As the time nears and the wait come to an end, the build up to this final series finds it’s story lines. What are the key match ups to look for. What do you need to know about these 2 teams?

The Hawks and Flyers could not have taken any more opposing roads to get to the finals. The Hawks spent the entire season battling it out with San Jose for the top spot in the Western Conference. This went down to the last game, with the Hawks being edged out by 1 point, locking up the 2nd seed. In the playoffs, they had a few early meltdowns, but never were in a position to play from behind. As for Philly, they squeaked into the playoffs with a shutout win in the last regular season game. The also adjusted fairly quickly to new system and a coaching change, as Laviolette was brought in on December 4. Once in the playoffs, as a 7th seed, the Flyers surprised many by taking out New Jersey in 5 games. In the second round, they showed resiliency by coming back from a 3-0 hole to force Boston into a game 7 and advancing. Philly’s successful comeback marks only the third time in NHL history for a team to overcoming the dreaded 3-nil deficit. En route, the Flyer’s also battled injuries, something the Hawks were fairly lucky with throughout the 82 game grind.

There are a few similarities that typically find their way into the always over-hyped series story lines. Here are the Buzz’s top story lines:

- Goaltending.
Going into the season, both teams had obvious questions in goal. There was doubt that Huet would be the number one guy, only playing 40+ games once. Behind him were two unproven rookies in Crawford and Niemi. In Philly, Holmgren went out and got their starting goaltender for the bargain basement price of $1.5M, but took a huge risk. This was one of those moves that had the making to be total genius or a complete disaster. Emery’s on-ice problems couldn’t match up with his off-ice issues. The Senators waived Emery after failing to move him and his baggage. As the season started, Emery put up solid numbers, but he was injured for the majority of the season, only playing 29 games. In steps Brian Boucher, who took the starting role, but also went down with a hand injury. In steps Michael Leighton, who the Flyers claimed off waivers in December of 2009. Bounced around in this league, Leighton has been on almost half of the teams in the league.
Ironically, what was thought of as suspect goaltending, has been one of the biggest strengths for both teams in the playoffs. Both goalies get good support from their defense, boxing out well and taking care of rebounds. Several analysts have stated that the goaltending matchup favors Philly, siting Leighton’s experience over Niemi. Leighton has never really held a starting role in his career with a big club. In 2003-04 season, Leighton started 34 games for Chicago, splitting time with Craig Anderson. He has never seen any playoff hockey, so I am not sure where the experience comes from. I think both teams goaltending is an unknown at this level. It could be a matter of that goalie will crack first.

Turnarounds
In the past few years, both teams have made dramatic turnarounds. In 2007, Chicago and Philly were battling for lottery balls with Chicago came away with the #1 overall – and Patrick Kane. By all rights, that should have been Philly’s pick. Final standings, Philadelphia was 30th overall (56 points), Phoenix (67), LA (68), Washington (70), Chicago – 26th overall (71). With the #2 pick, Philly selected VanRiemsdyk.

Buff vs Pronger
The big match up that is getting attention is the Pronger/Byfuglien clash. Both big men that will be fighting for the same real estate. Many think Pronger is going to punish Buff physically. With the new rules, this gives Byfuglien the right to stand in front unmolested. Rules 20 years ago, Pronger could work Buff over all night, but there may not be much Pronger can do if he cant get position on Big Buff. Something to keep in mind, Pronger is not as mobile and may have a tough time with the speed of the Hawks. This goes for all of the Flyer’s big defensemen.

Centers
Toews. Richards. Teammates on the Canadian Olympic team. Both talented centers. Will they even be matched up against each other, or will Bolland get the top line assignment?

Team Ties
Sharp and Eager played for Philly. Both Leighton (starter) and Boucher (backup) goalies played for the Hawks. The biggest story of previous teams is Micheal Leighton and the revenge factor on the team that gave up on him. The Hawks drafted Michael in the 1999 Entry Draft (6th round, 165 overall). Since trading him, Leighton’s career has mainly resided on the waiver wire (Chicago to Buffalo to Anaheim to Nashville to Philadelphia to Montreal to Carolina to Philadelphia). This activity is all within the last 5 years.

The Hossa Curse
This is the third straight year Marian Hossa has been in the Stanley Cup Finals, with 3 different teams. Most players only dream of the chance to play for the pinnacle of their sport. First trip, in a Pen’s sweater. Hossa was acquired as a rade deadline rental player for Pittsburgh. Though Marian lead the Pens in playoff goals, he walked away empty handed in a
defeat to the Dead Wings. Second trip with the Dead Wings. The thought may have been, if you can’t beat them, join them. He had jumped ship from Pittsburgh to Detroit before the 2008-09 season and lost out famously on his gamble. Detroit defeated Chicago last year to make it to the Finals and ultimately lost, ironically enough, to the Pittsburgh “Hossa-less” Penguins. So, third time is a charm. Hossa’s curse will be broken in a Blackhawk’s jersey, but is this the year. With the young and talented core of players, there is no way the 49 year drought will be extended another 12. Marian is in the midst of a drought of his own, for a goal scorer, he has gone 7 games without a goal and only scoring 2 goals in this 16 game playoff stretch. Of course, one of the goals was the big game winner in OT against Nashville. Though he has been snakebitten when it comes to goals, he has been so valuable defensively, showing he is one he top 2-way players in the league. Against a slower D in Philly, Hossa could be poised to break out this series.

This guy has pick Philly to win it all. Can we really trust a guy that dresses like this?

Let me know if I missed an other stories of interest. . .