Jonathan Maxfield— Boston Bruins in 7
This is the first Stanley Cup Finals, since 2003, that I don’t dislike either of the finals two teams. That is exciting in its own right, throw in the fact that one of my three favorite Western Conference teams is in the finals and it’s even more enjoyable.
This Stanley Cup Finals match-up seems more like a chess match than any other finals in recent memory, in that neither team has any glaring weakness or “Achilles heel.” So., to say that I have any deep insight into my prediction would be foolish. I simply think that we’re going to see two great hockey teams battle it out to be crowned champion. I’m all aboard the Blues bandwagon and want to give them the win, but if Boston sports has taught me anything over the past decade it’s never bet against Boston sports.
For that reason, I predict the Boston Bruins will win the Stanley Cup in 7 hard fought games with the series-clinching goal coming off of the stick of one Brand Marchand. Last season, we got a happy ending with Alexander Ovechkin finally hoisting the Cup, so it’s only fitting this year that the biggest villain in the league did the same.
I do think that regardless of which team wins the Cup, however, that their goaltender will be the recipient of the Conn Smythe. I have a hard time seeing anyone but Jordan Binnington or, even more so, Tuukka Rask, winning the trophy given to the MVP of the playoffs. Overall, I’m excited about the finals, and even more excited for the Anaheim Ducks off-season to begin.