The Nonexistent Defense: The Blackhawks' Porous Defense

The saying of "Defence wins championships." may soon be shattered if the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup. So far in these finals, Chicago's defense-men must have been napping. Otherwise, how else could you explain their laughable defensive effort?

To this point, only Duncan Keith (with a new set of teeth) and Brent Sopel have played well on defense for Chicago. The rest of them have been nonexistent, sometimes literally. Take a look back at the game five tape. At least two of the goals Philadelphia scored with no Blackhawks' defense-men within 10 or 15 feet. 

This porous defense could spell disaster for the Blackhawks. If Chicago chokes, and gives the Cup to Philadelphia, then the defense will likely be the culprit. They have given up countless goals to the Flyers. Had it not been for Chicago's defense, the series would have likely been over in four or five games.

 It is to Philadelphia's good fortune that they have met such an awful defense. This is the sole thing that keeps their hopes up for winning the Cup themselves.

This is also the sole thing that may keep Chicago from winning a Cup for what could be 50 years. 

The Blackhawks have plenty of firepower, and a good goalie. This may be the only thing propelling Chicago to a Cup win, but it may be lacking the one thing that wins championships: defense.