You know how I know our editor loves me?
She asks me to write the piece for the Stanley Cup preview when my team just got brutally slain in Game 7 by the Blackhawks. But hey, we do it for the love of the game now don’t we…
The Tampa Bay Lightning are coming off a series win over the New York Rangers to clench their spot in the finals. They will face the Chicago Blackhawks in the battle for the Cup.
The trail for both teams to get to the finals has not been easy. In round one, the Lightning took down the Detroit Redwings in seven games, while the Blackhawks eliminated the Nashville Predators in six. In round two, the Lightning sent the Montreal Canadiens packing and the Hawks swept the Minnesota Wild. In round three, the Lightning shut out the Rangers in Game 7 to clench the series, while the Blackhawks came to Anaheim and sent us all home crying (and spewing expletives), while murdering us 5-2. This is the first time since 2000 that both conference finals needed a Game 7.
The goaltending will be the game changer, literally. The Blackhawks have one of the most experienced teams in the NHL and their goaltender Corey Crawford is in control. With a .919 save percentage in the playoffs, his goaltending is definitely better than adequate. He is expected to come out rested and ready after a star performance against the Ducks in Game 7. Ben Bishop, the goaltender for the Lightning is right around Crawford with a .920 save percentage in the playoffs this season. Although his save percentage practically mimics Crawford’s, Bishop has given up at least three goals or more in six playoff games. Scary, right?
The offenses of these two teams are immensely skilled while showing off their fancy footwork. In
other words, these guys are freaky fast on the ice. Captain Steven Stamkos one of the Lightning’s elite, has proven his strength leading the last 20 games with seven goals and 10 assists. Although his stats are impressive, he lacks in experience. This will be his first cup final.
other words, these guys are freaky fast on the ice. Captain Steven Stamkos one of the Lightning’s elite, has proven his strength leading the last 20 games with seven goals and 10 assists. Although his stats are impressive, he lacks in experience. This will be his first cup final.
Duncan Keith has been a standout for Blackhawks with two goals and 16 assists and he works hand in hand with captain Jonathan Toews who has nine goals and nine assists in the playoffs this season. Are you pucking serious, Toews? You’re a beast.
This series for the cup is stacked with talent, speed and sheer athleticism. Personally, due to experience, I’m putting my money on the Hawks and they’ll take it in six games. I don’t like you Chicago, but I have to respect your dynasty.
Here’s a schedule of the series:
Game 1: Wednesday 6/3 Chicago @ Tampa Bay 8 PM EST
Game 2: Saturday 6/6 Chicago @ Tampa Bay 7:15 PM EST
Game 3: Monday 6/8 Tampa Bay @ Chicago 8 PM EST
Game 4: Wednesday 6/10 Tampa Bay @ Chicago 8 PM EST
Game 5: Saturday 6/13 Chicago @ Tampa Bay 8 PM EST
Game 6: Monday 6/15 Tampa Bay @ Chicago 8 PM EST
Game 7: Wednesday 6/17 Chicago at Tampa Bay 8 PM EST
So fly Hawks fly?! Wait no, I just can’t. Looks like I’ll be drinking a lot of beers if I plan on rooting anybody on here. Cheers!
– Carly
The Coaches' Daughters 