What if the Blackhawks won the 2014 Western Final?

The Chicago Blackhawks were one of the best teams of the 2010s decade. They won three Stanley Cup in a span of six years — 2010, 2013, and 2015. That run made them a modern-day dynasty. But one game in 2014 could have made their legacy even stronger.

That game was Game 7 of the Western Conference Final against the Los Angeles Kings. The Blackhawks lost in overtime 5-4. If they had won, they would have gone to the Stanley Cup Final to play the New York Rangers — in what would have been an Original 6 matchup.

And if they won that series? They might have become the greatest team of the salary-cap era — maybe even one of the best teams of all time.

A Series to Remember

The 2014 Western Conference Final was one of the best playoff series in recent memory. Both teams were loaded with talent. The Blackhawks had stars like Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, and Marian Hossa. The Kings had Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, and a young group called That '70s Line — Tanner Pearson, Jeff Carter, and Tyler Toffoli.

Game 7 went to overtime. The score was tied 4-4. Then Alec Martinez fired a shot that went off Blackhawks defenseman Nick Leddy and past Corey Crawford. Just like that, the Kings were going to the Stanley Cup Final.

What if they won instead?

If that puck missed the net or Corey Crawford made a save, the Blackhawks could have had another chance at the Cup. They would have played the Rangers, who were a solid team at the time.

Chicago had experience, depth, and a winning core. They were one of the favorites to win the Cup that year. If they won, it would have been their third Cup in five years — and second in a row.

Don't forget they won in 2015 as well. That means they could have had three Cups in a row: 2013, 2014, and 2015.

A stronger case for the best dynasty

No team has won three straight Stanley Cups in the salary-cap era. If the Blackhawks had done it, they would be compared to teams like the 1980s New York Islanders or Edmonton Oilers. It would also be a historic feat for the Hawks at the time.

Not everyone would agree

Some fans say a true dynasty needs back-to-back titles or four straight wins. The Blackhawks never did that. Even if they won in 2014, some people still might not consider the greatest dynasty of all-time.

But three Cups in five years is something very few teams have ever done.

Still one of the best

Even without the 2014 win, the Blackhawks' run was amazing. They had a strong core, a smart front office, and clutch performances when it mattered most.

But that one loss in 2014 — that one goal — might have been the difference between a great team and being the best team of the salary-cap era.

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