Stanley Cup Final 2015: Blackhawks vs. Lightning Game 1 Odds, Props, Predictions

The Stanley Cup Final between the Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning has the potential to be a memorable matchup, with Game 1 looming large for both sides.  

It's obvious neither team is scared to go the distance in this series, as both needed a Game 7 road win in their respective conference finals to advance. Still, the stakes are higher this time around, and earning an early lead in the series can go a long way toward securing a title.

While the Blackhawks have more experience at this stage of the postseason, the Lightning are hungry for a championship and are certain to create a serious challenge. Here is a look at what to expect in Game 1 of what should be an entertaining two weeks of hockey.

Game 1 Information

Jared Silber/Getty Images

When: Wednesday, June 3

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Where: Amalie Arena; Tampa, Florida

TV: NBC

Moneyline Odds (via Odds Shark): Blackhawks (+100), Lightning (-110)

While the Lightning may be young, they will not let the situation intimidate them. They have loads of talent and plenty of momentum from succeeding throughout the playoffs, and the Blackhawks might not be ready for the offensive barrage. 

Tampa Bay led the NHL in scoring during the regular season thanks to a variety of contributors from all over the ice. Steven Stamkos rightfully gets a lot of credit for his production, but it's important to note 11 different players scored at least 10 goals during the course of the year.

In the Stanley Cup playoffs, five different Lightning forwards have at least seven goals and seven assists.

Although many are predicting a Chicago win in this series, Tampa Bay has gotten a lot of respect from its peers.

"I think Tampa has the speed to go with Chicago," an unnamed Western Conference head coach told ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun. "I'm worried about the depth on D for Chicago. I don't know if people realize how good Tampa is skill-wise and their depth and their role players. Very well put together team."

That coach also predicted a Blackhawks win, but his thoughts on the young offense are correct. Expect the Lightning to come out aggressively at home in the first game and take the early series lead.

Game 1 Prediction: Tampa Bay 4, Chicago 3

Series Prop Odds (via Odds Shark)

Winner	Odds
Exact Game Picks	Odds
Chicago Blackhawks	-145
Tampa Bay Lightning	+125
Blackhawks in 4	17-2
Blackhawks in 5	4-1
Blackhawks in 6	7-2
Blackhawks in 7	17-4
Lightning in 4	14-1
Lightning in 5	13-2
Lightning in 6	6-1
Lightning in 7	9-2

No matter what happens in Game 1, it takes four wins to take home the Cup. This benefits the team that has been here before with the confidence to succeed no matter the situation.

Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews recently explained how past success has led to a lot of confidence to win in the postseason, per Bruce Arthur of the Star:

"

We don’t need to go on a long stretch of wins, win the Presidents’ Trophy, have the regular season of our lives, to have the confidence that we can go the distance in the playoffs. We know we’ve just got to get there. Regardless of who we play in the first round nowadays, it’s going to be a tough test. We believe in ourselves...I think we have that feeling, we come into a playoff series against a tough team, we have that idea of ‘Why not us?’ We find ways to win.

"

Chicago is seeking its third championship in six years and won't panic after going down a game or two in the series. The leadership across the board can be the difference in a close matchup like this one.

Meanwhile, the Blackhawks defense will be a key factor against the great offense from its opponent. According to SportsCentre, great offenses like Tampa Bay haven't fared well in the postseason recently:

If Corey Crawford can do his job and keep the pucks out of the net, Chicago can win once again in what will likely be a close series.

Prediction: Chicago wins in 6.

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