The Anaheim Ducks (60-24-3-5) have run their record to 9-1 here in the postseason heading into Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Chicago Blackhawks (56-31-3-3).
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Ducks opened up Game 1 of this series at -130, but after a thorough and comprehensive win in that first game, they have risen up to -135. The total has held firm at a flat 5.
GOALIE REPORT
Maybe Frederik Andersen is ready for this moment. The Dane made 32 saves on 33 shots in Game 1 of this series, and has raised his save percentage to .930 in the process here in the playoffs.
Andersen clearly outplayed Corey Crawford, who allowed three of the four goals before getting pulled for the extra attacker late in the third period. It was the fourth time in his last seven starts in which Crawford conceded at least three goals, though it should be noted that he only allowed a total of one goal in the other three games.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I think everyone in the locker room knows we can beat this team. It's a good feeling that we showed it in Game 1. They're going to come harder. We'll have to play better in Game 2." – Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen on the emotions surrounding a Game 1 victory
SITUATIONAL BETTING
Don't say that the Blackhawks didn't have their chances in Game 1. They had a power play right out of the gates in the first period and had two power plays early in the third that could have seen them tie the score up. Instead, the Ducks did the job on the kill, looking strong every time, which really made the difference in the game.
PROP TALK
You know that the big boys for the Blackhawks are going to get on the board eventually. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews each only had one shot on goal, and they were both -2 in the +/- department. They're going to be underdogs to score goals in Game 2, but we think both could be worthy against an Anaheim defense which has shown at least a few cracks here in the second season to put Andersen in some tough spots.
ANALYSIS & PREDICTION
We fully expect to see Chicago respond in Game 2 with a much better showing. We much prefer taking the puck-line price at around -260 or so, even for as chalky as it is, but we just don't see Anaheim winning this game by multiple goals without a fluky empty-netter for a second straight game.
The big boys know what it is like to be in this spot for the Blackhawks, and they have overcome bigger deficits before to win series and championships. If Kane and Toews play better, as we know they have the capacity to do so, they should be able to level this series.
Expect another tight game on Tuesday night, one which will more resemble the Eastern Conference Finals where goals are at an extreme premium, which would give even more credence to backing the Blackhawks and the puck-line in a game where two might be enough to win.
Chicago 2, Anaheim 1
BookMaker opened the odds for this Tuesday game before anyone else on the internet. The Ducks debuted at -135, while the total is set at a level 5. Now you can wager in-game while the action unfolds with BookMaker's live betting option.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly interface on your smartphone or tablet provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! Game 2 of the series between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Anaheim Ducks will start at 9:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. The contest will be broadcast nationally on NBC Sports Network.
