Written by Graeme & Scott on Thursday, May 14th, 2015
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The conference finals are now set.
In a hard fought battle last night, the New York Rangers came out the winners in a thrilling game. It was a clinic by both goalies, and either team could have went through. The New York Rangers got the goal in overtime however, and they will go on to meet the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Game 1 of Tampa vs New York will take place Saturday, May 16th. We will do a preview of that series soon. First of all, we will be doing a preview of the Blackhawks vs Ducks series – which proves to be thrilling.
Blackhawks vs Ducks Schedule:
Game 1: Sunday, May 17th @ Anaheim.
Game 2: Tuesday, May 19th @ Anaheim.
Game 3: Thursday, May 21st @ Chicago.
Game 4: Saturday, May 23rd @ Chicago.
Game 5: Monday, May 25th @ Anaheim.
Game 6: Wednesday, May 27th @ Chicago.
Game 7: Saturday, May 30th @ Anaheim.
The Ducks have home ice advantage in what should be a great series. The widely available odds see both teams tied at -110 apiece, or 1.90. Let’s see what we can find for the tips:
Ducks vs Blackhawks Series Betting Tips:
Scott: This is going to be a great series full of superstars.
This will be the 5th time in the last 7 years that the Hawks have made it to the Western Conference Finals. They beat two tough teams to make it to this point. They beat the strong Predators, that had one of the best defense groups in the league, and then swept the Wild who were the best team in the league towards the end of the year. They won 3 of the 4 against the Wild by a goal so even though it looked like a blowout sweep, it wasn’t. And after getting the hook in round one, Crawford has been great since his return to the net going 5-0.
The Ducks have steamrolled their way to this point. They have lost only one game in the playoffs. The swept the Jets and then beat the Flames 4-1. No disrespect to the Jets and Flames but they aren’t anywhere near as good and complete a team as the Hawks. The Ducks also have the lopsided advantage in the size department which is a huge factor at this time of the year.
This series is going to be close and that’s where the Ducks seem to play their best hockey. They were 33-1-7 during the year in games decided by a goal.
But two things are going to be the difference, Depth and Experience. The Hawks have unreal forward depth that even after we the top two lines that feature Toews, Kane and Hossa, they have Sharp, Shaw, Bickell, Vermette, Kruger and more. The Ducks have arguably the best one-two punch in the league with Getzlaf and Perry but seems to thin out after that. And the Hawks have been to this point so often in the recent past that they know how to handle the pressure.
Hawks in 6
Graeme: It’s amazing to think that just one month ago, with the playoffs beginning – people were writing the Hawks off. Kane was out, and the rumour mill was going crazy with some media even saying he could be out for the whole playoffs. And now look at them.
The Blackhawks had a tough battle with the Predators, but prevailed in a 4-2 series win. In Round 2 they sweeped the Wild. The Ducks meanwhile, hammered the Jets 4-0 and the Flames 4-1.
I like the Ducks. I think they’re a super skillful team. But during the regular season, the Blackhawks had their number – twice. They won 2 of the 3 games in dominant fashion. Blackhawks also have the experience, and boy do they have the skill. They also have the team chemistry.
I want the Ducks to win. I love their dynamic attack. I love the fight they showed in the games vs the Jets, the come from behind victories. I like their ability to protect a lead, and how lethal they can be at a moments notice.
But I just can’t see beyond the Blackhawks. Blackhawks in 6.
