Emotion vies with skill as Chicago Blackhawks duel archrival Detroit Red Wings in Stanley Cup Playoffs

CHICAGO | It hasn’t been as much a rivalry as a drum pounding.

Confidence, good spirits by-products of Hawks’ hot start

CHICAGO | Increased confidence, team camaraderie and the pure joy of winning have sprouted out of the Blackhawks’ record-breaking 24-3-3 start.

Blackhawks are only bystanders as lockout damages their franchise, NHL

CHICAGO | Patrick Kane revels in October, almost as much as he did for the month of June two years ago, when his tough-angle overtime goal in Philadelphia snared an uncommon pro sports championship for his adapted city.

Another shock in overtime

CHICAGO | Shock, by all measurements, for the Blackhawks. More of a shove than a shot, for the Phoenix Coyotes' Mikkel Boedker, who for the second straight game broke the Hawks' hearts in overtime by scoring the game-winner.

Burrows readies for Cup finals with lots on mind

VANCOUVER, British Columbia | Alex Burrows took a day off from hockey, but not from his thoughts as he gets ready to play in the Stanley Cup finals for the first time.

Blagojevich verdict voted top state story of 2010

SPRINGFIELD | The highly anticipated trial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich -- with its lone guilty verdict that set up a repeat trial in the coming year -- was 2010's top news story in Illinois, according to members of The Associated Press and the wire service's staff. The ongoing saga over a…

Hawks fans get final chance to view Stanley Cup

So you didn't get to touch, hug, kiss, hold or be photographed with the champion Blackhawks' Stanley Cup. Wipe away those tears. You have one last chance to view history up close and personal.

Defending champion Blackhawks getting back to work

CHICAGO | Before the Blackhawks get down to the drudgery of training camp and working in a host of new players onto a championship roster, they still have the glitz and glamour of some final celebrations.

Blackhawks sign Turco, say goodbye to Niemi

CHICAGO | The Blackhawks agreed to a one-year deal with Marty Turco on Monday, settling on a veteran goaltender to replace Stanley Cup hero Antti Niemi.

Taste went to waist again

The 30th Taste of Chicago is a wrap -- a grilled chicken wrap, with smoked goat cheese and mixed greens, thank you!

Chicago launches a new fireworks tradition

Chicago hosts shorter, cheaper fireworks shows for July 4

Blackhawks end drought, the Cup is Chicago's

PHILADELPHIA | There was no red light, just Blackhawks flying over the boards in celebration. After a brief review, there was no dispute - the Chicago Blackhawks were the Stanley Cup champions.

Blackhawks rebound to take 3-2 lead over Flyers

CHICAGO | Dustin Byfuglien scored two goals and had two assists as the Chicago Blackhawks got off to a quick start, got their offense untracked and beat the Philadelphia Flyers 7-4 on Sunday night for a 3-2 lead in the Stanley Cup finals.

Hawks rally comes up short as Flyers tie series

PHILADELPHIA | Niklas Hjalmarsson picked a bad time for his roughest night in the playoffs. Until a late rally, the rest of the Chicago Blackhawks didn't fare a whole lot better.

Graphic - Meet the Stanley Cup

The Stanley Cup is arguably the most recognized trophy in professional sports. With more traditions, superstitions and tales of misadventure linked to it, this special trophy represents more than 100 years of hockey history. Here is a small slice of it.

Blackhawks win wild Stanley Cup Game 1

CHICAGO | Tomas Kopecky scored the go-ahead goal in the third period and the Chicago Blackhawks won a wild and high-scoring Stanley Cup opener, beating the Philadelphia Flyers 6-5 on Saturday night.