That's just not true. I believe the odds were slightly in favor of Pittsburgh as the playoffs began. And going into the conference finals, I believe Pittsburgh was still the favorite, by the odds. Boston just demoralized what was essentially the highest rated team in the playoffs. That is why they are on a high. Boston beat more highly rated teams to get here, while the Blackhawks beat a couple also-rans and then LA. Now, the Blackhawks probably should have been rated as a more clear cup pick at the outset, but they were nothing more than equals with Pittsburgh from a national standpoint.