NASHVILLE PREDATORS VS. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
(Have never met in a playoff series)
TOP STORYLINES
1. THE FEAT TO REPEAT
In reaching the final for a second consecutive spring, the defending titleholders are attempting to becoming the first team to repeat as Stanley Cup champions since the Detroit Red Wings accomplished the feat in 1997 and 1998. Of course, in order to go back-to-back, the Pens will have to do it without a true No. 1 defenceman after Kris Letang was lost late in the season. Since the Carolina Hurricanes won the Cup in 2006, every champ has sported a stud blueliner including: 2016, Letang, Penguins; 2015: Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks; 2014: Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings; 2013: Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks; 2012: Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings; 2011: Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins; 2010: Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks; 2009: Sergei Gonchar/Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins; 2008: Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings; 2007: Scott Niedermayer/Chris Pronger, Anaheim Ducks.