CHICAGO — Two NHL franchises, rich in history, talent and star power. Two winning teams that know what it takes to bring home a title. Intrigue in the form of a schedule that kept them away from each other for an entire season. Oh, there's plenty to love about these Stanley Cup Finals. The series kicks off Wednesday when the Chicago Blackhawks host the Boston Bruins in the first finals matchup of “Original Six” teams that made up the league from 1942-1967 since Montreal beat the New York Rangers way back in 1979. The mighty Blackhawks, winners of seven of the last eight games, have a deep roster that really found its identity when pushed to the limit by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round of the playoffs. Then there are the playoff-tested Bruins, who rolled over favored Pittsburgh during an impressive sweep that gave them a chance for a second NHL title in three seasons. The matchup couldn't be more perfect for a league still trying to recover from a bitter lockout that wiped out 510 games and pushed the start of the season back to Jan. 19. “The tradition of the Bruins and the Hawks is special,” Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said. “I'm sure, you know, the rivalry could return instantly come Game 1. I think it's good for the league. It's good for hockey. Two great hockey markets. We're very excited to be a part of it.” Chicago advanced with a 4-3 double-overtime victory over Los Angeles Saturday, using a hat trick from Patrick Kane to eliminate the defending champion Kings in five games in the Western Conference finals. Back in the Stanley Cup series for the first time since 2010, the Blackhawks are in search of another title to pair with their six-game victory over the Philadelphia Flyers three years ago. “Everyone has that drive to win the Cup,” Chicago forward Andrew Shaw said. “It's going to be a long road ahead here. It's surreal. I've wanted this since I was a kid. I'm excited to get started.” Boston is rolling again after losing its spot atop the NHL's Northeast Division in the final days of the regular season. The Bruins have won five in a row and nine of 10, boosted by a familiar group of stars who led the way when they won the championship in 2011. David Krejci scored four times in the Pittsburgh sweep and leads Boston with nine goals and 12 assists in the playoffs. — AP
