Why Patrick Kane's 2010 Stanley Cup-winning goal is the greatest in Blackhawks' history

Patrick Kane's game-winning goal in Game 6 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals seemed improbable, and it was not because of the angle he shot it from.

It felt improbable because for 49 years, it seemed like the Blackhawks would never win the Stanley Cup. Kaner's goal erased all that misery when the Hawks finally brought Lord Stanley's Cup back to Chicago for the first time since 1961.

While there have been other major goals scored in franchise history, Kane's goal should go down as the greatest in team history.

Sure, the two goals scored in 17 seconds in Game 6 of the 2013 Stanley Cup were amazing, but those goals contributed to the Hawks becoming a dynasty last decade.

Kane's goal erased nearly two generations of frustration. That goal, and the many other playoff goals he had, are why he will always be loved in Chicago, even if he is now with the Detroit Red Wings.

It was also a massive goal because the 2009-10 season was the championship-or-bust. The team was up against the salary cap and had to be dismantled after the season. If they had not won the Stanley Cup, it would have been a massive disappointment.

Much like when the Hawks did not win the title in 1971, 1973, or 1992.

71 was heartbreak as the Hawks blew a 3-2 series lead to the Montreal Canadiens. Montreal tortured the Hawks again in 73, winning the Stanley Cup Finals four games to two.

92 was crushing since the Hawks had a 4-1 lead in Game 1 against Pittsburgh, only to see the Penguins rattle off four-straight goals and never look back as they swept the Hawks.

It would have been devastating to take another Stanley Cup Finals with no title to show for it.

Another potential choke was possible when the Flyers tied up the series at two. The Blackhawks easily won Game 5, but when Game 6 went to overtime, there was still the fear that the Hawks could blow it and eventually lose in Game 7.

Then Kane called game with his goal from the most improbable spot on the ice. The degree of difficulty and ending 49 years of misery is why that goal scored 15 years ago should always be considered the greatest score in team history.