SCF Game #6 Preview: Chicago Blackhawks @ Boston Bruins
The Stanley Cup will be in the building for the first time this season, and while one team wants it to make an appearance, the home team would rather keep it sealed up in its case until Wendesday night.
8:00 PM
TV: CBC, RADIO: TEAM1200
SERIES SO FAR
Chicago won their second straight game to turn a 2-1 series deficit into a 3-2 series lead and they have the first crack at clinching the cup when they visit Boston. Jonathan Toews and Patrice Bergeron are both game time decisions after leaving Game 5 early.
Jun 22, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks players celebrate after game five of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final against the Boston Bruins at the United Center. The Blackhawks won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Scott Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
PLAYERS TO WATCH (or in this case, maybe not)
Jonathan Toews, CHI – Toews stayed on the bench for the third period but didn’t get into action with an upper body injury. Bergeron will be a game time decision while Toews is expected to play. He had assists on both of Patrick Kane‘s goals including the game winner early in the second period before departing. Toews’ presence will greatly enhance the Hawks’ chances of winning, as long as he is capable of handling the work.
Patrice Bergeron, BOS- Bergeron was taken to hospital by ambulance, but was released in time to make the team flight home. His departure disrupted the second line for the Bruins and partially thwarted the Bruins’ comeback attempts as Carl Soderberg wasn’t exactly the same in Bergeron’s spot.
3 TOP STORYLINES FOR THE GAME
1. Home Cooking – Boston was 7-0 in their last 7 home games before Wednesday’s 6-5 OT loss. Returning home for a must win game should give them some comfort and confidence in their ability to force a game 7.
2. Jagr-master – Jaromir Jagr is hoping for his third Stanley Cup, but first since 1993. He is scoreless in these playoffs, but has always had a flair for the dramatic. Watch out for him in this one.
3. Kane is Able – Patrick Kane picked the right time to get hot. He has 7 goals and 9 points in his last 7 games, and 3 goals in his last 2 to ensure the Hawks would be in this position.
PARTING SHOT
If this is the final game, this has been one of the better finals in recent memory. If it is not the final game, it sets the stage for game 7 to cap one of the greatest series ever. With the exception of game 3 where the Hawks laid an egg, this series has always been in doubt and neither side dominated a complete game. There have been periods of time where one team has dominated the other.