It all comes down to this. The Stanley Cup Final begin tonight between the Blackhawks and Lightning. Meanwhile, your humble RMNB founders are locked in mortal combat with a 5.7-gram disc of copper and nickel. It’s time for our final predictions. And then you get to tell us where we’re wrong.
But first, here’s the rankings entering the final round and a relevant GIF.
- Peter: 11 for 14
- Keith, a Coin: 6 for 14
- Ian: 6 for 14
Basically, I rule and Ian is tied with a coin named Keith who looks like this:
Chicago Blackhawks (#3) vs Tampa Bay Lightning (#4)
Peter: For starters, I think this is going to be an excellent final. The Hawks and the Lightning are a couple of the most fun teams in the league to watch. They play fast, transition-game hockey, they’ve got new stars (i.e. not Sid or Ovi) who are good for the sport. I’m sad for the Ducks, but I’m psyched to watch this series.
Now as for the predictions, give me the Hawks in 6. It’s time for us all to acknowledge that this isn’t just a great team; they’re a great franchise. They won the Cup in 2010, spent a hot minute retooling, won it again, and will do it again.
(P.S. my girlfriend is a Hawks fan and I’m going to Chicago right after the Finals, so I have ulterior motives here.)
Ian: First off, this needs to be said.
Will I watch the Stanley Cup Finals even though the Caps aren't in the series? pic.twitter.com/1iaws016BM
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) June 3, 2015
And I’m not joking. I’ve only watched like two games since the Caps lost in the second round. I’ve barely blogged. I really don’t understand why that is either. Watching playoff hockey games are probably the most entertaining of any sport and the players’ beards are majestic.
Maybe it’s because living and dying with the Caps everyday for approximately 8 months is emotionally fatiguing. Yeah. When the Caps lost in game seven, my heart was broken even though I try my best to stay distant and not get wrapped up in things. It’s hard to watch other fans be happy who you’re jealous of. I really need the Caps to win a Cup someday or I will go to the grave feeling somewhat empty inside.
Man this is really depressing. Sorry.
On top of that, national coverage for the NHL is so irritating, it’s hard to really get into other teams minus my bae on the Predators.
Anyway, on to my predictions. After that Ducks series, it’s hard to imagine Chicago losing. They’re experienced, which is a great storyline, but Jonathan Toews is essentially the modern age Steve Yzerman which is also a great storyline. Patrick Kane is also a wonderfully creative player that knows how to maximize himself and be the difference on the biggest stage. I just think Tampa’s ordinary. I think Ben Bishop is overrated. I think Stamkos is easy to shut down. The only way Tampa has a chance is if Tyler Johnson’s line, which is so very quick, can continue to produce at its insane pace. They might in the Final, but Chicago will be too much.
Chicago will win in five. Peter’s lady will be happy (not just because she’s dating Peter). Patrick Kane’s mullet will be MVP. And dammit I tied a coin. Now please end the season already.
Keith, a coin: Hawks.
Share your predictions below!
