This is why we fight...

If you didn’t already know The NHL Stanley Cup Finals are under way. We are two games in and so far this series has delivered on its expectations, with both games requiring extra periods to determine a winner  (2 ½  in game 1 and 1 in game 2). In addition to the drama of sudden death overtime the series is tied, with Chicago taking game 1 and the Bruins making the Blackhawks remember what adversity is like in game 2. 




Because It's The Cup

This Cup Final is special for more than one reason; not the least of which is the fact that it’s being played by two Original Six teams, the Western Conference Chicago Blackhawks and the Eastern Conference Boston Bruins. The last time two Original Six teams faced off for Lord Stanley’s Cup was 34 years ago in 1979. Hockey fans love to make a big deal over Original Six matchups, especially if our team is involved, so the nostalgia aspect of this series is cranked way up.  Also of interest is the fact that the Blackhawks finished the season with the best record in the league, winning 36 out of 48 games.  Alternatively, Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs, who was a driving force behind the lockout that robbed us of 34 regular season games, stands an annoyingly good chance of winning his second championship in 2 years. Each of the teams are recent Cup Champions with Boston claiming the title in 2011 and Chicago, one year prior.

Both teams are talent laden so you have your pick of players and narratives to follow. Currently, forwards Patrick Sharp of the Blackhawks and David Krejci of the Bruins are tied for the lead in playoff goals. This is one I’m particularly invested in.  Another is Torey Krug, Boston’s rookie defenseman out of Michigan State who scored an eye-popping 4 goals in  5 playoff games. That’s right, I said defenseman. Also noteworthy; Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews, remains goalless which isn’t a major issue, but as the leader of the team it’s still of some import.  Meanwhile, Bruins goaltender Tuukaa Rask is making goal tending in the Stanley Cup Finals look like child’s play, saving 92 of 97 shots in just the first two games.  If all that isn’t enough, consider that Bruins appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals gives the city of Boston, which recently suffered the tragedy at the Boston Marathon, another reason to be hopeful and happy and that’s something to feel good about.

As they like to say in hockey, the playoffs are a war of attrition and it continues this week, with up to 5 more games left to be played in 2013. This matchup has been worth every second of extra time played. Hopefully, for the fans anyway, there will be more thrilling overtime wins, but as long as we get the best hockey by the best players in a season that almost wasn’t, we’re all kind of winning. Games 3 and 4 will be played in Boston, and Chicago will need to take at least one. Faceoff for Game 3 tonight is at 8:00 p.m. Buckle up.