The Stanley Cup Finals between the Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning begins on Wednesday, June 10th. It has the potential to be a high scoring series with a lot of fantasy production from both teams. Let’s take a look at the Stanley Cup Finals schedule, top fantasy performers for both teams and Stanley Cup Finals fantasy picks.
Stanley Cup Finals Schedule
Game 1 – Wednesday, June 3, Blackhawks at Lightning
Game 2 – Saturday, June 6, Blackhawks at Lightning
Game 3 – Monday, June 8, Lightning at Blackhawks
Game 4 – Wednesday, June 10, Lightning at Blackhawks
*Game 5 – Saturday, June 13, Blackhawks at Lightning
*Game 6 – Monday, June 15, Lightning at Blackhawks
*Game 7 – Wednesday, June 17, Blackhawks at Lightning
* if necessary
Blackhawks vs. Lightning Series
These teams met just twice this season with each team winning at home. The Hawks won 3-2 in a shootout on November 11th while the Lightning won 4-0 in late February. Patrick Kane got the shootout winners for Chicago while Corey Crawford made 25 saves. In the Tampa win, Ben Bishop made 28 saves while Steve Stamkos scored two goals. Brian Boyle and Ryan Callahan also scored for Tampa. It was backup Scott Darling taking the loss for the Blackhawks. Four of the last five games between these teams have been decided in overtime or a shootout.
Tampa Bay Lightning Fantasy Performers
There are a number of players who could have a big series for the Lightning. Tyler Johnson leads the Lightning in points in the playoffs at 21 with his linemate Nikita Kucherov right behind. Johnson has 12 goals to lead the team while Kucherov has 10 assists. Goaltender Ben Bishop has a 2.15 goals against average. The Lightning have 16 power play goals in the playoffs.
Chicago Blackhawks Fantasy Performers
Patrick Kane leads Chicago with 20 points in the playoffs as he has 10 goals and 10 assists. Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith have 18 points each while goaltender Corey Crawford has a 2.62 goals against average. Kane, Toews and Keith have combined for 56 points in the playoffs.
Tampa Bay Lightning Fantasy Picks
I think the triplets may get shutdown in this series so I think there is more value in taking players from the other lines. I will take Alex Killorn and Ryan Callahan as my top two forwards. I will take Victor Hedman as my top defenseman from Tampa.
Chicago Blackhawks Fantasy Picks
Patrick Kane is going to be virtually unstoppable in this series. He is a great playoff performer and I think he will lead all scorers in the Stanley Cup Finals. I will also take Marian Hossa as my other forward from Chicago. I love Duncan Keith but the price on him as a defenseman is a little too high. I will pick Corey Crawford over Ben Bishop in this series.
