After 86 years, Blackhawks and Bruins face off in Stanley Cup final series
Original Six clubs Blackhawks and Bruins revive NHL nostalgia as rivals face off in historic clash
A Stanley Cup classic 86 years in the making hits the ice as the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks, two of the National Hockey League's charter clubs, face off in a best-of-seven final dripping with nostalgia and mystery.
The first Original Six showdown for Lord Stanley's famous silver mug since 1979 may harken back to the days before expansion, but despite their rich histories when the series opens tomorrow morning (Hong Kong time) in Chicago it will mark the first time the two storied franchises have clashed in a Stanley Cup final.
"The tradition of the Bruins and the Hawks is special," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "I'm sure, the rivalry could return instantly come game one.
"I think it's good for the league. It's good for hockey. Two great hockey markets."
Two of America's great sporting cities, Boston and Chicago have rarely crossed paths at any championship.
In fact, Beantown and the Windy City have only twice before met to decide a title, the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox in the 1918 World Series and the Bears and New England Patriots at the 1986 Super Bowl.
The Bruins and Blackhawks, however, are no strangers to Stanley Cup celebrations.