4 Bold Predictions for Game 1 of Stanley Cup Finals
By Max Scoli
With the NHL Stanley Cup Finals set to begin on Monday, many fans are speculating about what to expect for Game 1. This game will feature two of the best and most hard-working teams in the league, and the first contest is the most important of any in setting the tone for the rest of the series. Here are some predictions for Game 1 between the St. Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins.
1. Zdeno Chára Will Be the X-Factor for Boston
Despite his age, Zdeno Chára continues to skate with the rest of the young players on the ice, making it difficult to score with his 6'9" frame standing in the way. Having won a Stanley Cup in 2011 with the Bruins, he has been in this situation before and his leadership skills could put Boston in a position to win if everything else falls into place.
2. Jordan Binnington Shuts Out Bruins in Game 1
Binnington has only allowed two goals in his past three games, and something tells me that the young goalie will rise to the occasion and shutout the Boston Bruins in Game 1. During the regular season, he led the NHL in goals against average (1.89) and was fifth in save percentage (.927) as a rookie. Expect an outstanding performance from the former Rookie of the Month.
3. Jaden Schwartz Has a Multi-Goal Performance
Jaden Schwartz has been spectacular in these playoffs, ranking second in the NHL in goals (12) and third in points (16). He is just two games removed from a three-goal effort against the San Jose Sharks, and certainly has the skillset to repeat this type of performance.
4. Blues Take Game 1 on the Road
Many fans have picked the Bruins for this contest, but nothing is a sure thing in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Blues have never won a Stanley Cup game, and having long paid their dues, this team is not about to lose this opportunity. In a game where emotion is so important, the team with more heart will inevitably prevail.