to possibly hoist the cup again. And for the first time in front of the faithful fans who have made the madhouse on Madison exactly that for the past five years.

I for one couldn't seem to get sleep the night before. All the possibilities run through your head and it makes you itchy. You wish you were out there with them fighting for a chance to have your name etched in history yet again. I always had a thing for the dramatics. And with the Hawks' history it is often times dramatic, that much I can say.

By the time I get to the United Center the place was ready to celebrate a cup. There was shirts ready to celebrate and Stanley cup champion signs made to hang up. Makes your stomach turn to think what would happen if they don't win here tonight. But there was this feeling that they wouldn't be denied. That there has to be a end to the means and this is it.

The game gets started and I do my best to calm my nerves while I was on camera. But my hands were shaking, the games have been so tight. No game being decided by more than a goal. It makes my job more fun but more difficult to focus.

The second period starts to wind down and nothing has happened. Crow and Bishop were incredible goalies, both showing why they belong in what could be the last game of the season. They were throwing everything they had at them and they had been standing tall.

But the difference between the two teams is that we had Duncan Keith and they didn't. The defenseman was playing out of his mind, he was like a machine. Barley ever left the ice and was always impacting plays. Maybe he was manning the blue line cycling pucks, making sure the plays play out and keeping the puck in. Or maybe he was passing making a opportunity to create something out of nothing. The man always showed up in tight spots and never let us down. Not many play this game better than him and one day he will be in the hall of fame.

Tonight he got to play hero as he follows up a shot with about three minutes left in the second to score the first goal of the night. You can feel the whole building shake as people celebrate in the stands. Chelsea Dagger plays from above as it rains down on a lot of happy human. I myself was losing my shit up in the boxes as they guys hug each other on the ice. Patrick had laid out a perfect pass and Duncan came rushing in. It was a great play and even better execution. I find the time to compose myself because I had intermission interviews and had to talk a little. But I was actually shaking. The atmosphere was electric and I couldn't wait to see how the rest plays out.

The third period comes and everyone was on the edge of their seats. No one felt safe with a one goal lead and we didn't want to lose momentum. One goal could seal this game or change it entirely. It just depends on who scores it.

With just over five minutes left I watch as the Lightning was just trying to out the puck on net to create some chances. But in a failed attorney Saad picks the puck up and races out of the defensive zone. He carried the puck into the offensive zone past the defenders before dropping it back to Richards. Patrick didn't get to play with him a lot due to him being a trade pick up and Patrick being hurt by then. But he loved playing with him and they worked well together. That was obvious as Brad sends the puck across the ice to Patrick who was waiting for a one timer. Patrick cranks his stick and let some rip right past Bishop. The goal light goes on as the crowd lets them all know how much they enjoyed that beautiful play. I watch as they all run down to Patrick who was already celebrating. A sigh of relief was released knowing there was a little more of a cushion now.

The seconds wind down as the guys start to throw off their equipment and jump the boards. Corey earns his shut out and the boys earn their Stanley cup. Chaos ensues as they celebrate on the ice. I cheer as loud as I can up in the media boxes enjoying everything I can. I still had a job to do but I also wanted to enjoy this moment.

After recording a few words I get to watch them pass the cup around. For guys like Timonen you're so happy for. He was the defenseman Patrick danced in 2010 to win the cup and he was planning for retire. He can go out on top and not be haunted by that anymore. For guys like Corey who are consistently doubted it was a way to prove themselves.

And to Patrick, this meant the world to him. After the rough times he had it was good to see him on top again. He was a big part of this teams success, always has been and will be for years to come. And he gets to share this experience with everyone he holds near and dear.

Eventually they let people down and I'm followed by my camera crew. I interview Jonny and Duncan before I get from my favorite player.

I watch as Patrick skates over to me with the biggest smile on his face. His bright blue eyes just beaming with excitement. I wanted to stay professional but I also wanted to congratulate my best friend and make he knows that I'm so proud of him.

As soon as he reaches me he grabs me by the hips and pulls me against him. In no time his lips were on mine as I try not to slip on the ice. But he picks me up a little as I lift my feet off the ground. My arms wrap around his neck as the kiss goes deeper and deeper. I can feel how happy he was. I didn't mind the sweat or anything like that. I was happy to share this moment with him.

He eventually sets me back to my feet and I keep my arms around him. I smile up at him just exited to be here.

"Well that's one way to tell the world we're in love" I tease.

"Didn't really want to wait until that date you owe me" he teases.

"I'm not complaining" I smirk.

He gives me another quick kiss before finally letting me go. I see his family standing there and I start to blush. While I don't mind the PDA they were basically family and that's not how I wanted them to find out.

"About damn time" Jackie teases making my cheeks warm.

"I almost said I love you first" Erica chimes in.

"Wow. Love the support" Patrick scoffs.

"We're just giving you shit because winning the cup wasn't even the best thing to happen to you tonight" his mom claims.

"Oh? And what was" I wonder.

"Finally giving up this act you two put on and showing your true colors. Nothing is more freeing than that" she claims.

"That it is" I agree.

Patrick does his interview and I was finally off the clock. We take a bunch of pictures and I do my best to remember what this was like. The feeling of being out here with friends, with family, making the best of memories.

"So about that date" he smirks.

"My schedule is pretty open now" I joke.

"Good. I'm gonna make you the happiest woman in the world" he accuses.

"You already do" I promise.