Chicago Blackhawks vs. Boston Bruins - Preview, Predictions, Schedule: NHL Stanley Cup Final 2013

The Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins will face off in the Stanley Cup finals.

The meeting will be the seventh between the two sides in the postseason; the last time the Blackhawks and Bruins met was in 1978 when they battled in the quarterfinals. The Bruins have won five of the six series. This will be the first time that the two sides meet in the NHL Stanley Cup finals.

This Postseason

The Boston Bruins almost failed to get out of the first round against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team took a 3-1 series lead but wound playing a decisive game 7. In that matchup, the Leafs took a 4-1 lead late in the game but a tremendous Boston comeback pushed the game to overtime where the team managed to pull off the historic victory. Since then the Bruins have been practically invincible. Boston steamrolled through the New York Rangers in a four game series but was most impressive in a sweep of the Pittsburgh Penguins; in that matchup, Boston goalie Tuuka Rask only conceded two goals. Boston center David Krejci leads the entire NHL with 21 points and nine goals in the postseason.

The Blackhawks destroyed Minnesota in five games to start their postseason run but faced adversity in a seven game series against the Detroit Red Wings. Chicago fell behind 3-1 in the series but mounted a major comeback. In the Western Conference final, Chicago took down the defending champion Los Angeles Kings in five games. Three players are tied for the team lead in points with 14.

Boston Wins If... Tuuka Rask continues his terrific play and the Bruins shut down Chicago's potent offense the way they took down the Penguins.

Chicago Wins If... It outskates Boston and utilizes its speed to its advantage. The Penguins lacked the solid defense that Chicago boasts; the Chicago defenders must slow down Boston's forwards without any reservations or they will suffer a similar fate to the Penguins.

Prediction:  The Bruins look invincible and have already taken down one offensive juggernaut with solid defense, great goaltending, and physical play. The Blackhawks have been easily frazzled at times (especially captain Jonathan Toews) and the Bruins should have their way with Chicago on the physical end. Look for Boston to win this series in five games.

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