The Greatest Challenge for Each NHL Superstar in the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals

The Stanley Cup Final is what each NHL player competes for all year, and various members of the Chicago Blackhawks, such as Jonathan Toews and the Boston Bruins' Zdeno Chara, will face stiff challenges during the series.

Toews will have to face off against Chara, David Krejci will have to keep the Bruins' offense going against the 'Hawks' top pair and many other players will face various difficulties.

With the final underway, here is the greatest challenge each NHL superstar will face.

Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

During the Stanley Cup Final, Jonathan Toews has to redeem himself. Toews has struggled throughout the playoffs, and it isn't going to get easier for him against the Boston Bruins. As the Blackhawks' top center, Toews will have the "privilege" of matching up with Zdeno Chara.

Toews is one of the NHL's hardest workers and a great leader, but he will be fighting an uphill battle while on the ice with Chara.

Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins

Zdeno Chara's biggest challenge during the final will be managing his minutes. Chara has been playing about 30 minutes a game throughout the playoffs.

The Blackhawks have multiple threats, and if Chara manages his minutes correctly, he will be able to adequately play against multiple lines. The Bruins' captain is an integral piece to a championship team, and his freshness will be key throughout the series.

Marian Hossa, Chicago Blackhawks

Marian Hossa needs to stay healthy against the Bruins. Hossa is a skilled player who likes to use his speed, but he isn't as durable as he once was.

The Bruins have a number of players who can deliver punishing hits. Hossa will need to cognizant of these bruisers while they are on the ice. Hossa is at his best when he is moving his feet, and he will need to remain elusive against the Bruins so he doesn't wear down physically.

Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins

Patrice Bergeron is an elite two-way center. He will be one of the Bruins' most important players against the Blackhawks. Bergeron's ability to play a three-zone game will make him valuable while he is on the ice because he can generate and disrupt offense.

Bergeron will have the task of playing a shutdown role while Zdeno Chara is off the ice, and he will likely go toe-to-toe with the Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa line.

Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

Patrick Kane will need to remain consistent during the Stanley Cup Final, and he will need to be adaptable. Kane has been hot and cold throughout the playoffs.

He also will need to be adaptable because he'll probably rotate lines throughout the series. Claude Julien loves to match lines, and Joel Quenneville will likely move Kane around at times to get the most out of his offensive players.

The Bruins have a tough defense that just shut down the NHL's top offense, and the Blackhawks will look to combat that with Patrick Kane.

Nathan Horton, Boston Bruins

Nathan Horton had a slow start to the season as he recovered from a concussion, but he has been white-hot throughout the playoffs. Horton has 17 points in 16 games, and he is a plus-21.

Against the Blackhawks, Horton will have to walk a fine line between being an offensive player and a physical power forward.

Horton excels in both roles, but he will need to stay healthy and on top of his game. Due to his recent issues with concussions, Horton could be one big hit away from being sidelined indefinitely. This doesn't mean that Horton has to shy away from physical activity, but it does mean that he has to be prudent in picking his spots while on the ice.

Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks

Duncan Keith is money in the playoffs, and he should have won the Conn Smythe in 2010 after having a dominant postseason. Keith is the Blackhawks' top defender and is also involved in the offensive aspects of the game.

Against the Bruins, Keith will have the tough task of trying to do it all. He will need to contain players such as David Krejci, and he will need to join the rush when possible to generate offense.

Keith is a world-class player, but his limits will be tested in the upcoming series against the Bruins.

David Krejci, Boston Bruins

David Krejci is the NHL's leading scorer, and he is going to come under pressure against the Blackhawks. Krejci is also a solid two-way center who can play an effective shutdown game and will be saddled with the responsibility of carrying the offense.

The Bruins' first-line center has been a facilitator for offense, and he needs to remain at least status quo against the Blackhawks. The upcoming series should be close given the talent of each team. A two-way player like Krejci has the potential to be a difference-maker. 

Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks

Corey Crawford has had a heck of a run this year in the playoffs, but he needs to finish the job. If Crawford doesn't get it done in the playoffs, this run will have been all for naught.

A "wise man" once said, "If you ain't first, you're last," and that will be the case if Crawford and the Blackhawks lose. Crawford has done his job thus far, but the Bruins are a different animal than the Los Angeles Kings or the Minnesota Wild.

The Bruins are a smart two-way team that is always a threat, and Crawford will need to be vigilant and at the top of his game at all times. This has been the greatest stretch of play of Crawford's career to date, and his challenge will be bringing home the bacon.

Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins

Tuukka Rask has the same task as Corey Crawford. Rask has already won a Stanley Cup, but he did it as Tim Thomas' backup in 2011. To help solidify his legacy in Boston, Rask will need to get the job done on his own. That is the task that awaits him, and it isn't going to be easy.

Throughout the playoffs, Rask has illustrated he can be an elite goalie, but he also needs to get the job done. Rask was great against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the NHL's top offensive juggernaut, and he will need to do the same against the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks are fast, they have multiple weapons and they are motivated to win another Stanley Cup. Rask will have to play better than he has to prevent that.