Stanley Cup 2015 Schedule: Blackhawks vs. Lightning Game 2 TV Info, Predictions

The 2015 Stanley Cup Final continues with Game 2 on Saturday evening at Amalie Arena, as the Tampa Bay Lightning seek to protect home ice against the Chicago Blackhawks after dropping the first contest 2-1.

In most instances, one could almost call off the rest of the series going purely by the following history provided by ESPN's John Buccigross:

But the Lightning have proved to be capable of comebacks in this postseason—they even needed seven games just to get out of the opening round against the Detroit Red Wings. Now they're playing host in the NHL's grand finale.

Check out the complete Stanley Cup Final schedule below, which features Game 2's TV information, followed by a preview and general predictions for how Saturday's showdown will unfold:

Game	Date	Location	Time	TV
1	Wednesday, June 3	Tampa Bay	8 p.m. ET	NBC
2	Saturday, June 6	Tampa Bay	7:15 p.m. ET	NBC
3	Monday, June 8	Chicago	8 p.m. ET	NBCSN
4	Wednesday, June 10	Chicago	8 p.m. ET	NBCSN
5 (if necessary)	Saturday, June 13	Tampa Bay	8 p.m. ET	NBC
6 (if necessary)	Monday, June 15	Chicago	8 p.m. ET	NBC
7 (if necessary)	Wednesday, June 17	Tampa Bay	8 p.m. ET	NBC

Blackhawks vs. Lightning Game 2 Preview, Predictions

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The burden falls on young superstar Steven Stamkos to lead his side in a desperation situation. Stamkos was scoreless in the opener and must be more aggressive, along with the rest of his teammates.

At least publicly, Stamkos wasn't letting the heartbreak of Game 1 get to him in his comments to the media, courtesy of the Lightning's official Twitter feed:

But maybe Tampa Bay should be a bit worried. Although living on the edge is something this club has thrived on, walking the tightrope against an experienced Blackhawks team whose nucleus has won multiple Stanley Cups is dangerous.

Still, one has to admire Stamkos' strong stance and refusal to genuflect to Chicago's championship jewelry after giving away Game 1.

Despite playing with just three other defensemen in the rotation, Duncan Keith found a way to be a factor when his team needed a spark in Game 1. In helping set up Teuvo Teravainen's equalizer, Keith kept a remarkable run going, per the Blackhawks' Twitter account:

Having such a significant impact on both ends with so much ice time is a testament to Keith's greatness—and how much of a priority he has to be for Tampa Bay to stop.

Another factor the Lightning have to be concerned about is the motivation Patrick Kane will have to get involved. Kane had numerous opportunities but couldn't convert, often denied by Ben Bishop's stellar goaltending.

So as far as predictions go, both Stamkos and Kane will have multiple points, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see them get a goal apiece in.

The Lightning need a sense of urgency that they didn't show in Game 1. That's why yours truly believes the more experienced Blackhawks will set the tone by getting on the scoreboard first.

Once that happens, though, look for Tampa Bay to please the home crowd by waking up, pushing the tempo and netting something like three unanswered goals to take a commanding lead into the third.

The Blackhawks' own resilience and flair for the dramatic—Jonathan Toews scored twice late to force overtime in Game 5 of the Anaheim series—should make for a nail-biting finish to Game 2. Thankfully for Lightning fans, they figure to be on the proper end of it, perhaps adding an empty-net goal when they stave off Chicago's bid for the equalizer in the final minutes.

This series should still go to the Blackhawks, but the Lightning have come too far for the Stanley Cup Final to be a sweep. Such a scenario would be in play, though, if Tampa Bay can't pull out Game 2.

For a Tampa Bay team that prides itself on bouncing back from adversity, Saturday's clash will be the ultimate test. Expect the Lightning to pass it with flying colors to build momentum before they head to the Windy City.

Prediction: Lightning 4, Blackhawks 2