Nearly two months ago when 16 NHL teams embarked on a pursuit for the Stanley Cup, it was predicted in this corner that the Chicago Blackhawks would emerge as champs.
No reason to change now.
Chicago has experience on its side when the Eastern Conference champion Tampa Bay Lightning host the Blackhawks on Wednesday in Game 1 of hockey’s ultimate best-of-seven. Chicago is in search of a third Cup in six seasons while the Lightning, one year younger than the San Jose Sharks, look for a second title after having won the Cup in 2004 during their only other visit to the finals.