Day-44 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs:
INKTIME on RINKTIME Observations and Random thoughts by Chris Madsen:
It was just over 6 weeks ago that we started this journey and my initial prediction remains the same. Granted one-half of my Finals match-up failed to live up to expectations (the Penguins), but that doesn’t deter me from my original INKTIME ON RINKTIME Stanley Cup Final Pick to win it all: The Chicago Blackhawks.
Both the Boston Bruins and Hawks overcame earlier scares on this journey. The B’s had to mount an improbable comeback in Game-7 of their Opening Round Series against Toronto. But that was just 1-game. The Blackhawks not only had to win 3-straight games to overcome a 3-games-to-1 deficit to Detroit in the Conference Semi-Finals, AND then, had to plow through the reigning Stanley Cup Champion Kings.
Now granted, NOBODY saw the Bruins blowing through the Penguins in 4-games…but I also believe it is safe to say that they are about to face a Blackhawks squad that has ALREADY proven that they have the RESOLVE that it takes to win.
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THE PLAYERS SEEM READY: Like the timeless Jaromir Jagr of Boston…
…and Chicago’s Patrick Kane seems willing to adjust…
…Tuukka Rask is ready to climb out of Tim Thomas’s 2011 shadow…
…while Corey Crawford prepares to take his place alongside Antti Niemi from 2010…
BUT TALK IS CHEAP: The Blackhawks are (9-1) at home in the playoffs and have won 5 straight at The United Center. And, their commitment to the defensive side of the puck is best evidenced by the fact that they have allowed 2-goals or less in 8 of those games…and that will be pivotal in trying to contain Boston’s David Krejci who leads all Post-Season performers in points.
Chicago can reap the rewards of being the President’s Trophy Winner…and that’s Home Ice Advantage. How important is this opener? The team who wins Game-1 has gone on to win the Stanley Cup 77% of the time! But regardless of tonight’s outcome, I believe this Series is going the distance.
So, that brings me to my INKTIME ON RINKTIME PREDICTION: Blackhawks in 7 games.
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UNTIL THE NEXT TIME WE LACE ‘EM UP AND HIT THE ICE!–Chris Madsen
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THE SCHEDULE:
| 2013 STANLEY CUP FINAL | |||
| SERIES O | TIME (ET) | #1  vs.  #4 |
Networks |
| WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013 | 8 p.m. | BOSTON AT CHICAGO | NBC, CBC, RDS |
| SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2013 | 8 p.m. | BOSTON AT CHICAGO | NBCSN, CBC, RDS |
| MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2013 | 8 p.m. | CHICAGO AT BOSTON | NBCSN, CBC, RDS |
| WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2013 | 8 p.m. | CHICAGO AT BOSTON | NBC, CBC, RDS |
| *SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2013 | 8 p.m. | BOSTON AT CHICAGO | NBC, CBC, RDS |
| *MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2013 | 8 p.m. | CHICAGO AT BOSTON | NBC, CBC, RDS |
| *WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2013 | 8 p.m. | BOSTON AT CHICAGO | NBC, CBC, RDS |
* If necessary
The ONLY incorrect pick I made in the Western Conference this playoff season was the Ducks losing to the Red Wings. Had they survived that series, I had them defeating the Blackhawks for the Conference championship (Anaheim went 3-0 against Chicago in the shortened season), and taking the Cup. I didn’t make any first round predictions for the Eastern Conference, but beginning with the second round I picked Boston to go the remainder of the way, just as I went with Chicago after the first round. Though the Bruins dominated the Penguins in the last series, I think the several days rest was sufficient for the Blackhawks after dropping the Kings in 5 games. I’m picking Chicago in 5.
Im with you Chris, Black Hawks in 5 games! Their offense will overcome Bostons defense!