I was correct last night in my first game 7 pick of the 2nd round and I’m looking to make it 2 for 2 tonight. The playoff record still looks great and you should continue to follow my picks because I’ve been on a heater all through the post season.
Regular Season Record: 68-59 for +11.33 units.
Playoff Record: 17-14 for +2.77 units.
Playoff Series Record: 8-0 for +9.05 units.
Detroit Red Wings @ Chicago Blackhawks
If anyone was going to be able to come back from a 3-1 series deficit it was going to be the Blackhawks. And two games later they are just 1 win away from erasing the deficit and moving on to the Conference Finals. The ‘Hawks have gotten some timely goals from some of their depth players and this is a key to them winning in these playoffs. Toews has been quiet and Kane/Hossa can’t provide all of the offense for the team. Players like Bickell, who has scored in each of the last two games and Frolik who scored that beauty penalty shot in Game 6 have to step up and provide offense. I like them to do that tonight. If the depth players on the ‘Hawks can at least stay even with the depth on the Red Wings, the Blackhawks have more game breakers on their team who can win a game 7.
The one worry I have with picking the Blackhawks is Corey Crawford in net. Yes, he has had a solid playoffs with a .935 save percentage and a 1.78 GAA, but he does every now and then let in a weak goal. This was shown in Game 6, but luckily his team bounced back and saved him from a summer of scrutiny. Howard has the same issue though, but either one of these ‘tenders could lose this game for their team.
That said I still like the Blackhawks. They are just too good and have come too far in this series. Plus a Blackhawks vs Kings Conference Finals is what everyone wants to see.
Play: Blackhawks -197 (5Dimes.eu)
**I do think that the odds are to short for there to be much, if any, value here, but I still think the Blackhawks take this one, so that’s how I’m leaning.
Tagged with: Chicago Blackhawks • Detroit Red Wings