Photo Credit: Credit Chris O’Meara/Associated Press
Tonight starts the final quest for Lord Stanley’s Cup. The Chicago Blackhawks, led by Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, have been in this situation before in recent years and are on the path to create a dynasty. To say this team is experienced in the playoffs is an understatement. Chicago is looking for its third title in six years. Â The Blackhawks have managed to get here by getting a lead early and holding on to it. Â Chicago is undefeated, 32-0, when leading after the first two periods.
Toews has led this team by example, scoring the first two goals in game seven against the Anaheim Ducks. He has scored a total of nine goals this postseason. The Blackhawks are lucky to have Toews scoring because they have been very shaky on defense. Â Due to injuries, the Hawks have been reduced to only four trusted defensemen. Luckily, they have all stepped up.
Chicago has a lot of star power, but that doesn’t mean Tampa Bay doesn’t have one of their own. Â Steven Stamkos, the young captan for the Lightning, is ready to step up like the greats before him and lead this team to victory. Stamkos sat down with hockey legend and Tampa Bay general manager Steve Yzerman about how to lead a young team on the biggest stage.
Stamkos has had help scoring this postseason, thanks to the “Triplets”, led by Tyler Johnson. Â Johnson is the leading scorer in both goals and points this postseason. Â He will need goalie, Ben Bishop, to play much more consistent than he did in the Eastern Conference Finals. Â Bishop did step up when his team needed, but he also allowed the Rangers to score at least five goals three times.
