Stanley Cup 2013: Who Experts Are Picking to Win Bruins vs. Blackhawks Final

The table is set for the 2013 Stanley Cup finals. In a lockout-induced shortened NHL season, the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins have earned the chance to compete for the 98th Stanley Cup trophy.

This is familiar territory for both the Bruins and Hawks. However, it was anything but familiar for years, and decades, preceding each franchise’s recent hoisting of the Cup.

Prior to their recent championship in 2011, Boston hadn’t earned the NHL’s top prize since 1972.

For the Blackhawks, it was much, much bleaker. The team went without a title for 49 years before winning the Cup in 2010.

One thing is certain: this Original Six finals series, the first since 1979, is going to be a gritty battle between two of the most storied franchises in the game.

Here’s a look at who the experts are predicting to come out on top of this year’s Stanley Cup finals.

CBS Sports Picks

Here’s a chart depicting each of their picks for this Bruins vs. Blackhawks finals matchup:

Analyst	Series Winner	Series Games
Brian Stubits	Bruins	Six
Adem Gretz	Blackhawks	Six
Chris Peters	Blackhawks	Six

For what it’s worth, Chris Peters has the most accurate picks to this point, recording a record of 11-3. Adam Gretz is next, picking winners with a 9-5 record. Brian Stubits comes in last place, predicting eight games correct and six incorrect.

ESPN Picks

The following chart breaks down ESPN’s predictions, made by 12 experts and analysts:

Analyst	Series Winner	Series Games
John Buccigross	Blackhawks	Seven
Scott Burnside	Bruins	Seven
Linda Cohn	Bruins	Seven
Craig Custance	Blackhawks	Six
Paul Grant	Bruins	Seven
Pierre LeBrun	Blackhawks	Seven
Steve Levy	Bruins	Six
Joe McDonald	Bruins	Six
Barry Melrose	Bruins	Six
James Murphy	Bruins	Six
Scott Powers	Bruins	Six
Katie Strang	Bruins	Seven

FOX Sports Picks

FOX Sports hasn't released an outlet-wide prediction as of Monday at 8 p.m. ET. However, Jon Paul Morosi previewed the series and gave his opinion on who will win.

Analyst	Series Winner	Series Games
Jon Paul Morosi	Bruins	Six

Here's a video of Morosi breaking down the finals and his reasoning behind his pick:

St. Louis Blues Broadcasters Picks

Analyst	Series Winner	Series Games
John Kelly	Bruins	Six
Darren Pang	Bruins	Seven
Bernie Federko	Blackhawks	Seven
Chris Kerber	Blackhawks	Seven
Kelly Chase	Blackhawks	Six

Sam Carchidi of The Philadelphia Inquirer

Sam Carchidi changed his opinion multiple times but finally decided on the Bruins due to their stout defense:

Verdict—Boston Bruins 14-8

This series is as close to call as they come, although the overpowering expert opinion currently favors the Bruins to hoist the Cup.

The Bruins are playing great defensive hockey heading into this series. Their biggest question is whether or not they can keep that up against the Patrick Kane-led Hawks offense that is coming to life.

Chicago has the home-ice advantage working in their favor. Will that ultimately decide things if the series reaches a seventh game?

A smart bet would be to pick the Bruins and their deep lines to win in it in six games when all is said and done.