Do You Have a Stanley Cup Prediction?

The funny thing about the Bruins playing the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup is that several years ago, I actually started rooting for the Blackhawks as one of those "other" teams you kind of like during playoff bids and whatnot.

An article this morning in the Chicago Tribune notes that the Bruins vs. Blackhawks is the first "Original Six" Stanley Cup series since the Bruins won the cup against the New York Rangers in 1972.

The Blackhawks are a formidable team, but so were the Pittsburgh Penguins, who just got swept by the Bruins in a thrilling series, especially games 3 and 4.

Sidney Crosby of the Penguins is a household name among hockey fans, even if his playoff mettle was widely questioned - he finished the regular season third in the NHL in total points (56) and second in assists (41). For what it's worth, the leading scorer on the Blackhawks is Patrick Kane, a former #1 overall draft pick who at the age of 25 has already scored 424 total goals and assists over a six-year career.

Personally, I'm thinking Bruins in 5 or 6 games - and that's not some "rah rah" type thing. It's based on their tough style of play, the great goaltending so far from Tukka Rask, and the businesslike way they just dismantled what was supposed to be a superior opponent - although one can also mention how that series against the Maple Leafs got a bit hairy at times. They've also simply had a few flashes of that luck that often seems to manifest itself around teams destined for a championship. Think 2001 Patriots for example, but not quite on that scale.

Lynnfield has been home to numerous Bruins stars over the years - and town residents aren't just fair weather fans who slap on shirts and stickers at the first sign of a championship run. This is a town that knows and loves its sports.

So with that, hockey fans, what does your gut tell you will be the outcome of this series? Do you feel another monster series from Rask coming on or is there some individual player you think is overdue for a big night? Post your predictions in the comment box below!