I’m finding it immensely difficult to get excited for the NHL Stanley Cup final. Maybe it’s because the past two years, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings put forth back-to-back classics that made any hockey fan crave for more.

This time however, I smell a Chicago Blackhawks butt-whooping. This series will not go seven games.

Well . . . I hope not because yours truly is making a prediction and I don’t like to be wrong (who doesn’t?)

I try and stray away from picking a winner in what I like to call the “professional sports abyss.” The definition of abyss: an immeasurably deep chasm, depth, or void.

Trying to measure the immeasurables – that’s a prediction and I’m not overly fond of it.

I mean, heck, my last three so-called “predictions” have gone up in smoke (my San Jose Sharks fascination has come to an end, I promise you).

The reason I’m choosing the Blackhawks over the Philadelphia Flyers is based solely on a “gut feeling.”

Yes, the Flyers did find a way to overcome a 3-0 series deficit against the Boston Bruins and yes, the Flyers did oust the Montreal Canadiens – a team that defeated the defending Stanley Cup champions in round two – in five games. There is convincing evidence that shows the Flyers should be a thorn in the Hawks side – but I’m not buying what the Flyers are selling.

The Hawks have swagger. They have “it.” The “it” I speak of is this aura that the hockey gods have given to the city of Chicago. This city is an original six franchise that has not won a Stanley Cup since 1961. That’s a longer winless streak than the Toronto Maple Leafs for pete’s sake.

This team has the “it” captain. He goes by the name of Jonathan Toews. He’s a Winnipeg boy that is leading the league in playoff scoring. He has a knack for scoring timely goals and he’ll surely add to that total in the final.

This team has the “it” defenceman. He goes by the name of Duncan Keith. A man who lost some front teeth in game four of the NHL Western Conference final against the San Jose Sharks and basically just put some Kleenex in his mouth to stop the bleeding – and kept battling on the ice. He’s a true leader and a Norris Trophy nominee for best blueliner in the league this season.

Then there’s the “it” goaltender. He goes by the name of Anti Niemi. A finnish netminder who has continued to silence the critics all playoffs long. Go ahead and continue to say the Hawks’ weakness is in net. It doesn’t bother him and it looks as though he thrives on the criticism.

The Hawks win in six. Maybe five – or maybe it’s a sweep. Hey, I gave you one prediction! That’s enough.