The Big Show: Stanley Cup Finals Preview

30 NHL teams began the regular season in October, and in April, only 16 remained on the road to the Stanley Cup.

For 28 teams, the journey is over. Nothing left to do, but drive home.

Two remain however. Still on course for hockey's most prestigious prize.

The Chicago Blackhawks and the Philadelphia Flyers have not been to Stanley Cup Finals for quite a while. They haven't hoisted the cup for a lot longer.

Who's going to win it all?

Without further ado, let's break down the two teams and get to my verdict of who will have a parade in their home city.

Plus, my picks of who will win the Conn Smythe Trophy if either team wins, and some artifacts from when the two teams last advanced to the final, and won the cup.

Eastern Conference Champions: Philadelphia Flyers

Despite being the seventh seed team in the East, the Flyers surprised us all by pulling off the incredible and the impossible to advance to the NHL's grandest stage.

Michael Leighton recorded three shutouts in the series versus Montreal (incredible,) and the Flyers became only the third team in NHL history to come back from a 3-0 series deficit to win the series against Boston in the conference semifinals (both incredible and impossible.)

When Leighton came in to replace the injured Brian Boucher, he had no experience in the NHL playoffs, and was previously claimed off waivers by Philly in February 2009. But the former sixth-round pick has been playing like he's done this for years. He has been the surprise hero in these Stanley Cup Playoffs.

But don't count out the other key contributors for the Flyers: Mike Richards (21 points,) Daniel Briere (18 points,) and Chris Pronger (14 points, leads all defensemen in points.)

If the Blackhawks ever claw to a two-game series lead, they should not get their party hats out just yet. The Flyers can pull off another miracle comeback just like they did in their series versus Boston.

Western Conference Champions: Chicago Blackhawks

The young Hawks have had a more easier road to the finals than the Flyers, battling past the Predators and Canucks in six games, before steaming past the Sharks, the best team in the West, in only four games.

Jonathan Toews has led his team and the playoffs in points (26,) and Dustin Byfuglien was a big gamebreaker for the Hawks in the conference finals, scoring three game-winning goals.

How about Marian Hossa, in his third straight Stanley Cup final, with his third different team? 

He has lost in the two previous finals he has been in, so is the third a charm? If not, he can't go anywhere else. He's already been signed to 12-year deal.

Goalie Antti Niemi, has been solid in between the pipes, posting a goals-against average of 2.33, and is second only to Leighton in that category.

One more thing to note. Chicago is 7-1 on the road, and winning on the road is crucial to winning the cup.

The Verdict

Leighton is a hot goalie for the Flyers, and is looking to continue his tear in the Stanley Cup Finals.

But Chicago has the better scorers.

Though the Hawks are my pick to win it all, expect the Flyers to give them a fight.

Hawks in six.

Picks for the Conn Smythe Trophy

If Philadelphia Wins: Michael Leighton

He came when everyone had written the Flyers off the cup chase in Round Two, but he helped the Flyers rebound from a huge hole, and out-played Jaroslav Halak, who up to that point of the Stanley Cup Conference Finals was the most spectacular goalie in the playoffs.

Leighton going into the final series already has a goal-against average of 1.45, and leads the NHL in save percentage.

If Philly surprises Chi-town, then this one is a no-brainer.

If Chicago Wins: Jonathan Toews

It seems obvious why he should be playoff MVP if Chicago wins.

He leads the playoffs in points and assists. But my opinion could change if another player for the Hawks has an outstanding finals series.

It may be Patrick Kane, Antti Niemi, or Dustin Byfuglien.

Time Capsule: Last Stanley Cup appearances and Last Stanley Cup Wins

It has been a while since since either team has won or even been to the Stanley Cup Final.

So, just for fun, I've decided to put in some historical facts featuring the teams, and the music hits, the last time these two teams won or were in the final. Enjoy!

Philadelphia Flyers

The last time in the final: 1997 (lost to Detroit 4-0)

Date of last game played: June 7

Team captain: Eric Lindros

*Billboard No. One single: "I'll Be Missing You" by Puff Daddy

*Billboard No. One album: "Spice" by Spice Girls

Last Stanley Cup victory: 1975 (Beat Buffalo 4-2)

Date of last game played: May 27

Team captain: Bobby Clarke

**Billboard No. One single: "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" by Freddy Fender

**Billboard No. One album: "That's the Way of the World" by Earth, Wind, & Fire

Chicago Blackhawks

The last time in the final: 1992 (lost to Pittsburgh 4-0)

Date of last game played: June 1

Team captain: Dirk Graham

***Billboard No. One single: Jump" by Kris Kross

***Biilboard No. One album: "Totally Crossed Out" by Kris Kross

 

Last Stanley Cup victory: 1961 (Beat Detroit 4-2)

Date of last game played: April 16

Team captain: Ed Litzenberger

****Bilboard No. One single: "Runaway" by Del Shannon.

****Billboard No. One album: "Calcutta!" by Lawrence Welk.

*-Issue dated June 14

**-Issue date May 31

***-Issue dated June 6

****-Issue dated April 24