Blackhawks and Bruins Heading Toward Big Finish in Cup Finals

Tonight is Game 5 of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The series is tied 2-2 in what has been a great match up for hockey: two "original six" teams that are evenly matched. Three of the first four games in the series have gone to overtime. That's how close it is.

Although I am a huge lifelong Blackhawks fan, it would not be a stretch to say that overall the Bruins have played perhaps a tad better than the Hawks. Regardless, it is still extremely close.

I have been trading text messages with poker blogger buddy Pokah Dave throughout the series. He is a rabid Bruins bad, but otherwise a good guy! We have a small wager on the series, and I would delight in using my winnings to purchase a memento from a Blackhawks championship.

Even if you are not an NHL fan, I encourage you to watch tonight's crucial game. It is expected to be filled with great plays, tremendous effort and tons of drama. One can't ask much more from professional sports.

Those of us who are Chicago sports fans also know that we want the series to extend to seven games. Why? So that we don't have to actually pay attention to the terrible seasons both the Cubs and White Sox are having. Fortunately, the Bears open their season in just over 11 weeks. The rest of summer might seem a bit long.