Blackhawks aim to clinch Stanley Cup title in Game 6 at United Center
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Blackhawks could make history at Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals.
The Hawks will try to clinch their third title in six years at the United Center Monday night. It would be the Blackhawks' first time to win the cup at home in more than 75 years.
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A Saturday night win put the Blackhawks in this position. They topped the Tampa Bay Lightning with a 2-1 victory in Game 5. The Hawks are up 3-2 in the series.
The team was in the same position in 2010 and 2013 and took home the Stanley Cup both times. The last Chicago team to win a title at home was the 1997 Bulls.
GAME 6 AMONG TOP 5 MOST EXPENSIVE NHL GAMES EVER
The idea that the Hawks can win the Stanley Cup at home for the first time since 1938 has been driving up ticket prices so much so that Monday night's game is one of the five most expensive NHL games ever.
As of Monday morning, the average price for a Game 6 ticket at Seatgeek.com was $1,764, while others are advertising tickets on the glass for over $8,000.
Longtime broker Steve Buzil warns people against buying into the hype because prices will come down just before game time.
"The high is probably no more than $3,800 to $4,000. Anyone pays more than that should have their head examined," Buzil said.
Patricia Giannoulias and her husband have season tickets on the glass.
"Once you go glass it's really hard to see if from any other angle. We're spoiled," Giannoulias said.
Giannoulias said they're using two of their four tickets and sold the other two for $4,000 each.
FANS, CITY PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE CELEBRATION
George Lemperis, owner of the Palace Grill on the city's Near West Side, hopes to mark one final "X" on the diner window.
"They're going to a win tonight at home for the first time since 1938. Everything is falling in place for the Blackhawks," Lemperis said.
If there is a win, Dicks Sporting Goods and Sports Authority stores will be open after the game. At Sports Authority, the game plan is to stay open until 1 a.m., if necessary.
"We're on standby. We have people scheduled in so when they do win, we'll be ready to go to stay open later and reopen at 6 a.m. tomorrow," said Tom McNeff, Sports Authority.
Police are bracing for any wild celebrations if the Blackhawks win. Barricades are already up outside the United Center.
In 2013, fans celebrating the Stanley Cup win broke dozens of windows on Clark Street in the city's Lincoln Park neighborhood. Businesses had to board up windows and there was cracked glass on every block.
Police are preparing for possible celebrations near Wrigley Field and said their top priority will be safety Monday night. Many local bars say they will have extra staff on hand.
The puck drops at 7 p.m. Monday. Stay with ABC7 Eyewitness News for complete coverage before and after the big game.
