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5 Bold Predictions for Chicago Blackhawks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning in 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Final

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Predictions for Blackhawks vs. Lightning

Predictions for Blackhawks vs. Lightning USA TODAY Sports-David Banks
With a couple of Game 7 victories in the Stanley Cup Final, the Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning are set to face off in the Stanley Cup Final. This matchup has all the makings of a classic, so let's take a look at five things I expect to happen.

With a couple of Game 7 victories in the Stanley Cup Final, the Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning are set to face off in the Stanley Cup Final. This matchup has all the makings of a classic, so let's take a look at five things I expect to happen.

Zero Shutouts

Zero Shutouts Getty Images
Ben Bishop has simply been brilliant in net for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and while Corey Crawford struggled early on in the playoffs, he's gotten the job done for the Blackhawks. Even though the Stanley Cup Final is often a tight checking, low-scoring series, these are two high-octane offensive teams that can put up goals in bunches. I don't expect to see a single shutout between these two teams.

Ben Bishop has simply been brilliant in net for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and while Corey Crawford struggled early on in the playoffs, he's gotten the job done for the Blackhawks. Even though the Stanley Cup Final is often a tight checking, low-scoring series, these are two high-octane offensive teams that can put up goals in bunches. I don't expect to see a single shutout between these two teams.

Kucherov Leads All Players In Scoring

Kucherov Leads All Players In Scoring Getty Images
Nikita Kucherov is quickly becoming an NHL superstar. The 21-year-old Russian winger had a huge season, tallying 65 points and a +38 rating during the regular season. He's been even better in the playoffs and is second in points among all players, behind only teammate Tyler Johnson.

Nikita Kucherov is quickly becoming an NHL superstar. The 21-year-old Russian winger had a huge season, tallying 65 points and a +38 rating during the regular season. He's been even better in the playoffs and is second in points among all players, behind only teammate Tyler Johnson.

Each Team Scores A Short-Handed Goal

Each Team Scores A Short-Handed Goal Getty Images
Neither team has been as good short-handed as they'd like, but they have made up for at least some of it by scoring three short-handed goals apiece. Both teams send out a slew of offensively-skilled forwards when down a man, and I'm guessing Jonathan Toews and Tyler Johnson each put the puck in the back of the net with their team short-handed.

Neither team has been as good short-handed as they'd like, but they have made up for at least some of it by scoring three short-handed goals apiece. Both teams send out a slew of offensively-skilled forwards when down a man, and I'm guessing Jonathan Toews and Tyler Johnson each put the puck in the back of the net with their team short-handed.

Three Overtime Games

Three Overtime Games David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
It's the Stanley Cup Final, so you know there will definitely be at least one marathon overtime game. As I've said before, I'm expecting an even series with most games decided by just one goal. The series will go the distance and three will need at least a fourth period to decide a winner.

It's the Stanley Cup Final, so you know there will definitely be at least one marathon overtime game. As I've said before, I'm expecting an even series with most games decided by just one goal. The series will go the distance and three will need at least a fourth period to decide a winner.

Lightning Win In 7

Lightning Win In 7 Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
I expect this to be an extremely evenly played series. It's hard to pick against the experience and postseason greatness of Toews and the Blackhawks, but I just think Tampa Bay is playing better hockey right now. The Lightning's forward depth will push them past the Blackhawks and Steven Stamkos will raise the Stanley Cup after a hard-fought Game 7 victory.

I expect this to be an extremely evenly played series. It's hard to pick against the experience and postseason greatness of Toews and the Blackhawks, but I just think Tampa Bay is playing better hockey right now. The Lightning's forward depth will push them past the Blackhawks and Steven Stamkos will raise the Stanley Cup after a hard-fought Game 7 victory.

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