NHL Stanley Cup Final Prediction: Third Time's Oh Such a Charm

It took a little bit longer than I had both series going, but we still ended up with the two teams I was expecting. Somewhat remarkable to get the full seven games in both conference finals, but even more remarkable when the road teams win both of them. Whatever. I'll take it.

And I'll take this Final too. One that's extremely likely if not sure to be fast-paced, awe-inspiring displays of skill on the ice. Part of me expects more contests like the first and final three games of that 2010 Stanley Cup Final, except that this Tampa club is significantly more talented than that Philadelphia squad.

That belief is not to write off the two men who will presumably be starting in between the pipes in this series, Ben Bishop and Corey Crawford. Both those goaltenders have had their moments throughout these playoffs, but there's only so much either can do. With Crow in particular, he gave up goals in the last series against Anaheim, but I really can't remember any off the top of my head that we're on him or the result of some brain farts. The Ducks scored largely off deflections or screens that were impossible to stop. I expect similar scoring in this series.

Sure, the Bolts aren't going to deliver the ratings for NBC that the network would have garnered with the Rangers, but the product is probably going to be a lot better. Anyway, knowing who I'm a fan of and the team I haven't picked against since 2009, I guess the only question is how long I see this series going.

Chicago Blackhawks over Tampa Bay Lightning in six games

Aside from this team having taken the same number of games to close out the Cup in 2010 and 2013, this just feels so right this year when such a win would mean Lord Stanley is finally presented to the team on the ice of the United Center. I'm figuring we get a split of the first two games, a split of the next two games, and then the Blackhawks win the final two. Optimistic version of me tempted to believe Hawks split first two, win next two at home, and let Tampa save face in Game 5 before winning Game 6. Still, this won't be easy by any stretch—unless Chicago plays every game as well as it did in that Game 7 in Anaheim. Either way, I simply do not see any way that the Hawks are going to let this opportunity slip through their fingers, and they've got the advantage of loads of experience with having been in this situation.

Side prediction: Duncan Keith wins the Conn Smythe.