3 longest playoff games in Chicago Blackhawks franchise history

The Chicago Blackhawks have played in some pretty memorable games over the course of the franchise's 100 years in the NHL. From decisive shut out victories, to winning a close game late in the third period, the Hawks have done it all—including playing in some of the longest games in NHL history.

When it comes to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, overtime hockey is one of a kind. Sometimes, in a long series it just feels like every game is destined for overtime, and sometimes fans get to watch a full length game play out with the next goal ending it all.

The Blackhawks have played in some of the longest overtime games in NHL history, games where fans are getting the pot of coffee out just to stay awake. So let's discuss some of the team's most iconic games.

The three longest games in Chicago Blackhawks history.

3. March 26, 1961 - Chicago Blackhawks 2 - Montreal Canadiens 1

We kick things off in 1961, when the Blackhawks played their way to their third Stanley Cup in franchise history. Chicago entered the game tied in the series 1-1, and Game 3 gave the Hawks an opportunity to take the lead on home ice.

Murray Balfour got Chicago on the board late in the second period, but with just over 30 seconds left on the clock in the third, Henri Richard registered a power play goal to tie the game up at 1 and send things to overtime.

The Canadiens and Hawks would play over 50 minutes of hockey before Balfour would score again to end the game 12:12 into the third overtime. At the time, it was the second-longest game in franchise history, with the Hawks playing a total of 112 minutes and 12 seconds.

It is worth mentioning that had Andrew Shaw waited just five more seconds to score on Tuukka Rask in 2013 that the Blackhawks Game 4 win in the Stanley Cup Final against the Bruins would be on this list.

2. April 9, 1931 - Chicago Blackhawks 3 - Montreal Canadiens 2

The Blackhawks and Canadiens met in the Stanley Cup Final in 1931, with the series being a hard-fought best-of-five matchup. Chicago and Montreal entered a critical Game 3 tied 1 to 1 in the series, and the win on April 9 would get the winning team one win away from the Stanley Cup. Montreal started the night strong, and by the time the third period came around, they were up 2-0.

Luckily, the Hawks found another groove with just five minutes left in the third. Mush March pulled Chicago to within one with 3:40 left in the third, and Stew Adams tied the game under a minute later.

The Canadiens and Blackhawks would head to overtime and it would take till 6:10 left in the third overtime to finally get a winner. Cy Wentworth was the hero for the Hawks ending the game and pulling them to within one win of the championship.

The Hawks skated for 113:50 seconds that night, currently the 25th longest game in NHL history. Sadly the win ended up being a losing effort as the Canadiens would go on to win Game 4 and Game 5 to win the Cup.

1. May 19, 2015 - Chicago Blackhawks 3 - Anaheim Ducks 2

The longest game in Blackhawks history was played on a late night in Anaheim. The Blackhawks found themselves down 1-0 entering Game 2 of the Conference Final against the Ducks, but Game 2 offered an opportunity to turn things around.

The Blackhawks would get on the board early with two power play goals courtesy of Andrew Shaw and Marian Hossa early in the first period. Then the Ducks would go on the attack with Andrew Cogliano registering a goal later in the first before Corey Perry tied things up late in the second.

The Blackhawks and Ducks would then go 60 minutes without a goal. The two teams battled across the ice in the third period, first overtime and second overtime without a goal, and it would take until just under four minutes in the third overtime for Marcus Kruger to pick up a rebound off a Brent Seabrook shot and end the game.

Kruger's goal was actually the second goal of the overtime. Andrew Shaw almost ended the night on an iconic headbutt. Obviously fans know you cannot use your hands or feet to score, but a header in hockey would be sight to see.

Long overtime games always bring memoriable moments. The stage is bright, these athletes are tired and each team is feeling the pressure. Overtime is more about making sure you don't make a mistake more so then going out and scoring the winning goal.

Chicago ended their longest game in franchise history having played for 116 minutes and 12 seconds. It is the 19th longest game in franchise history. It is also worth mentioning that each one of these games ended with a Blackhawks win. That is a positive considering just how much time and effort went into it both from the players and the fans watching.

I would love to watch the Blackhawks in a playoff overtime game again. However I don't know if my heart can take three or four overtimes.