Blackhawks vs. Bruins: Complete Schedule and Predictions for Stanley Cup Final

In a wild postseason, it seems only fitting that the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins will be dueling for the Stanley Cup.

Both teams were left for dead in the second round, but came roaring back to advance. Chicago had their backs against the wall against the Detroit Red Wings, but rallied to win the series in seven games. Boston did one better, coming back from a 3-0 deficit in a Game 7 to win in overtime.

Round 3 would not be filled with the same drama, as both teams disposed of the Bruins and Kings in four and five games.

Now both teams can taste the Stanley Cup with only four wins standing in the way.

These two Original Six teams have never met in a Stanley Cup Final in their long histories. This series will make up for the long wait.

Let’s take a look at where and when you can see all of the Stanley Cup action.

2013 Stanley Cup Final Schedule

Note: Schedule via NHL.com. * denotes if necessary

Game	Date	Away Team	Home Team	TV Network	Time (ET)
1	Wednesday, June 12	Boston Bruins	Chicago Blackhawks	NBC	8:00 p.m.
2	Saturday, June 15	Boston Bruins	Chicago Blackhawks	NBCSN	8:00 p.m.
3	Monday, June 17	Chicago Blackhawks	Boston Bruins	NBCSN	8:00 p.m.
4	Wednesday, June 19	Chicago Blackhawks	Boston Bruins	NBC	8:00 p.m.
5*	Saturday, June 22	Boston Bruins	Chicago Blackhawks	NBC	8:00 p.m.
6*	Monday, June 24	Chicago Blackhawks	Boston Bruins	NBC	8:00 p.m.
7*	Wednesday, June 26	Boston Bruins	Chicago Blackhawks	NBC	8:00 p.m.

Series Prediction

This Stanley Cup Final looks to be a clash of styles between the Blackhawks’ speed and the Bruins’ physical play.

Chicago’s blistering attack was the talk of the NHL in the first two months of the season, and it seems to come back into form. With Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews in uniform, that’s a tough assignment for any opposing defense.

Lucky for the Bruins, they possess the NHL’s hottest goaltender to counter Chicago’s stars.

Tuukaa Rask has played exceptional in these playoffs, stopping 133 of 135 shots in the conference finals. Those numbers make for a ridiculous 985 save percentage and 0.44 goals-against average.

One prediction seems certain: This series is going the distance.

I think this has been Chicago’s year. They will break Rask just enough to squeak out a game or two and a Cup victory.

Prediction: Blackhawks in 7

Conn Smythe Trophy Prediction

No player that did not reach the final has ever won this award, so let’s choose from candidates in this series.

If Chicago wins the Cup, it will be hard to not consider Sharp. He has been driving the Blackhawks’ attack this postseason with eight goals.

Cup performance, though, is key to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. I don’t see Sharp having a significant influence with Rask in the opposing net.

Winning goaltenders have won the award the last two seasons and Chicago’s Corey Crawford has been nothing short of a revelation this postseason.

Crawford may not get the publicity of a Tuukaa Rask, but he will when this series is over.

Prediction: Corey Crawford

 

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