Blackhawks host home opener, fall to Rangers

CHICAGO (WLS) -- They rolled out the red carpet for their champions as the Chicago Blackhawks hosted the New York Rangers for their home opener.

The Stanley Cup was in the building as they raised the banner for the Blackhawks' third championship in six years, but the team couldn't quite hang on for victory, losing to the Rangers 3-2.

Still, fans didn't seem all that upset as they kept track of the Cubs' victory in Pittsburgh, marking yet another great night for sports in Chicago.

"I'm not going to lie, intermission I'll be making my way to the bar to watch the Cubs game," said Lisa Busse.

"It's unbelievable," said Patricia Shaver, a fan of both teams. "Typical Chicago fans, we're in love with energy and excitement and victory."

Unlike other seasons, the faithful this year seem more confident the Blackhawks can repeat as Stanley Cup champions, a feat that hasn't happened in nearly two decades.

"I will tell my sons this," says Randy Henry. "I will bring them and I will be able show them in the rafters, I watched that go up. So it will be a real cool experience."

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