Lightning vs. Blackhawks: Preview, Prediction for Game 6 of Stanley Cup Final

With a 2-1 victory in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday, the Chicago Blackhawks put themselves one win away from claiming the Cup for a third time in six years.

Defining a dynasty these days is a difficult thing, as no team has come close to winning in back-to-back years since the salary-cap system was established. If the Blackhawks can hoist the Cup again this spring, however, they have to be considered just that—a modern-day dynasty.

The Lightning won't roll over, but they're a less experienced playoff team dealing with injuries, slumps and a road game in Game 6 on Monday, which could put them at a serious disadvantage. Before the action unfolds beginning at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, let's look at what could determine the outcome of Game 6.

Lightning storylines

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The infirmary is full

Not only is starting goaltender Ben Bishop dealing with what some believe is a groin injury, but two of the Triplets are banged up. Nikita Kucherov left Game 5 early and didn't return after crashing into the post, while center Tyler Johnson is playing with an alleged broken finger, which has kept him from taking faceoffs.

Those are three critical pieces of the Lightning lineup. It will take some bigger performances from the depth players and healthier bodies to stave off elimination.

In typical playoff fashion, no one wants to offer any information on the injuries, but they are often self-evident.

Paging Steven Stamkos

A goal drought from one of the league's top snipers in the final stretch of the playoffs is terrible timing. Lightning captain Steven Stamkos is struggling, and they need him more than ever with the other injuries essentially taking out the team's top trio.

Stamkos hasn't scored in seven straight games, and the team will need a huge effort from him to force Game 7. No one knows this more than the captain.

“We have to find a way to score some goals. It starts with me. I’ve got to be better,” Stamkos told reporters, per Sportsnet's Luke Fox. “We’ve worked too hard to get to this opportunity to not leave it all on the line next game. I expect everyone to do that.”

Drouin is a wild card

Jonathan Drouin is looking at his best opportunity to establish himself as a threat in the NHL. With Kucherov uncertain for Game 6, the oft-scratched rookie could get a juicy role on a line with Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat.

He joined them in spot duty in Game 5 when Kucherov didn't return to the game, and he finished with more than 10 minutes of ice time for just the second time in five playoff appearances. Tampa Bay may allow Drouin to run wild with the season on the line because of his offensive skills. After all, the Bolts did have a strong possession rating of 61.9 percent when he was on the ice, according to TSN's Scott Cullen.

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The negative aspect of that—and the big reason for so many scratches—is his poor play in the neutral zone and defensive end. Drouin was on the ice when Chicago's Antoine Vermette scored the game-winner early in the third period.

"We all seemed to get caught with the backcheck," Drouin told reporters afterward, per Corey Long of NHL.com. "Everyone was trying to make a stop and we overdid it."

That's a risk Lightning coach Jon Cooper might have no choice but to take.

Blackhawks storylines

Winning with a twist: Hoisting the Cup at home

The Blackhawks won it all in 2010 in Philadelphia and 2013 in Boston, but both of those celebratory skates with the Stanley Cup raised over their heads took place away from home. Chicago hasn't won the Cup on home ice since 1938.

With Game 6 at the United Center, fans have a chance to enjoy a title-clinching win for the first time in 77 years. Well, likely not the same fans after all that time, but the city nonetheless.

The players know they can't let up at all if they want to clinch at home.

"Whether we're one win away or 15 wins away, you come in with that belief and you know what your team is capable of," Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews told NHL.com's Dan Rosen. "If anything, you don't want to underachieve. You want to get the most out of each other and find a way to come together as a group and give yourself a chance to be here.

"It's a great group, and we understand how unique this group is and how unique this chance is."

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Vermette pickup paying off

After coming over from the Arizona Coyotes in a trade-deadline deal, Antoine Vermette often found himself ineffective and even a healthy scratch three times in these playoffs. But he's played better and better throughout the postseason, scoring big goals to help the Hawks get to Game 6 with a 3-2 series lead.

He potted the winning goal in Game 5 to up his percentage to 75—that's three out of his four goals being game-winners in the playoffs. He's also been the Hawks' best regular faceoff competitor, winning nearly 60 percent of his draws.

The Blackhawks paid a steep price for his services, giving up a first-round pick and a prospect for the pending unrestricted free agent. But his playoff performance has lessened the pain.

"I was hoping to have a positive effect on the game," said Vermette, per ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun. "That being said, if it comes with goals, great. If not, the details of the game matter so much. We talk it, it makes a big difference...you want to focus on the team structure, the team play, and if we do that consistently, eventually things will happen. When you get goals, you’ll take them. But it’s more the focus on the process and the way you establish your game and play the details of the game."

Kane is still able

Puck Daddy's Josh Cooper has Patrick Kane ranked sixth in his Conn Smythe candidate list. Some might argue that's too high given he has yet to score in the Stanley Cup Final. Others might suggest it's too low considering he's tied for second in goals in the playoffs and third in points. One big game could push him right to the top of the pack in the latter category while also securing his team the Stanley Cup.

That would put him right up there with Duncan Keith, who has been the most consistent player throughout the playoffs for the Hawks but not necessarily the one making the biggest impact.

It's a great debate to have as things wind down in the Final. And it wouldn't surprise anyone if Kane once again scored a Cup-clinching game-winner in overtime.

Prediction

Because of all the experience, the game-breakers and the overall health of the group, I see the Blackhawks closing out the series Monday night. It could be another one-goal game to extend the Cup Final record to six of them in what has been a tight series.

Blackhawks 3, Lightning 2 (OT)