Can The Lightning Win Two Straight Against The Blackhawks?

Published on June 14th, 2015 7:52 pm EST
Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals will be taking place at the "Madhouse on Madison" on Monday evening. Ticket prices on the secondary markets are soaring, as the Blackhawks have the very real chance of winning the Stanley Cup in front of their loyal fans, as they currently lead the series 3-2 heading back to Chicago.

This series has been extremely close so to say that the Blackhawks are assured victory in Game 6 would be doing the Lightning a great disservice. Having said that, however, the Blackhawks certainly have the edge right now, as they have two more games to close out their third Stanley Cup of the past six years.

According to the bookmakers, the odds of the Blackhawks winning the Stanley Cup currently sit at 1.25, while the Lightning are listed at 4.00 to win. Let's take a look at the implied odds of both outcomes taking place:

Chicago Blackhawks Win, 80%
Tampa Bay Lightning Win, 25%

Given the level of talent and experience that the Blackhawks possess, it is tough to imagine them losing at home in Game 6, but stranger things have happened. The Lightning have been EXTREMELY strong on the road so far in the playoffs, and they have a roster that is filled with young players that are still reasonably fresh.

The Lightning will need to double down in the first ten minutes of the game on Monday night, as the Blackhawks will surely be coming in waves, emboldened by a passionate hometown crowd that is eager for another Stanley Cup. There is a great deal on the line, as the Blackhawks can lay claim to having a certified "dynasty" if they win this year, as this will be their third Stanley Cup of the past six years if they can win.

Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning, on the other hand, will be looking to win the franchise's second Stanley Cup of the past 11 years. None of the current members of the Lightning were on that team, so they are all surely thirsty to get their hands on the cup.

The Stanley Cup will be in the building on Monday night - I can't wait to see what happens.