In these Stanley Cup playoffs, we've often heard words such as resilient, experience, excellent depth, steady defence, punishing offence, solid netminding, smart strategizing, etcetera.
These are words used to describe the journey of the Chicago Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning, respectively, in their quest at securing themselves a spot in the Stanley Cup Final and the means that got them this far in the first place.
We could very well be describing them both equally.
The Lightning's incredible offence (especially that 'electrifying' line of Tyler Johnson-Palat-Kutcherov) has been outstanding in their achievements. When the offence gets going, Tampa Bay becomes a difficult team to stop.
The Lightning's defence has certainly come of age, when performing well, perfecting the art of the shutdown. Victor Hedman, Jason Garrison et al., lead the Lightning in this department. Add to the mix a solid (if he continues to be consistent) Ben Bishop in goal, a coach in Jon Cooper who's team has somehow at times 'mesmerized' the opposition, and you've got a Cup finalist to be reckoned with.
The Blackhawks incredible offence (they may not be as flashy as the Lightning, but they're just as dangerous) with the likes of explosive shooter Patrick Kane, reliable (as always) leader Jonathan Toews, crafty Marian Hossa, etc., can make life quite miserable for opposing goaltenders. Never count the 'Hawks out.
Their superb defence has never failed to come up in big ways, and not just in defensive fashion but it can contribute quite nicely on the offensive front. Logging an abundant of ice-time, workhorse Duncan Keith, along with his counterpart Brent Seabrook may very well be the best in the business. Chicago is a team that can lie low and spring to action when one least expects them to, as in taking advantage of the opposition's gap or lapse in play. That's where the 'Hawks depth players such as Andrew Shaw, Brandon Saad, et al., come in. Add to the mix a solid (provided he doesn't default back to his inconsistencies) Corey Crawford in goal, a coach in Joel Quenneville who's team as at times 'puzzled' the opposition, and you have a Cup finalist to be reckoned with.
So, now, which team has the advantage? Tampa Bay, with it's puck possession/puck controlling, offensive/defensive strategizing, or, Chicago, with it's puck possession/puck controlling offensive/defensive strategizing?
So, who will win? Will it be resiliency & experience (Chicago) over youth & speed (Tampa Bay)?
Let's get ready to watch!
