After impressive Game 7 road victories the Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks are set to square off in the Stanley Cup Final.
In this edition of the hotstove we'll share our predictions as to who will come out on top.
Todd Cordell: Tampa Bay in 7 I predicted Lightning vs Blackhawks with Tampa Bay winning in a long series prior to the season and nothing I've seen makes me want to change my opinion.
Both teams are loaded with star power and play an up-tempo game but I give the slight edge to Tampa Bay.
The Bolts led the league in goals this season, so they can clearly score with anyone, and they also use more depth on the backend, which could come into play in a long series.
I think Steven Stamkos, The Triplets and co. will be too much to handle and ultimately I see Tampa Bay coming out on top in what should be a phenomenal series.
Ryan Wilson: Tampa Bay in 7 I am very happy that this is the Stanley Cup Final matchup. I really enjoy watching both of these teams play. Obviously by picking Tampa in seven games I believe the series will be close. Either team winning won't be a surprise.
I believe goaltending to be a wash (Bishop .920 vs Crawford .919 in postseason). I believe Chicago can equal Tampa's top six production and has an advantage in the bottom six grouping. Duncan Keith is an animal but I have to give Tampa Bay the nod on defense with Chicago only able to confidently play four defensemen.
Special teams are a wash in both the power play and penalty killing department
This series could come down to who can stay healthy. Chicago doesn't have too many bullets left in the holster if they suffer another injury while Tampa has at times used seven defensemen and still has Jonathan Drouin waiting patiently.
Series is a coin flip.
Tim Chiasson: Tampa Bay in 7. The majority of the world is picking Chicago, but I don't think enough people are giving Tampa the credit they deserve.
This team knocked off two of the top three goaltenders in the world en route to the Finals, I'm sure they'll find the back of the net on Corey Crawford. I think the X-factor for the Bolts is Ben Bishop. Can he play consistently strong? He can't lay any eggs in the Finals against the Blackhawks. It's almost impossible for Braydon Coburn to be as horrendous as he's played all playoffs.
It's going to be a fantastic Cup Finals regardless of who wins, but I'm going with the underdog.
Michael Stuart: Tampa Bay in 7 I'll take Tampa, mainly because it just wouldn't feel right to pick the opponent. Chicago is a quality team, but I'm just hoping that the Lightning get the right mix of luck and opportunity as they aim to bring the Stanley Cup back to Florida. Maybe Tampa's speed finally wears out Chicago's defense. Maybe Ben Bishop comes up big like he has on so many occasions in these playoffs. Maybe home-ice advantage means something.
Regardless of what happens, I think fans are in for a really good series. Both these teams play an exciting, fast-paced style that highlights offensive skill over things like 'grit' and 'intangibles'. It should be hockey at its finest.
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