2009-2010 Stanley Cup Finals Preview and Predictions

Read the first round predictions. Unassisted Sports went 5-3 in Round 1.

Read the second round predictions. Unassisted Sports went 3-1 in Round 2.

Read the conference finals predictions. Unassisted Sports went 0-2 in Round 3.

Joseph Aughtman says:

The Blackhawks come in as the favorites, and on paper this series looks like a walk in the park against the upstart Flyers. The Blackhawks are a strong team with a great offense led by Toews, Kane and Byfuglien. The Flyers have a lot of toughness and a good defense. The goaltending favors the Blackhawks in this series with Niemi being stellar in the playoffs thus far. Michael Leighton has been on a great streak coming into the Stanley Cup Finals, but the Blackhawks offense might prove to be too much for him.

X-Factor: Dustin Byfuglien
He has been a force and clutch throughout these playoffs. He has a big body and is a great forward and defensemen. He is going to give Chris Pronger and Michael Leighton fits when he becomes a pest in front of the net. His play will be huge for Kane and Toews, because he frees up a ton of space.

Prediction: Blackhawks in 5

Jeff Russell says:

The Blackhawks have given Chicago some hope in sports, as the Bulls, Cubs, Bears, and White Sox have let the fans down. The Hawks had the third best offense in the league, combined with a top five defense that makes them a very lethal team. Toews and Niemi have been consistent throughout the entire playoffs and carried the team through the playoffs smoothly. The Flyers are going to need a lot of unexpected contributions to win the Stanley Cup. If the Flyers do not play good team defense, expect some high scores in favor of Jonathan Toews and the offense he has molded into championship material. Expect the Blackhawks to physically beat up on the Flyers and win the series and bring back the Stanley Cup to Chicago after 49 years.

X-Factor: Chris Pronger
If Pronger is able to limit the Hawks offense, he could be a spark to the team and pull out some close low scoring games.

Prediction: Blackhawks in 5

Ian Price says:

The Blackhawks are heavy favorites to win the 83rd installment of the Stanley Cup finals. However, Philadelphia should not be overlooked, as they have been highly resilient throughout the playoffs. The Flyers overcame significant odds in the first and second rounds, with the second round seeing them make a historic comeback. Game seven of that series against the Bruins served as a microcosm of the entire series, as the Flyers battled back from a 3-0 deficit in both the game and series. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, have traveled a less arduous road, effectively utilizing the wide breadth of talent that they possess. Both teams have lethal top lines, but the Blackhawks’ have more depth in their third and fourth lines. The Hawks’ third line, consisting of Dave Bolland, Andrew Ladd, and Kris Versteeg, has scored some of the biggest goals for the team throughout the playoffs. The Flyers’ role players must provide a nice source of secondary scoring if Philadelphia hopes to hoist the cup.

X-Factor: Brent Seabrook
Duncan Keith’s line-mate is as aggressive as they come when playing behind his own blue line. Seabrook led all Chicago defensemen in hits and led the whole team in blocked shots during the regular season. Philadelphia has a host of 6’0”+ 200 lb+ forwards who aren’t afraid of engaging in physical battles along the boards and in front of the net, so Seabrook’s ability to nullify the Flyers’ more intimidating forwards will play a critical role in the Blackhawks’ overall success.

Prediction: Blackhawks in 5