Here we are, the Stanley Cup Finals are upon us with two of the most recognizable franchises in the NHL, the Blackhawks and Flyers. Can Chicago break one of the longest championship droughts in sports? Can the Flyers ring in a new era of the Broad Street Bullies? No matter who wins, the NHL will be the big winner if another classic series follows up last year's Stanley Cup Finals. Find out who has the edge in every matchup, here at RSS!
Blackhawks Offense vs. Flyers Defense
-While the young guns like Kane, Toews, Sharp have been consistently good throughout the playoffs, the real emerging star for the 'Hawks has been Dustin Byfuglein. After going scoreless in the 1st Round against Nashville, Big Buff has lit the world on fire scoring 8 goals, many of them game-winners.
Side Note: At the Blackhawks/Blue Jackets game we attended earlier this year, both Y1 and my lovely fiancee had to ask me who this Bye-foog-lin guy was.
Matching up with Big Buff will likely be all-world Flyers D Chris Pronger; their battles in front of the net will certainly be influential in this series. The rest of the Flyers defense is not exactly deep and the Blackhawks top 3 lines are all very dangerous in attack. If the Hawks can fight through the physicality the Flyers will try to enforce and raise the tempo, especially crossing through the neutral zone (I know, it almost sounds like real hockey analysis?!) they can control the series. Edge-Blackhawks
Flyers Offense vs. Blackhawks Defense
-Since their dramatic comeback against the Bruins, the Flyers have shown just as much depth offensively as the Blackhawks. Danny Briere, Claude Giroux, Simon Gagne, and captain Mike Richards all have at least 6 goals in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks have perhaps the best defensive pairing in the NHL in Brent Seabrook and Norris Trophy finalist (and now hero to all dentists) Duncan Keith. But, the Blackhawks defense doesn't stop there. Niklas Hjalmarsson has been fantastic throughout the playoffs, as well as forwards Dave Bolland and Marian Hossa, who shut down Joe Thornton in the Sharks series. While the Flyers have some weapons, it seems the Blackhawks have the capability to match them. Edge-Push
Goaltending
-If you had asked even the most hardcore NHL expert, they'd had thought you were crazy if you'd told them the goalies in the Stanley Cup Finals would be Antti Niemi and Michael Leighton. But, both have answered the call to carry their teams into the final round. As a rookie, Niemi was given the nod from the beginning of the playoffs and, after a shaky start, has really found his groove (1.67 GAA against San Jose). Meanwhile Leighton was forced into action after an injury to starter Brian Boucher against the Bruins. He certainly rose to the occasion with a 6-1 record in the playoffs, including 3 shutouts against Montreal. The key will be how both of these young goalies respond to the first bit of adversity. Based on Niemi facing much tougher offenses on his team's trip to the finals, he gets the slight edge. Edge-Blackhawks
Playoff Beards
-One of the great traditions that makes the Stanley Cup Playoffs so unique...the playoff beard! As a bearded man myself, I recognize the power full facial hair provides. The young Hawks were always going to struggle in this department...I'm not sure some players are even old enough to own razors. And, based on the "beard" grown by Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews...Chicago might be in trouble.
X-Factor
-There are so many weird X-factors in this series it almost boggles the mind! The Flyers do the impossible and come back from 3-0 down in the Conference Semis against the Bruins. The Blackhawks haven't won a Stanley Cup since 1961, but have won 7 straight road games! But, above them all is the curse of Marian Hossa. Hossa is the 1st player to reach 3 straight Stanley Cup with 3 different teams...of course, the only bad part is that he lost in his two previous appearances. That's definitely a bad sign for the Blackhawks and their fans. Edge-Flyers
The Pick
-So, with all of this in mind...who's the pick? While the Flyers have had a great run, it has to end here. They're a #7 seed for a reason, and the Blackhawks clearly represent the most talented team Philly will have faced in the playoffs. The Blackhawks will be able to pressure Michael Leighton unlike Boston or Montreal while relying on their composed defense and the hot hand of Antti Niemi. Look for Niemi to say NO! enough for the 'Hawks to close out the Flyers on the road in Game 6. Pick-Blackhawks in 6
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