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ESPN.com- Editor for NFL and NHL team, as well as a contributing hockey writer. Previously with ESPN The Magazine, ESPN Chalk and ESPN Fantasy. Joined ESPN in 2012.
Ben Arledge: It's not a massive shock that the Stanley Cup finals money line is pretty even. The Tampa Bay Lightning are fresh off a seven-game ousting of the Cup favorite (New York Rangers), while the Chicago Blackhawks will bid for their third championship in six years after dropping the Anaheim Ducks, arguably the hottest team of the first two rounds.
Still, several signs seem to point to a Windy City title, as Chicago's experience could easily be the difference between two teams that play very similar quick, finesse-style hockey. The Blackhawks are the slight favorite out in Vegas (Chicago minus-135, Tampa Bay plus-115, according to the Las Vegas Westgate SuperBook), and with such a close line, Chicago is the smarter pick here.
Let's take a look at why Chicago is the smart series bet, as well as which players are value bets for the Conn Smythe.