Stanley Cup Final is far from over

(USA TODAY) -- The Chicago Blackhawks are accomplished enough to be on the verge of winning their third Stanley Cup in six seasons and savvy enough to understand they aren't there yet.

Anyone playing, or watching, the 2015 Stanley Cup Final knows it doesn't feel as if it is over heading into Monday's Game 6 between the Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning in Chicago (8 p.m., NBC). Chicago has a 3-2 series lead after its 2-1 win Saturday night.

"I think everyone's pretty excited about it," said Chicago goalie Corey Crawford, who made 31 saves. "But we can't get ahead of ourselves. There's a lot of work to do here, and it's going to be a harder battle."

With 300 minutes played in this championship series, neither team has owned a two-goal lead. That has never happened before. This is undeniably one of the most competitive Stanley Cup Final series in league history.

All five games played have been decided by one goal and that hasn't happened since 1951.

"We've been in this position before, just a month and a half ago in the Detroit series," said Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper. "This team has found a way. That's why we are where we are."

To get to this point, the Lightning won a Game 6 at Detroit and then won Game 7 at home. The Lightning had to win a Game 7 on the road against the New York Rangers to earn their trip to the Cup Final.

Neither the Lightning nor the Blackhawks believe the Lightning have given up their fight. The formula of this series is clear: the Blackhawks have won three low-scoring games, all 2-1. The Lightning have won when they scored three or more goals.

"The series is not over," said Tampa Bay defenseman Anton Stralman. "We're a confident group. We won in (Chicago) the other night."

But these Blackhawks have won 72 playoff games since 2009, and they are 17-1 in games after a best-of-seven series has been tied 2-2.

Cooper said his Lightning players weren't hanging their heads after the Game 5 loss Saturday night. They were angry.

"These guys know what they are doing," Bishop said. "If I'm going to be behind a bench and want a team in this playoff, it's this one right here."

Although the Blackhawks won Stanley Cups in 2010 and 2013, no Cup has been won in Chicago since 1938.

"I'm sure it will be crazy over the next two days in town," Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said. "The buzz will be off the charts. Look forward to it."

Just as long as everyone understands that there is a reasonable chance the Lightning could ruin a great party in Chicago.

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