By the Numbers: Stanley Cup Playoffs

As a new way of highlighting interesting statistics from the NHL Playoffs, the guru has listed notable numbers from this year's Path to the Cup. Enjoy.

49

Years since the Chicago Blackhawks last won the Stanley Cup. Members of the 1961 team include Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, and Al Arbour.

7

Teeth lost by Blackhawk defenseman Duncan Keith after blocking a shot with his face against San Jose.. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that he is a hockey player.

-5

Chris Pronger's +/- in Game 5, the worst single game +/- of his 16 year career, regular season or playoffs. Pronger was on the ice for all five even strength goals scored against Philadelphia and was in the penalty box for one of the powerplay goals. No wonder the Blackhawks decided to target him after Game 6.

6

Games played in the Stanley Cup Finals, as predicted by the guru.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8

Seeds that advanced from the opening round. None of the three division winners advanced from the supposedly top-heavy Eastern Conference, while only Phoenix lost on home ice in the "deep" West.

1, 2, 7, and 8

Seeds that advanced to the Conference Finals, further disproving the notion that the East should have relinquished its two final playoff spots to the supposedly ultra competitive West.

0

Number of bracket pool contestants that took the guru's advice and predicted Chicago to win the Cup. Remember: never doubt the guru.

3

Consecutive visits to the Stanley Cup Finals by Marian Hossa. After being on the losing end of both Pittsburgh-Detroit matchups, the Slovakian finally was able to win with Chicago.