Blackhawks vs. Lightning: 2015 Stanley Cup Scores, Top Highlights and Comments

The Chicago Blackhawks captured the Stanley Cup for the third time in six seasons on Monday night with a 2-0 Game 6 triumph over the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Now the question becomes, how long can the franchise continue to build on its current dynasty?

Chicago features a star-studded core group of players that's going to remain in place for several more years. There are several franchises on the rise thanks to strong stables of young talent, however, and there's no better example than Tampa Bay.

So staying on top won't be easy.

Let's take a look back at how the championship series played out over the past few weeks. It's followed by a recap of the series and a look ahead to what the offseason may hold for both the Blackhawks and Lightning.

2015 Stanley Cup Final Review

Game	Winning Team	Score
1	Blackhawks	2-1
2	Lightning	4-3
3	Lightning	3-2
4	Blackhawks	2-1
5	Blackhawks	2-1
6	Blackhawks	2-0

Series Recap

The talking points that emerged before the series pretty much held to form.

The Lightning were more successful in the games where play was wide open and the Blackhawks used their experience and lockdown defensive ability to eventually take control of the series.

Tampa Bay had a chance to change the entire complexion of the Stanley Cup Final in Game 4. It led the series 2-1 and headed into the third period on the road tied. If it had gotten the victory, it would have had three chances to win the Cup, including two home games.

Instead, Brandon Saad netted the game-winning goal for Chicago and the Hawks wouldn't lose another game in the series.

It was a hotly contested matchup with five one-goal games, but no tally was more important than that one.

The Lightning, who relied heavily on their speed all season, seemed to falter from a physical perspective over the final couple of games. It also didn't help that goalie Ben Bishop was dealing with a torn groin, which limited his effectiveness—especially when it came to playing the puck to jump-start the offense.

As a result, the battle-tested Blackhawks were able to get on a roll and bring the Cup back to Chicago.

It's a tremendous run of success that deserves more attention when you consider the immense physical toll it takes to win one Cup, let alone survive the journey three times (2010, 2013, 2015) in six years.

Afterward, Kevin Allen of USA Today passed along comments from winger Marian Hossa about the sustained run of success.

"We know how to play the game and we know there's going to be rough times," Hossa said. "We believe in our system. Our coaching staff was unbelievable. We've done it again and it's unbelievable."

Speaking of the coaching staff, head coach Joel Quenneville discussed the foundation on which the dynasty was built, as noted by Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times.

"The important thing is it's about the team, accountability," Quenneville said. "A lot of things go into it. To me it's never about me, it's about the group around us, [trying] to maximize everybody's effectiveness. Team comes first, go from there."

Now the Blackhawks head into an offseason likely to be filled with intrigue. NHL Numbers notes they have 10 potential free agents (six unrestricted and four unrestricted) among their starters and just $7.5 million of projected salary-cap room to work with.

Although none of the unrestricted free agents are essential pieces to their success, players like Johnny Oduya and Brad Richards are valuable depth assets. Then there's the aforementioned Saad on the restricted side who must be kept, even if another team puts together a big offer sheet.

Chicago's front office will need to do some nifty work stabilizing the roster in order to maximize the team's chances to repeat.

On the other side, there was obviously disappointment in the Tampa Bay camp. Even for a young squad with many of its players making their first appearance on this stage, the focus is always on winning and not the long-term view of gaining experience.

Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun pointed out that Lightning head coach Jon Cooper didn't sugarcoat it:

Superstar center Steven Stamkos, who had no goals and just one assist in six games, was mad at himself for not doing more, via Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo Sports.

"We came here to win this and we didn't. Right now, it feels like we didn't get the job done. I feel like I didn't produce here. Who knows what could have happened if I get a few in this series?" Stamkos said. "It's really hard to think of any positives right now."

Over time, the Lightning should realize their future remains extremely bright. Few predicted them to reach the Final this quickly, which extends their championship window even further with a terrific base of young talent and no key free agents this summer.

NHL Numbers projects Tampa to have about $6.8 million in cap space. After handling its small group of restricted free agents, there should still be enough left to add another impact player either through free agency or the trade market.

Ultimately, the Blackhawks were more prepared for the Cup stage this time around, but the Lightning are going to become a huge force moving forward.

It wouldn't be a shock if there's a rematch for the championship one year from now.