The Hossa Curse - Previewing the 2010 Stanley Cup

Well, here he is again. Marian Hossa in his third straight Cup finals appearance. In 2008 it was with the Pittsburgh Penguins, losing in 6 games and watching a puck leave his stick with time expiring, only to watch it slide agonizingly across--but not over--the goal line. Not long after that, he announced that he would be leaving to play for the Detroit Red Wings, as they gave him "the best chance to win the Cup." He was almost right, as the Red Wings came alive in the playoffs and entered into their second consecutive Cup finals. This time, he had to watch from the bench as the Penguins, the same Penguins he left a year before, skated around the Joe with Lord Stanley's Cup. But what will he be doing this year? Will Marian Hossa finally lift the most glorious 40 pounds in the world in triumph? Will he lead the Blackhawks to their first cup win since the 1960s, or will history repeat itself and the curse be reaffirmed? We'll find out in 4 games' time. Or 5. Or 6. Or 7. So let's take a look at the final matchup of the 2009-2010 NHL season, shall we?

This year's Cup Finals features two of the most storied franchises in the NHL (LNH, for all your Francophones). On one side, you've got the Chicago Blackhawks, one of the Original Six teams from the league's early days. On the other, you've got the Philadelphia Flyers, the original "Broad Street Bullies". Ironically, these are also two teams who have gone decades without hoisting the Cup. No matter who wins, that will change this year, as one of these teams will be crowned Champions. To me, this is an intriguing matchup, two very quick teams who play a physical, punishing brand of hockey. This mix of speed and physicality is exactly what hockey, specifically playoff hockey, is all about, and should be a treat for all fans to watch, no matter who you choose to support.

Those of you who know me well know just how much I hate the Flyers. Hate. But even I can't deny being impressed by the Flyers' route to the Cup finals. On the last day of the regular season, they needed a shootout just to get into the playoffs. Just to qualify! They responded by making quick work of Marty Brodeur, showing the Devils to the exit in 5 games, much to the chagrin of David Putty. The next series against the Bruins would turn out to be record setting, in that the Flyers came back from 3 games down to force a game 7, THEN coming back from a 3 goal deficit in said game 7 to win the series 4-3 and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. In the ECF, they met the giant-killing Canadiens, who as an 8th seed had dismissed powerhouses Washington and Pittsburgh. The Flyers made short work of them, winning the series in five and advancing to the finals. Throughout their playoff odyssey, the Flyers proved one thing: they were just too physical to match up against. At least, for the Eastern Conference teams they faced...

Chicago, on the other hand, seemed to struggle in their first two series against Nashville and Vancouver. At times, they seemed as though they couldn't clear their own zone, and some shaky play from Niemi looked to doom the Blackhawks. But just as the Penguins peaked and I started to give Mike and Pat crap, the 'Hawks found their step and haven't looked back since. Niemi has proven his reliability time and time again, and the hard-nosed, physical play on both ends of the ice has showed that Chicago is a force to be reckoned with. A highly entertaining Western Conference Finals series against perennial disappointment San Jose was the exclamation point to Chicago's rise, and like the Flyers they enter the Cup Finals with a ton of momentum. And once again, they too proved one thing: the physical play of the 'Hawks causes matchup horrors for most anyone they come across.

These two physical teams will be looking to set the tone early in Saturday night's tilt, so look for quick up-and-down action with plenty of hits. Here are some more things to look for:

Goaltending: Both teams enter the Cup Finals with hot goaltenders. Niemi has been the go-to guy for Chicago for the duration of the Playoffs, nevermind the fact that goaltending was the one question the 'Hawks had just before the Playoffs began. On the other side of the ice is Michael Leighton, a backup for the Flyers until injury called him into action. Since then, he has been near-unbeatable.

Physical Play: Like I said before, both of these teams play a tough, punishing brand of hockey. Whether its in the corners, on the forecheck or in the neutral zone, look for these two teams to trade hits like kids with baseball cards. Look especially for...

Byfuglien vs. Pronger: Both of these players are huge, both on and off skates. The fact that Pronger will be working the blueline for the Flyers means that a confrontation with the forward Byfuglien is all but inevitable. Look for Byfuglien to continue to utilize his size as a net-front presence, and look for Pronger to be tasked to keeping him away. Should be a great duel to watch.

Special Teams: Both of these two sides have been phenomenal on the PK these entire playoffs, with the Flyers third overall and the 'Hawks just behind at fourth. Throw in the fact that the 'Hawks sit fifth overall in postseason Power Play conversion and the matchup gets even more interesting

Jonathan Toews: Toews has arguably been the best player of the playoffs. With 26 points in the postseason, the most of any player, look for Toews to continue to put the puck on the net and rack up points. There's little doubt that Chris Pronger will be tasked with shutting down the young playmaker, which opens the ice up a bit for the other players like Byfuglien or Kane.

Even though my beloved Pens will be on the golf course for this Cup Finals series, I'll without a doubt be glued to the TV for each and every game. For entertainment's sake, I truly hope this series goes to 7 games, and my prediction is just that: I pick the 'Hawks to win in 7. Tune in Saturday night at 8 PM to catch all the action!

Love and Honor,

Matt

PS - It was officially announced that the Pittsburgh Penguins and Heinz Field will be hosting the Washington Capitals in the 2011 Winter Classic on New Year's Day. Thoughts?