The Stanley Cup finals between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning can be dissected several ways: young vs. old, expansion team vs. Original Six team, Sunshine State vs Windy City.
The matchup is a tale of two vastly different hockey markets. The Lightning will meet their fourth straight Original Six opponent this postseason. The Blackhawks will try to knock off their fourth straight expansion team — each of which was founded in the last 22 years.
The histories of the two conference champions may contrast, but on the ice, these finals have the makings of an exceptional and high-octane championship series.