Stanley Cup Final: Lightning vs. Blackhawks | How they matchup

A look at how the Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning mathcup.

Chicago Blackhawks
48-28-6 (102 points)
Round 1: Def. Nashville Predators, 4-2
Round 2: Def. Minnesota Wild, 4-0
Round 3: Def. Ducks, 4-3

Tampa Bay Lightning
50-24-8 (108 points)
Round 1: Def. Detroit Red Wings, 4-3
Round 2: Def. Montreal Canadiens, 4-2
Round 3: Def. New York Rangers, 4-3

Stat Comparison
Season Series: Tampa Bay, 1-0-1

Regular Season Power Play

Lightning 18.8% (14th), Blackhawks 17.6% (20th)

Postseason Power Play

Lightning 16-72 (22.2%), Blackhawks 10-51 (19.6%)

Regular Season Penalty Killing

Lightning 83.7% (eighth), Blackhawks 83.4% (10th)

Postseason Penalty Killing

Lightning 56-69 (81.2%), Blackhawks 37-49 (75.5%)

Regular Season Leading Scorers

Lightning, Tyler Johnson 12-9--21.
Blackhawks, Patrick Kane 10-10--20.

Blackhawks outlook

The Blackhawks shook off the Ducks’ physicality during the West finals and seemed to get stronger as the series progressed, demonstrating their ability to handle whatever is thrown at them. “I think that’s the experience this team has going through certain situations throughout the years,” said goaltender Corey Crawford (2.56 goals-against average, .919 save percentage). “You go through stuff that maybe some teams tighten up but when you go through that again and again it seems like no matter what happens, no matter what situation occurs during a game, we’re able to keep playing and not let it affect what we’re doing on the ice from shift to shift.” Toews (nine goals, 18 points) willed them to victory, after the Ducks took a 3-2 series lead, and was helped by being reunited with Kane, who had a goal and five points in the last two games. Chicago again will rely heavily on its top four defensemen but as long as Duncan Keith is upright they will have and edge of Tampa Bay.

Lightning outlook

Dubbed the “triplets,” the line of left wing Ondrej Palat, center Johnson and right wing Nikita Kucherov is dynamic and productive. Johnson, who went undrafted is the playoff leader in goals and points, and Kucherov (nine goals, 19 points) isn’t far behind. Goaltender Ben Bishop (2.15 goals-against average, .920 save percentage) excelled under pressure by shutting out Detroit in Game 7 of the first round and the New York Rangers in Game 7 of the East finals. “They remind me a lot of us -- a lot of speed,” he said of the Blackhawks. “Both teams want to play really fast. I think it’s going to be important to make those guys play defense.” Tampa Bay’s defense drops off after Victor Hedman and Anton Stalman but it has clamped down when it had to. Stamkos (seven goals, 17 points) said his team considers the Blackhawks a model. “You see what they’ve been able to do the last five, six years, it’s been impressive. That’s what we see ourselves doing,” he said.

Helene Elliot’s prediction

The Stanley Cup will stay in the West when the Blackhawks win for the third time in six seasons. They will be tested by the Lightning’s speed but their experience, scoring depth and leadership will prevail. The Lightning will be back in the near future, but this isn’t Tampa Bay’s year. Blackhawks in six.