STANLEY CUP FINALS
Blackhawks (West 1) vs Lightning (East 1)
My prediction: Blackhawks in 7
RESULT: Blackhawks in 6
Post-Series Thoughts: This turned out to be a fantastic series. My guess is that Bishop was injured more significantly that we suspected (EDIT: confirmed, torn groin), but he still played absolutely incredible hockey. Game 6 was one of the best-played games I've seen by a losing team. Tampa played a great game. Great series overall, but especially game 7. The Hawks just had too much skill and Quenville's system is just too solid for Tampa's speed to overcome. Honestly I think Keith was the difference in this series. If not for him, the Bolts take this series. He's my call for MVP (EDIT: confirmed).
Congratulations to the 2015 Stanley Cup champions, the Chicago Blackhawks!
Pre-Series Thoughts: This is an extremely closely matched pair of teams. I expect a great series. The Bolts have played great hockey, and they closed it out against the Rangers. Bishop has been great (more so than the inexplicably inconsistent Crawford). But the Hawks have experience on their side, and a deeper roster. They've also started playing their best hockey when it matters most. Of course, the Bolts have a more explosive offense at times, but it can be inconsistent. Ultimately I believe this will come down to goaltending and special teams. Both teams have really high powered offense. The question is, who will be more inconsistent...Crawford, or the Bolts offense? I give a slight edge to the Hawks. I almost want to pick the Hawks in 6, but the Bolts are just playing high octane hockey. So Hawks in 7.
