The 2013 Stanley Cup Finals brings us a great matchup of recent Stanley Cup Champions (Boston in 2011 and Chicago in 2010). This matchup is also the first Original Six Stanley Cup Final since 1979.
Last round only consisted of nine total games. The Bruins completely shut down the loaded offense of the Penguins with a sweep, while the Blackhawks made a quick example of the reigning Stanley Cup champion Kings in five games.
The Bruins defense has been the key to their deep playoff run. Their defense does not only minimalize the offense of their opposition, but can also produce points. Boston's defense has combined for 15 goals this postseason.
The Blackhawks have a gritty and talented group of forwards. Their speed and transition game has given their adversaries headaches. Chicago is not afraid to use their grinders to set up opportunities for their stars either. Bryan Bickell has been a prime example of this style of play. He has created havoc for goaltenders and defensemen throughout the playoffs.
The two goaltenders have been terrific this postseason. Chicago's goaltender Corey Crawford has been great. He has posted a 12-5 record with a GAA of 1.74 and a save percentage of .935. Boston's lights-out goaltender Tuukka Rask has also been spectacular. His record of 12-4 with a GAA of 1.75 and save percentage of .943 proves that.
This championship round should be a hard-fought series between two stellar teams. The series starts Wednesday at 8 on NBC.
Here are Flyerdelphia's predictions:
#1 Chicago Blackhawks vs #4 Boston Bruins
Bill Leifholtz: Boston in 6
Kevin Yorke: Boston in 7
Kevin Durso: Boston in 6
Andrew Sifari: Chicago in 7
Caleb Weiler: Boston in 6
Andew Gillen: Boston in 5
Current Playoff Prediction Records:
Kevin Yorke: 10-4
Andrew Sifari: 9-5
Andrew Gillen: 9-5
Kevin Durso: 8-6
Bill Leifholtz: 7-7
Caleb Weiler: 6-8
