Blackhawks raise Stanley Cup banner before season opener

The Chicago Blackhawks raised their Stanley Cup championship banner at the United Center before Monday night’s game against the Rangers.

The Blackhawks raised their Stanley Cup championship banner at the United Center before Monday night’s game against the Rangers. 

The 2015 title was Chicago’s third in the past six years. Several key Blackhawks players have remained with the team for all three titles, including Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook.

This year’s Blackhawks team looks a bit different than last year’s, with multiple key players leaving this off-season. Patrick Sharp, Brad Richards, Johnny Oduya and Brandon Saad are all gone, among others. 

The team is also dealing with the uncertain status of star winger Kane, who faces rape allegations but has not been disciplined by the league. 

#6 looks good, @NHLBlackhawks!#NHLonNBC pic.twitter.com/oqVVCqvtjF

— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) October 8, 2015

Here's what it looked like as they raised the #Blackhawks banner. @Blackhawk_Up pic.twitter.com/4zPtWJuLOS

— Scott Grodsky (@ScottGrodsky) October 8, 2015

Look what's back in Chicago! #NHLonNBC pic.twitter.com/Md9iMRYxIr

— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) October 8, 2015

A slap for good luck from Captain Serious!#NHLonNBC pic.twitter.com/iPaUrqLlRI

— NBC Sports Bet (@NBCSportsBet) October 8, 2015

- Dan Gartland