Here we go.

Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final begins at 8 p.m. ET on Monday night. Here are eight important statistics ahead of puck drop in Pittsburgh between the San Jose Sharks and Penguins.

-125

The Penguins are favored over the Sharks, according to Bodog, though most hockey experts - including those at theScore - have the Sharks raising the Stanley Cup.

78%

The Stanley Cup Final became a best-of-seven affair in 1939. Since then, the team that wins Game 1 has won the series 78 percent of the time.

15

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are both making their third appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. They each have 15 points, the fewest either player has recorded heading into the fourth and final round.

Joe Thornton has 15 assists heading into the Cup Final, making him one of only four players 35 or older to record at least 15 assists in a playoff year. He's in good company: Jean Beliveau, Larry Robinson, and Steve Yzerman are the other three.

If the Penguins win the Stanley Cup and Matt Murray records four wins, he'll end up with 15 wins, tying Ron Hextall, Patrick Roy, and Cam Ward for the record for most wins by a rookie goalie in a single postseason.

(Courtesy: @SanJoseSharks)

17-1

The two clubs are a combined 17-1 when leading after two periods this postseason. The Sharks are undefeated at 8-0, while the Pens are 9-1.

1-2

The Sharks and Penguins are the highest-scoring teams in the playoffs. San Jose's averaging a league-best 3.50 goals per game this spring, while the Pens are second at 3.22.

Thornton and Patrick Marleau were drafted first and second overall in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft in Pittsburgh, and both are making their first appearances in the Stanley Cup Final, in Pittsburgh, as it happens. Symmetry.

20,342

If this series goes the distance and the Sharks end up losing, they'll have a good excuse: fatigue. San Jose's logged 20,342 miles in the air during the postseason, more than double the Penguins' 9,614. Pittsburgh hasn't played a game in the Pacific since early December.

3-0

The Sharks are the fourth team based in California to make the Stanley Cup Final since 2007, joining the 2007 Anaheim Ducks and the 2012 and 2014 Los Angeles Kings. California-based teams are 3-0 in the finals since 2007.

1

This is the first time the Sharks will play for the Stanley Cup, making it their first-ever playoff meeting with the Penguins.

Starting goaltenders Matt Murray and Martin Jones will make their first Stanley Cup Final appearances, too.

- With h/t to ESPN Stats & Information and NHL Public Relations

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Patrick Marleau is quite content right where he is.

The veteran of 18 NHL seasons is set to take the ice for the first time in a Stanley Cup Final Monday night, and he will do so with the team that he reportedly asked for a trade away from early this season.

However, on the back of the San Jose Sharks' best playoff run in franchise history, Marleau couldn't picture being anywhere else.

"It would be hard to imagine that," Marleau said, according to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti. "I'm extremely happy to be here."

Marleau reportedly asked for a trade as early as training camp, and was believed to be "driving the bus" on a potential deal thanks to a full no-movement clause in his contract.

However, Marleau refused to clarify if such rumors were true, only suggesting that he had to play through them.

"When those rumors start swirling and things like that, you can't control them, so you just try to control what you can do, and what I can do is just come to the rink ready to play each and every day," Marleau said.

For now, though, the team's all-time leader in games played, goals, and points appears to have put things behind him and has his eyes set on capturing the franchise's first Stanley Cup.

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The rosters of the Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks are loaded with talent. Here are four players - two from each team - to keep an eye on in what will be a memorable Stanley Cup Final:

Sidney Crosby

The Kid's 28, a man now. While Sidney Crosby remains arguably the NHL's best player and the face of professional hockey, it's been seven long years since he played in the Stanley Cup Final. After his concussion issues, the thought crossed his mind, and certainly yours: Would he ever make it back to the top?

Crosby's back, and he's taking nothing for granted. He understands what the journey means. He appreciates how difficult it is to not only win a Stanley Cup, but how tough it is to be one of two teams left standing in June.

Nobody works harder than Crosby. And while it's almost crazy to say, "Watch Crosby, the generational talent, during the Stanley Cup Final," it must be said. Because if the past seven years taught us anything, it's that nothing is guaranteed. The game promises zero. This could be Crosby's last chance at a Stanley Cup, which would only be his second. Cherish the moment. You know Sid will.

"I'll do everything I can to try to do it," Crosby said of winning his second Cup, writes NHL.com's Dan Rosen. "I probably enjoy (being in the Cup Final again) more now having realized how tough it is to get here."

Tomas Hertl

Tomas Hertl is having the time of his life.

"I like to be smiling all the time," Hertl said Sunday during media day. "Some guys back home (say), 'You smiling all the time, just give me a break! I don't have time for smiling.' (I say), 'OK, I just like it, guys, I can't. I can't stop it."

You'd be smiling non-stop, too, if you were 22 years old and playing for the Stanley Cup.

Hertl's been productive this spring, with five goals and five assists in 18 games. And if he can produce during the final, he'll go a long way in helping San Jose win its first Stanley Cup. The Penguins have their hands full in Logan Couture, Joe Pavelski, Brent Burns, Joe Thornton, and Patrick Marleau. It's going to be up to Hertl and teammates Joel Ward and Joonas Donskoi to provide secondary scoring.

The Prague native is the most talented of the Sharks' depth forwards. He's averaging almost 18 minutes a night, more ice than Marleau, and is fourth on the club in the playoffs with 45 shots. Hertl's got flair, he's immensely talented, and should he leave his mark on this series, he'll find his name on the Cup for the rest of time.

Nick Bonino

After three rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Nick Bonino is second on the Penguins in scoring and has as many points as Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Yeah.

Bonino has been a beast for the Penguins through 18 games, centering the "HBK" line with Carl Hagelin and leading scorer Phil Kessel. And Pittsburgh's going to need that line to continue to do work if it wants to win the Cup.

After taking a shot off his foot in Game 7 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Bonino didn't practice Sunday, but "will be fine" for Game 1 on Monday, according to head coach Mike Sullivan. His fitness will be worth monitoring, at least early in the series.

Bonino had 29 points during the regular season, and played 15:50 a game. He's up to 17:03 in the playoffs, and, as mentioned, has 15 points, more than 50 percent of his production during the 82-game schedule. Two of his three goals were overtime winners.

It's as simple as this: Pittsburgh needs Bonino - and Brian Dumoulin, playing more than 20 minutes on the blue line - to continue his miraculous spring.

Martin Jones

Believe it or not, based on save percentage only, the Penguins have the advantage in goal.

Now, Martin Jones has played three more games than his rookie counterpart Matt Murray, but both goalies are freshmen when it comes to the Stanley Cup Final.

Murray turned 22 last week. He's playing pressure-free hockey in a way, simply enjoying the ride. Jones is 26. This was the season he finally got his shot. He ran with it. But facing a formidable Penguins offense, he's going to have to be better than Murray in order for the Sharks to come away with the Cup.

Both goalies are interesting players to watch, simply because they're so green, and play such an integral position. Jones, though, seems to have a bit more on the line than Murray.

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The San Jose Sharks got over a franchise-long drought this season by finally punching their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final, with Game 1 set for Monday night against the Penguins in Pittsburgh.

One problem for Bay Area sports fans: At the same time, the Golden State Warriors will be hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the NBA's Western Conference finals. Count Sharks winger Joel Ward as one foiled by the scheduling.

"It sucks," Ward said Monday afternoon, according to Yahoo Sports' Greg Wyshinski. "I wanted to watch the (Warriors). I was hoping it'd be tomorrow."

The Toronto native seems to be a fan of more than hockey, tweeting support at times to his hometown Raptors while also donning a Blue Jays t-shirt in his avatar.

As far as the viewing conundrum goes, a Warriors win in Game 7 would make the Bay Area the first region since New Jersey in 2003 (Devils and Nets), to have both their NBA and NHL teams playing in their respective league's championship series at the same time.

"Both teams are making the Bay Area proud, and the Bay Area will support both teams," Sharks forward Tommy Wingels said. "There's a reason you have 35 TVs at a sports bar, right?"

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While he may not have taken the ice during this postseason, Pascal Dupuis has still been instrumental in his team's successful playoff run.

Although Dupuis was forced to call it a career back in December due to blood clots, he hasn't shied away from supporting his teammates. The 37-year-old still feels like a member of the team, tagging along for a playoff ride with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

"I feel like I'm in it completely, as far as being in it, yes," Dupuis said, according to NHL.com's Amalie Benjamin. "But it's a different side of it than I'm used to, obviously. I've been through this a couple times as a player, and still the title beside my name is 'player,' but I don't feel like it now. No, it's completely different."

Dupuis continues to follow the team through their everyday routines and while his on-ice duties have certainly been lifted, he continues to aid the team in any way he can.

"I want them to win and I want to win too, so whatever I can do to help, that's pretty much my title or my role now," Dupuis said. "Whatever is needed for me to do. Like, I need to put a butt end on Eric Fehr's stick Game 6 in Tampa Bay, I did it between periods. Whatever they need me to do, I'll do."

Penguins Forward Chris Kunitz has admired Dupuis in how he has taken the news this season, and admits there has been very little change in his transition away from being an active-roster player.

"He's not a guy that sulks on it, doesn't show regret. He comes to the rink, he still works out hard, he still gives us insight," Kunitz said. "He's on the plane, he's on the buses. He keeps the team loose just like he did when he played.

"He was the guy that always organized dinners and made sure we were a group and a family and on the road always included people, so I think he's still done a great job of doing that. He's just doing it maybe a little farther away from the group than usual."

Dupuis will continue to be along for the journey as he looks to capture his first Stanley Cup since 2009.

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Defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka underwent hip surgery upon the completion of the Calgary Flames' season, president Brian Burke revealed Friday on Sportnset 960 The Fan radio.

The procedure may keep Jokipakka from playing for Finland at this fall's World Cup in Toronto, Burke said. Jokipakka was added to the Finnish squad last week when the club filled out its roster.

Jokipakka will turn 25 in August, and a decision on his status will be made later in the summer. The Flames are quite pleased that he was added to the roster, according to Burke, who said the inclusion speaks to the kid's bright future.

Acquired in a deadline deal that sent Kris Russell to the Dallas Stars, Jokipakka had six assists in 18 games as a Flame, logging slightly under 18 minutes per game. He has two goals and 20 assists in 109 career games, and is set for restricted free agency after the 2016-17 season.

- With h/t to Pro Hockey Talk

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Phil Kessel is uncoachable.

That was the narrative suggested by Toronto media last season following comments from his former coach Ron Wilson while Kessel struggled with the Maple Leafs, the team stuck in the midst of one of the worst midseason collapses in franchise history.

More than a year later, it appears the Pittsburgh Penguins' coaching staff has reached a similar conclusion - for a much different reason.

"He certainly has way better instincts on offense than the coaching staff," head coach Mike Sullivan said Monday. "That's what makes him an elite player."

After a solid first season in Pittsburgh that saw Kessel collect 26 goals and 59 points in 82 games, he's picked up his play in the postseason. He leads the team with nine goals and 18 points, and heads up the league with 73 shots.

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The Stanley Cup Final is upon us.

With that, the field of players - not only vying for a drink from Lord Stanley, but also to lift the Conn Smythe Trophy - has been narrowed.

Here are the five most worthy candidates to take home postseason MVP honors heading into the Stanley Cup Final Monday night in Pittsburgh:

1) Joe Pavelski, Sharks

What more could be asked of Joe Pavelski that he hasn't already done in his first season as the club's new captain?

The 31-year-old paces the league with the 13 goals in 18 games with four coming in the form of game-winners - also a playoff best. He has been instrumental in helping the Sharks boast one of the deadliest power plays in the playoffs with five power-play goals and nine points with the extra man.

As Pavelski enters the final round of the playoffs he brings with him a seven-game point streak - having collected at least one point in every game of the third round - and a four-game goal streak. Meanwhile he has been held off the scoreboard just four times during the postseason.

2) Logan Couture, Sharks

While Pavelski's name has come up the most in the goals column, Logan Couture has his name on almost every playoff scoresheet.

After three rounds Couture leads all playoff performers with 16 assists and 24 points. He has already amassed more points than Patrick Kane and Tyler Johnson did last year, who led the playoffs with 23 points.

With a few more productive games, Couture could amass one of the most stellar playoff performances of the last 20 years, an honor most certainly worthy of playoff MVP status.

3) Phil Kessel, Penguins

Phil Kessel has been one hot dog.

The Penguins forward has continued his career narrative, once again elevating his play in the postseason. His nine goals and nine assists in 18 games see him leading the march of the Penguins toward their first Cup since 2009.

In classic Kessel fashion, he also leads all players with 73 shots and all while occupying the team's third line with Carl Hagelin and Nick Bonino - forming the now famous, "HBK" line.

A World Cup of Hockey omission could be the last thing on his mind with a possible Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe on his mantle.

4) Brent Burns, Sharks

Brent Burns went fairly uncontested for the title of best defenseman this postseason, after capturing a Norris Trophy nomination for his regular-season display.

His 20 points in 18 games help cap off a Sharks sweep atop the playoff scoring leaderboard, as he sits third behind Couture and Pavelski. Burns has been a constant threat all postseason from the back end, with his deadly wrister that seems able to get through any traffic with ease.

His offense has helped make the Sharks an offensive juggernaut at all positions, and he could be a difference maker heading into the final round.

5) Matt Murray, Penguins

It's no question that the Penguins wouldn't be where they are if not for Matt Murray's coming-out party.

The 22-year-old has shined in his first taste of NHL playoff hockey, posting a .924 save percentage, a 2.22 goals-against average, and one shutout in 15 games.

After a shaky Game 4 in the Conference Final, the youngster gave way for veteran Marc-Andre Fleury's first and only start of the playoffs in Game 5.

Regaining his confidence, Murray returned to the net facing elimination in Games 6 and 7. There he cashed in two clutch performances, giving up just three goals in two games and a .937 save percentage, helping his team oust the reigning Eastern Conference champs.

In the running

Sidney Crosby

Crosby appeared to rekindle his knack for the dramatic after a quiet second-round against the Washington Capitals. He collected five points, including three game-winning goals, against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

He now shares the second spot alongside Evgeni Malkin and Nick Bonino in team scoring.

Joe Thornton

It is no accident that Joe Thornton will finally get a chance to play for his first Stanley Cup. He has continued to do his thing this postseason with 15 assists and 18 points in 18 games.

Jumbo Joe only has one trophy on his mind, but winning a Conn Smythe is definitely not out of the question.

Martin Jones

While Matt Murray is garnering most of the goalie discussion, Jones has also thrived in his first true playoff test. His 12 wins this postseason are a franchise best in a single playoff season, while his three shutouts match Evgeni Nabokov for the franchise record.

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The Stanley Cup Final is upon us.

With that, the field of players - not only vying for a drink from Lord Stanley, but also to lift the Conn Smythe Trophy - has been narrowed.

Here are the five most worthy candidates to take home postseason MVP honors heading into the Stanley Cup Final Monday night in Pittsburgh:

1) Joe Pavelski, Sharks

What more could be asked of Joe Pavelski that he hasn't already done in his first season as the club's new captain?

The 31-year-old paces the league with the 13 goals in 18 games with four coming in the form of game-winners - also a playoff best. He has been instrumental in helping the Sharks boast one of the deadliest power plays in the playoffs with five power-play goals and nine points with the extra man.

As Pavelski enters the final round of the playoffs he brings with him a seven-game point streak - having collected at least one point in every game of the third round - and a four-game goal streak. Meanwhile he has been held off the scoreboard just four times during the postseason.

2) Logan Couture, Sharks

While Pavelski's name has come up the most in the goals column, Logan Couture has his name on almost every playoff scoresheet.

After three rounds Couture leads all playoff performers with 16 assists and 24 points. He has already amassed more points than Patrick Kane and Tyler Johnson did last year, who led the playoffs with 23 points.

With a few more productive games, Couture could amass one of the most stellar playoff performances of the last 20 years, an honor most certainly worthy of playoff MVP status.

3) Phil Kessel, Penguins

Phil Kessel has been one hot dog.

The Penguins forward has continued his career narrative, once again elevating his play in the postseason. His nine goals and nine assists in 18 games see him leading the march of the Penguins toward their first Cup since 2009.

In classic Kessel fashion, he also leads all players with 73 shots and all while occupying the team's third line with Carl Hagelin and Nick Bonino - forming the now famous, "HBK" line.

A World Cup of Hockey omission could be the last thing on his mind with a possible Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe on his mantle.

4) Brent Burns, Sharks

Brent Burns went fairly uncontested for the title of best defenseman this postseason, after capturing a Norris Trophy nomination for his regular-season display.

His 20 points in 18 games help cap off a Sharks sweep atop the playoff scoring leaderboard, as he sits third behind Couture and Pavelski. Burns has been a constant threat all postseason from the back end, with his deadly wrister that seems able to get through any traffic with ease.

His offense has helped make the Sharks an offensive juggernaut at all positions, and he could be a difference maker heading into the final round.

5) Matt Murray, Penguins

It's no question that the Penguins wouldn't be where they are if not for Matt Murray's coming-out party.

The 22-year-old has shined in his first taste of NHL playoff hockey, posting a .924 save percentage, a 2.22 goals-against average, and one shutout in 15 games.

After a shaky Game 4 in the Conference Final, the youngster gave way for veteran Marc-Andre Fleury's first and only start of the playoffs in Game 5.

Regaining his confidence, Murray returned to the net facing elimination in Games 6 and 7. There he cashed in two clutch performances, giving up just three goals in two games and a .937 save percentage, helping his team oust the reigning Eastern Conference champs.

In the running

Sidney Crosby

Crosby appeared to rekindle his knack for the dramatic after a quiet second-round against the Washington Capitals. He collected five points, including three game-winning goals, against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

He now shares the second spot alongside Evgeni Malkin and Nick Bonino in team scoring.

Joe Thornton

It is no accident that Joe Thornton will finally get a chance to play for his first Stanley Cup. He has continued to do his thing this postseason with 15 assists and 18 points in 18 games.

Jumbo Joe only has one trophy on his mind, but winning a Conn Smythe is definitely not out of the question.

Martin Jones

While Matt Murray is garnering most of the goalie discussion, Jones has also thrived in his first true playoff test. His 12 wins this postseason are a franchise best in a single playoff season, while his three shutouts match Evgeni Nabokov for the franchise record.

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Two teams, one stunning trophy.

The Stanley Cup Final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks begins Monday night in Pennsylvania. Here are five surefire predictions for what will be a very entertaining series.

Sharks in 6

The Sharks will emerge victorious in what will be a tight six-game affair, winning the Stanley Cup in San Jose. How's that for exorcising a generation's worth of demons?

There's more. Four of the six games will be decided by one goal, and we're in for at least two overtime contests.

Joe Thornton - and his beard - will raise the Stanley Cup. He'll get it second, after captain Joe Pavelski lifts it toward the heavens. Then Patrick Marleau. And Brent Burns. Yes, in that precise order.

Fleury will start at least 1 game

Matt Murray's been incredible, and his story is sensational, but the Penguins will turn to Marc-Andre Fleury in the crease at least once in the final.

It won't be because Murray's playing poorly. Think back to the third-round series between the Sharks and St. Louis Blues. After being shut out in Game 2 and 3, Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock started Jake Allen in Game 4 over Brian Elliott - and it worked. The Blues responded, scoring six goals. They scored a combined seven in the series' other five games.

The Sharks are going to frustrate the Penguins much like they did the Blues, and Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan will be forced to play one of his few remaining hands - the desperation goalie change.

Burns will win the Conn Smythe

The Sharks have been paced by Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski so far in the postseason. Couture leads the NHL with 24 playoff points, while Pavelski is second with 22. But it'll be Burns who will lead both teams in Cup Final scoring, and he'll win the Conn Smythe Trophy in the process.

Burns has been electric through three rounds, his 18 points third in the league behind his teammates. But The Most Interesting Man in Hockey is about to hit another gear.

Malkin will explode

Evgeni Malkin has 15 points in 17 spring games, but only four goals. He's going to score at least that many in the Cup Final.

Geno scored only once in six games in the second round, and only once in seven games against Tampa Bay. He put 17 pucks on net against the Washington Capitals, and had 27 shots against the Lightning.

Malkin's shooting 7.4 percent in the postseason. That's going to change in a big way over the next two weeks.

You will be entertained

These are two excellent teams. There are marquee players up and down both rosters. It's going to be one hell of a series. The pace will be high. Both teams can skate. The speed will blow you away.

Everywhere you look, there's a storyline. Marc-Edouard Vlasic shut down Vladimir Tarasenko; can he do the same to Sidney Crosby? Can Justin Schultz actually contribute to a Cup-winning defense corps? Will Martin Jones ever begin playing like a first-year No. 1 goalie who made his first career playoff start a few weeks ago? Will an egregious World Cup snub motivate Phil Kessel? Will Matt Cullen, who's played 100 games this season, eventually look like a 39-year-old out there?

Bottom line: We're in store for one of the more entertaining Stanley Cup Final series in recent memory. You're not going to want to miss it.

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