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The Stanley Cup finals kick off when the Chicago Blackhawks host the Boston Bruins in the series opener on Wednesday night.

And oh, there is plenty to love about this matchup.

It's the first NHL title series between Original Six franchises since Montreal beat the New York Rangers in five games way back in 1979.

On one side, there is the mighty Blackhawks, winners of seven of the last eight games, a deep roster that really found its identity when it was pushed to the limit by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round. Then there are the playoff-tested Bruins, who rolled over favored Pittsburgh during an impressive sweep that gave them a chance for a second NHL title in three seasons.