You just had the feeling that the deeper Game 2 went into overtime, the more likely it was that the Chicago Blackhawks (57-31-3-3) were going to win the game. They did just that, and they now have home ice advantage back in this series against the Anaheim Ducks (60-24-4-5) heading into Game 3 on Thursday.
ODDS ANALYSIS
For all intents and purposes, we expect to see the exact opposite spread in this game as we saw in the two games in Anaheim. The Blackhawks are surely going to be favored to win Game 3, and that margin will most likely be somewhere in that -130 range.
The total has no reason to deviate from the 5 it has sat on all series long.
GOALIE REPORT
It's really tough to fault either goalie for what they had to go through in Game 2. Corey Crawford and Frederik Anderson combined to face 118 shots on goal, and only five got in the back of the net.
On this night though, Crawford was just a bit better, as his 60-of-62 performance was one of the best he has put together in his career.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I just hope we don't have any more like that. I think this helps us and showed us what can happen if we keep sticking to it and competing. We'll find a way to win." – Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw on the Game 2 victory in Anaheim
SITUATIONAL BETTING
Overtime is a legitimate possibility in every game in this series, and the fact of the matter is that the Ducks are overmatched at that point. We're not sure whether its depth or experience or what have you, but Chicago has won both of its overtime games played here in the postseason, while Anaheim is just 1-2 with two consecutive losses. Keep that in mind, especially here at the United Center in live betting if this game goes deep into the night as Game 2 did.
PROP TALK
We've yet to hear from Patrick Kane in this series, but we have a feeling that that is going to change. After not logging a single point in Games 1 or 2 and posting a -3, we think this is the game where Kane is going to shine. Remember that he had five straight games with a goal coming into this series, and he has had moments where he has easily looked like the best player in all of hockey.
ANALYSIS & PREDICTION
The Blackhawks have snared a huge bit of momentum thanks to that win in overtime, and statistics will tell you that the team which wins an overtime game of that magnitude comes back to win the next game more often than not.
This is where we really question the coaching matchup as well. Bruce Boudreau just isn't anywhere near as experienced or accomplished as Joel Quenneville is this time of year, and when adjustments need to take place, we know which one of these two bosses we want on our side.
Chicago was able to split this series in Anaheim without really getting much from any of its stars, and once those stars start to shine, this could get ugly for the Ducks.
Chicago 4, Anaheim 1
The NHL lines for this Thursday game will first be available at BookMaker Sportsbook. Minute-by-minute puck-lines, totals, moneylines and props are available for this game using the live betting platform at BookMaker.
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker's new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here, and start wagering today! Game 3 of this series between the Anaheim Ducks and the Chicago Blackhawks will commence on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. ET at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The contest will be broadcast nationally on NBC Sports Network.
