5 thoughts on the game that will decide the Stanley Cup

1) The Western Conference will win the Stanley Cup

Both the Blackhawks and Kings have a wealth of high-end talent, but it's the depth of their rosters that will lead to the winner of this series overwhelming the Rangers. Also, both teams are more skilled and more physical than the Rangers. The Boston Bruins were the only team in the Eastern Conference that I think would have been able to match up.

2) Who do the Rangers want to play?

If I am a Rangers player, I want to play the Chicago Blackhawks. The only edge the Rangers have over either team is goaltending. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist has looked much better than the Blackhawks' Corey Crawford or the Kings' Jonathan Quick for much of the playoffs. To me, the difference is Jonathan Quick will elevate his game when facing an all-star goaltender like Lundqvist, but Crawford may not. Given the Rangers will be able to rest before the Stanley Cup Final, they are likely hoping the Blackhawks and Kings play a hard game seven where the winner emerges as battered-up as possible.

3) An unstoppable force versus an unmovable object

The Blackhawks are 8-1 at home during the playoffs. Several Kings players, including Quick, have never lost a game seven. Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane is heating up and returning to Conn Smythe form. Kings forward Justin Williams is a goal scoring machine in game sevens, with an incredible six goals and 12 points. The Blackhawks have the veteran presence and leadership it takes to prevail. The Kings seem to always find a way to win. The clashing story-lines make this game intriguing and make it hard to predict a winner.

4) The Kings will defeat the Blackhawks

While either team could win, I predict the Kings will advance to the Stanley Cup Final. When the Kings are playing up to their potential, such as in game four, I believe they are the best team in hockey. While neither starting goalie has been consistent this series, Quick seems to play best in high-pressure situations. 

People argue over whether momentum exists between games in the playoffs. I think with two teams as experienced as the Blackhawks and Kings, momentum between games is insignificant. While the Kings gave up a 3-1 series lead, I do not expect it will influence the way they play in game seven.

5) This is must-watch hockey

As stated, this game will very likely decide the Stanley Cup Champion. The Blackhawks and Kings are the two best teams in hockey, and it is not hyperbole to say this is the must-watch game of the season. According to Forbes, this game will be the most expensive of any 2014 NBA or NHL playoff game so far, with an average price of $647.