Epic – one of the most overused and misused terms for males age 15 to 35 and sports writers of any age; so I won’t be using it. But this Chicago-Anaheim series has a chance of being special. Very special.
“Captain Rogaine vs. Captain Serious” as the series has been tabbed by one SoCal writer, should produce about two weeks of fantastic hockey.
Oh captain, my captain
It all starts Sunday with the Blackhawks vs. Ducks Game 1 Pick
Blackhawks vs. Ducks Game 1 Odds:
Game 1 – Ducks -125
Blackhawks vs. Ducks Series Price:
Blackhawks -122
(odds are from Pinnacle Sports)
I’m curious to see if Duck coach Bruce Boudreau can avoid making this a truly “Captain vs. Captain” series and get the Kesler vs. Toews matchup I assume he wants. With last change for Sunday’s opener, he can dictate who faces who, for the most part. When the series shifts back to Chicago, I’m looking for Quenneville to flip the matchup back, so it’s Getzlaf vs. Toews in the Windy City.
The Getzlaf-Perry line has been a beast and will create trouble regardless of the matchup. In game one, they’ll likely be responsible for holding Patrick Kane off the scoresheet, while creating some offense of their own.
If the Kane-Richards line can end the game even, and I think they can – I like Chicago’s chances.
The Ducks’ one-two punch down the middle is a luxury Quenneville doesn’t have, but he enjoys a real scoring depth edge.
With the elite talent battling it out (Kessler vs. Toews and Getzlaf line vs. the Kane/Richards line), would you rather be relying on Patrick Maroon, Jakob Silfverberg and Matt Beleskey or Patrick Sharp, Marian, Hossa, and Brandon Saad…plus the edge the Hawks have on D.
Corey Crawford can be scary. I’m hoping he doesn’t turn in one of “those” nights. If so, Chicago’s done.
Blackhawks vs. Ducks Game 1 Pick
The Ducks have rolled this spring, but they’ve had the easiest path of any of the four Conference Finalists.
They’ve yet to be challenged.
The Hawks will fix that.
I’m playing the Blackhawks at plus-money to start the series with a road win.
Chicago +117
Sports Betting Forum: Visit us in the Everyedge Sports Betting Forums to talk about this game and all the other sports action.