Blackhawks: To think Marian Hossa used to be a curse

Marian Hossa lit the flame in Chicago. He was one of the missing pieces that helped sparked the Chicago Blackhawks three Stanley Cups in six seasons, and he was the first player to touch the cup following the captain in 2010. It is crazy to think he used to be a curse.

Before winning the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010 things were not so smooth sailing for Marian Hossa. He was with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2008 when they lost to the Detroit Redwings in the Stanley Cup finals, so the following year he decides to sign with the Redwings on a one year contract to try and finally win the trophy with the defending champions.

The only issue was he went all the way to the final again only to lose to his former team in a game seven none the less. At that point in his career, Hossa had done everything he can to get to the final and hoist the cup, but he fell short.

Everything changed for Hossa on July 1st, 2009 when he signed with the Chicago Blackhawks on a long term massive deal. That day would help turn him into a champion and Hall of Famer. I think one thing Blackhawks fans take for granted is the amount of faith Hossa had to have for the Blackhawks to sign a 12-year contract with that team. After bouncing around from team to team to win a championship he chose the Blackhawks to make his run with, and boy did it work out.

Even after signing with the Blackhawks things were not always smooth sailing. Hossa did not score a playoff goal until game five of the first round against the Nashville Predators in 2010, and that goal helped lift the ‘Hawks past the predators.

The great thing about that goal was it came right after he took a bad penalty towards the end of the third period. The Blackhawks were down a goal and with a minute left Hossa went to the penalty box. Patrick Kane managed to tie the game short-handed and Hossa flew out of the box in OT to win the game for the Windy City!

Marian Hossa would go on to score 20 more playoff goals with the Blackhawks over the course of seven or so years. I think there is no question in anyone’s mind here that his jersey number belongs in the rafters at the United Center!