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When the puck is dropped tomorrow night for Game One of a highly anticipated Stanley Cup Final between Original Sixes Boston and Chicago, it pits two of the game’s best vying for the most prestigious trophy in sports. The Bruins and Blackhawks have won two of the last three Cups. Boston won in 2011 and Chicago in 2010. One is at least guaranteed of winning twice in a brief span. A rarity not seen since the Devils won two over four years in ’00 and ’03. Detroit won their last two six years apart in ’02 and ’08.

One of the big story lines is the fact this is the first time since 1979 that two Original Six clubs will do battle for Lord Stanley. Thanks in large part to expansion, it took 33 years for that to happen. In ’79, Montreal defeated the Rangers in five games completing their dynasty of four consecutive Cups. The success of the Islanders and Oilers followed with the franchises combining for nine Cups over 11 years (’86 Montreal ’89 Calgary). Another expansion team Pittsburgh repeated prior to the Habs winning a record 24th in ’93. The Rangers erased a 54-year drought in ’94. Then came the Devils and Avalanche before another Original Six Detroit won back-to-back.

Before Boston lifted the chalice two years ago, their last Cup came in 1972. It took them 39 years to win their sixth championship. Odd how that works for a few of the NHL’s oldest franchises. The Red Wings had a similar drought (42 years) before winning four over 11 (’97-98 ’02 ’08). The Blackhawks went an even longer time before winning their fourth Cup. Prior to their six-game triumph over the Flyers, they hadn’t won since 1961.

Indeed, history hasn’t been kind to the Original Six. The Maple Leafs have won 13 Cups. However, their recent first round failure against classic rival Boston illustrated fans pent up frustration. While the Bruins play on, Leaf Nation will lament what might have been if their team hadn’t blown a three-goal lead in Game Seven. Toronto is the hockey capital of the world. Their current 46-year drought is the longest in league history. In fact, since the Leafs won in 1967 they’re the only Original Six that haven’t raised Lord Stanley. Wait till next year.

In the mean time, we have classic rivals meeting for the very first time for the hardware. It’ll either be the President’s Trophy winners from Chicago or the tough No.4 seed from Boston. Two championship caliber rosters featuring a pair of goalies in the Conn Smythe mix. Both Corey Crawford and Tuukka Rask have been superb. In fact, they’re separated by one with Crawford boasting a 1.74 GAA with Rask’s 1.75 right behind. Rask has the higher save percentage (.943 to .935) and has posted two shutouts to Crawford’s one.

If Boston prevails, David Krejci has a strong case leading the postseason with 21 points (9-12-21) while linemate Nathan Horton is second with 17 (7-10-17) including a playoff best plus-21. No Hawk has more than 14 points with Marian Hossa (7-7-14), Patrick Kane (6-8-14) and Patrick Sharp (8-6-14) all tied with Bryan Bickell (8-5-13) right behind set for a big payday.

The match-up also pits Selke candidates Jonathan Toews and Patrice Bergeron against each other. Bergeron has been Mr. Clutch scoring the tying and winning goals in the first round and the OT winner in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Final. He’s dominated in the faceoff circle winning 61 percent. Toews has struggled offensively. The Hawks’ captain only has one goal but was instrumental on Kane’s hat trick, setting up the Western Conference Final clincher. His nine points tie him with deadline pickup Michal Handzus. A guy I like. Go figure. Toews still has eight helpers and has won 53.1 percent of his draws. Expect him to step up.

The series also features former Norris winners Zdeno Chara and Duncan Keith. Both can control the tempo. Chara of course is dominant due to his combination of size, strength and dexterity. Keith is a superb skater who knows when to jump in and works perfectly with overlooked partner Brent Seabrook. Ironically, Chara also teams with underrated Dennis Seidenberg, who really bolstered the Boston corps- helping them blanket Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

If you enjoy depth, these teams have it. The Bruins can sic Milan Lucic and Brad Marchand on you. They’re infuriating players for the opposition who get the job done in all three zones. They can agitate with their physicality and contribute offensively. Don’t forget about Jaromir Jagr. No.68 is back in the SCF for the first time in 21 years when he teamed with Mario Lemieux on consecutive Cups (’91-92). At 41, Jagr still must be accounted for. He got stronger against his ex-team burning them with a helper on Bergeron’s Game Three winner. He hasn’t scored but certainly has had plenty of opportunities, hitting the post several times. He’s due. Tyler Seguin has been ice cold this Spring with only one goal. He’s capable of turning it around. Daniel Paille is an energizer who teams with Shawn Thornton on the B’s fourth line. Unfortunately, Claude Julien will miss physical forward Greg Campbell (broken fibula). Johnny Boychuk and Andrew Ference are proven on the back end while rookie Torey Krug has been a surprise. Even Adam McQuaid has been solid.

The Hawks get solid play out of Calder hopeful Brandon Saad. He doesn’t have a goal in his first postseason but plays with energy as does Andrew Shaw. Former Panthers’ first round pick Michael Frolik has become a fixture on a strong penalty kill. Dave Bolland is a human freight train on the fourth line. The depth extends to the blueline with ex-Blueshirt Michal Rozsival providing Joel Queeneville with a capable vet used to pressure. He and former Devil Johnny Oduya have flown under the radar. Chicago also has the steady Niklas Hjalmarsson who has done a masterful job. Nick Leddy hasn’t been as consistent.

It’s odd with Rozsival and Wade Redden battling to win the Cup. Redden was a nice addition for Boston before an injury sidelined him. Rozsival has been steady. One will win before Henrik Lundqvist. One of those sad realities if you’re a Rangers fan. It never fails. It should be a great series. One that likely goes seven. Don’t be surprised if it requires sudden death.