Stanley Cup Finals Game 1- Dallas vs Tampa Bay

 This is the Stanley Cup Final between the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning. These two teams have battled through the Round Robin and first three rounds to represent their conferences in Edmonton. Dallas went 1-2 during the Round Robin only beating the St.Louis Blues in a shootout. Tampa Bay went 2-1 only losing to the Flyers and earning the second seed. Dallas beat Calgary in the first round after being seemingly outplayed early in the series. Tampa Bay beat Columbus after dominating the 5 game series capping off with an OT winner from Brayden Point. Dallas then beat the Colorado Avalanche in 7 games after almost blowing a 3-1 series lead but won game 7 in OT thanks to Joel Kiviranta who was the first rookie to score a hat-trick in a game 7. Tampa Bay beat Boston in 5 games after taking 3-1 series and winning game 5 in OT thanks to Victor Hedman. Dallas won the west by beating Vegas in 5 games after dominating and winning game 5 in OT with a winner from Denis Gurianov who has stepped up with his line in these playoffs. Tampa in similar fashion won game 6 in overtime with a winner from Anthony Cirelli. Now we're here in Edmonton with two teams left ready to duel it out for the most coveted trophy in hockey. Tonight, Tampa is a -160 favourite in game 1. The health of Brayden Point and the possible return of Steven Stamkos loom over this Lightning team. I'm taking the Lightning to win this game and set the tone for the series.

Record: 63-59