Blackhawks vendors ask, 'How much money is in that Stanley Cup?'

The Chicago Blackhawks brought the Stanley Cup home Thursday after their thrilling win against the Philadelphia Flyers Wednesday night, and the city was awash in excitement and anticipation for Friday -- when the city throws a parade for its newest hometown heroes.

Hawks jerseys, shirts and caps and other gear are flying off the shelves and bars and restaurants have seen an uptick in their sales as people came out to soak up the atmosphere and share in the camaraderie with their fellow fans during the playoffs. That commotion, and the sales surrounding it, only stands to increase Friday, when an estimated 350,000 people are expected to attend the Blackhawks victory parade in downtown Chicago. (Taxpayers, by the way, will not foot the bill for the parade, according to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley.)

Bill Sianis, manager of Billy Goat Tavern and son of owner Sam Sianis, has felt a definite Hawks bounce of late. It's only fitting; the Billy Goat opened its bar near the United Center in 1997 at 1525 W. Madison Street. The original Billy Goat was on the site of the United Center, then across Madison St. from old Chicago Stadium.