Here to preview the Stanley Cup Finals in a way only he can is longtime RandBall friend and commenter Rocket. Rocket?

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I do not want to find myself swimming in the same bowl with these corn flakes, nor am I particularly compelled to want to tell you everything that is right and wrong about your religious beliefs. However, I do believe that wisdom can be found in a number of places and I also believe that the Buddhists have at least one thing totally and undeniably correct: Life is suffering.

I don't consider myself a Buddhist, nor do I claim to fully understand this first of the Four Noble Truths. But as a Minnesota sports fan, I know when I see something that speaks to my experience.

In keeping with this teaching, at some point in life I came to realize that the seemingly universal concept of justice is actually overwhelmingly relative. That which is the only right course for one is unassailably unfair to the next. The Stanley Cup Final is a useful example.

The Chicago Blackhawks have been the best team in hockey for the last half dozen years. Despite a lackluster – by their standards – regular season, they are once again champions of hockey's toughest conference and battling for Lord Stanley's majestic chalice. They are an exceptionally talented group of hard working guys who lack an easy-to-hate villain, and they are the closest thing we are going to get to a dynasty in today's salary cap world. If you believe this account, then this is the last hurrah for the best team we will see in a while. They should go out on top.

However, we have seen the supposed end of this team before. And during my lifetime the city of Chicago has won ten championships with at least one in each of the four major pro sports leagues. As you undoubtedly know, Minnesota has only one two, and only in one sport. And in fact, those of us who love hockey have been doubly slapped in the face when the worst city on earth hoisted the Cup with Minnesota's stolen team. Chicago does not deserve any more success. Not when those of us who have loved Minnesota sports have waited this long and not after they have forced us to endure this ritual each of the last three years. We would all be better served if the whole team drowned in a fetid pool of its own waste and tears.

Unfortunately, I think the Buddhists are getting Minnesota sports fans ready for this series. My final prediction for the year is, as always, in haiku.

Like '10 and '13

The winner and games repeat

Chicago in six