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Stanley Cup Finals: Sharks vs Penguins – 5 Bold Predictions

By Ryan Ritchie

May 29, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Jose Sharks and Pittsburgh Penguins jerseys on display at the press conference are seen during media day a day prior to game one of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Jose Sharks and Pittsburgh Penguins jerseys on display at the press conference are seen during media day a day prior to game one of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Stanley Cup Finals: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. San Jose Sharks – 5 Bold Predictions

Stanley Cup Finals starts on Monday as the Penguins/Sharks face-off in a chance to raise one of North America’s most difficult trophies to win.

At one end, we’ve got the Pittsburgh Penguins who have been here before on a pair of occasions. They raised Lord Stanley above their head back in 2009; and Sidney Crosby and company are determined to do it once again.

Matching up against the Pens, we’ve got a first time appearance from the San Jose Sharks.

More from Pittsburgh Penguins

A team known for choking when it mattered most over the past decade, the Sharks managed to get over the hump in 2016.

Give veterans Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau credit, they took it on the chin for years, but the pair have managed to elevate their game in a big way.

Both teams have taken a unique path to get here. One thing they have in common though; both the Pens and Sharks were among the hottest teams down the final stretch of the regular season.

It came together a bit later for San Jose, but GM Doug Wilson made critical moves at the deadline that have pay dividends in the postseason.

5 Bold Predictions for Stanley Cup Finals

Both James Reimer and Marc-Andre Fleury Will Make At Least One Appearance in Relief

May 20, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save during the third period in game four of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save during the third period in game four of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

This isn’t to suggest that either will receive a start (although who knows what will happen), but simply that both Reimer and Fleury will be called upon in relief during a bad outing.

Even with two elite netminders in this series, there’s a chance this turns into a high-scoring affair when you compare the offensive groups to a weaker blueline on both sides.

Every Kid’s Dream Becomes A Reality: Series Goes 7, OT Finish

It’s a rare feat. In fact, the last time this occurred was in 1954 when Tony Leswick scored in game 7 OT for the Detroit Red Wings.

NHL History: Stanley Cup Finals – Game 7 OT Finishes

1950 – Detroit Red Wings (Pete Babando) def. New York Rangers
1954 – Detroit Red Wings (Tony Leswick) def. Montreal Canadiens

Having only occurred twice since 1927, it’s safe to say the law of probability suggests the NHL is way overdue for one of these finishes. 62 (years) might just be the magic number.

San Jose Shuts Down HBK Line – Limited Production

May 18, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Phil Kessel (81) and Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Carl Hagelin (62) celebrate a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in game three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. The Penguins won 4-2.to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Phil Kessel (81) and Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Carl Hagelin (62) celebrate a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in game three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. The Penguins won 4-2.to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

This should be part of head coach Pete DeBoer’s game plan to defeat Pittsburgh.

Shut down the depth scoring, and the Sharks can force the Pens to turn to their star players to carry the load. He might even think of playing the match-up game with Roman Polak. A fierce, nasty, physical defender, this is a decent method to shutting down Phil Kessel.

Conn Smythe Winner: San Jose – Brent Burns, Pittsburgh – Matt Murray

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Short of Sharks domination in the Stanley Cup Finals, there’s an argument to be made that Matt Murray could win the Conn Smythe whether Pittsburgh wins or not.

If San Jose plays to a convincing win, several names are thrown in the mix; Martin Jones, Logan Couture, Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski, but my personal favorite is Brent Burns.

When you consider what type of force he’s become on the blueline, and how he helps raise that entire defensive group, that’s MVP material.

Next: X-Factors in the Stanley Cup Finals

Joel Ward Continues to be Clutch in Key Moments

Signing Joel Ward last offseason was one of the best moves San Jose made over the past calendar year. A clutch-player known for stepping up in big moments, Ward has 11 points in the postseason so far. You’d be shocked how many of those points came in crucial game-breaking moments.

Look for Mr.Postseason to continue doing what he does best. There’s a reason why Joel Ward is one of the modern era’s top playoff performers.

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