With the Blackhawks and Lightning gearing up for the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals beginning Wednesday night in Tampa, we thought it was a good time to check back in with Craig Ludwig. Right away we have to give some props to Luds who picked Tampa Bay and Anaheim to be in the Finals at the beginning of the season, and was only one Duck win away from nailing it.
ScoreBoardTX: OK Luds, it’s June so that means it’s Stanley Cup Finals time, something you were part of 3 times as a player. Which player(s) have really impressed you during this post season? Any surprises?
Craig Ludwig: Not really a big shock but Jonathon Toews and Duncan Keith have been outstanding throughout for the Hawks…my surprise was the whole Anaheim team wasn’t any better in game 7 with the game in their own building…but the Hawks brought it to them.
SBTX: So now we have the Blackhawks and Lightning in the Finals – who ya got, how many games, and why?
CL: Have to go with the Hawks in 6. Comes down to experience and star power which the Hawks have plenty of.
SBTX: Let’s talk Stars now. Obviously a disappointment not making the playoffs this year, but the team showed some grit down the stretch. Do you think they’re a giant leap from competing with the top teams in the West next year or just a small step?
CL: The West and especially their division is tough, but if they get a quality backup goaltender who can take the playing load off of Kari it could make a big difference.
SBTX: Who would you like to see the Stars add from the free agency pool this summer?
CL: I think they will continue to look for a top defenseman but the free agency market is pretty thin this summer. Jeff Petry or Cody Franson may be options…
SBTX: So what does Craig Ludwig do when hockey season ends? Any other sports grab your interest?
CL: See below…..Nuff said.
