For as great as the NHL playoffs have been this year, it is only fitting that we have a pair of Game 7s to work with in the conference finals.
The Chicago Blackhawks (59-32-4-3) will put their experience all on the table on the road against the up and coming Anaheim Ducks (62-25-5-5) to decide which team will represent the West in the Stanley Cup Finals on Saturday night.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Consider this: The spreads in this series have been as follows in favor of the home teams: -130, -131, -155, -149, -145, -145. We've got a pretty good indication here that the hosts are going to be around -140 or so choices of the oddsmakers in this game.
GOALIE REPORT
Frederik Andersen has been terrible these last two games, and he is finally showing his colors as a raw goalie who just doesn't seem to have the "it" factor required to win a Stanley Cup; at least not now.
He has allowed eight goals in his last two games, and he conceded four on just 22 shots against him in Game 6, a game in which he could have (and should have) been much better.
Corey Crawford continues to be nothing special, though. Sure, he stopped 30-of-32 shots in Game 6, but he had a heck of a lot of help from his offense, not necessarily in the shot department, but in the goal department where it really counts.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I think the finality of it is what stands out. I mean, one group is going to go home, and one group's going to play for the Stanley Cup. There's really not a lot you can leave on the table." – Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau on the challenge ahead in Game 7
SITUATIONAL BETTING
Where the Ducks really have to be careful in this game is immediately after conceding a goal. They have really done a terrible job of being resilient in this series, including allowing three goals in less than four minutes in Game 6 two days after conceding twice in less than two minutes with a 4-2 lead in Game 5.
The Blackhawks have had a history of really pouring it on when they get rolling, so know that any given point in live betting, they could go from a pick 'em situation to a 1 to 10 favorite with just a couple quick rushes.
PROP TALK
Jonathan Toews scored those two aforementioned goals side-by-side in Game 5, and we think he could be ready for a big night in Game 7 as well. The captain of Chicago didn't have a single point in Game 6, but he did skate well and was a +2 to show for his work.
Toews is a boss in the faceoff circle, winning over 75 percent of his draws over the last two games, and he should find his way onto the stat sheet in this game as well.
ANALYSIS & PREDICTION
Chicago might end up being as square as could be in this game, but there is just no way that it should be an underdog when push comes to shove. Experience and veteran goaltending should go a long way in this do-or-die game for both sides, and the Ducks just aren't ready to win games like this one quite yet for our money. The fact that they will be favored isn't a joke, but it isn't justified in our eyes either.
Chicago 4, Anaheim 2
The NHL lines for this Saturday 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 7 of this series between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Anaheim Ducks will commence on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. ET at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. The contest will be broadcast nationally on NBC Sports Network.
