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San Jose Sharks v Detroit Red Wings NHL Pick
The Detroit Red Wings returns to the friendly confines of Joe Louis Arena trying to regroup and rebound from a 2-0 series deficit after falling to the Sharks in Game 2 of the best-of-seven NHL Western Conference Semifinals on Sunday in San Jose.
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 4, 8:05 PM ET
Venue: Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, MI.
Broadcast: Versus
Money Line: San Jose +150, Detroit -170
Spread: Detroit -1 ½
Over/Under: 5 ½
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San Jose’s Antti Niemi did everything but stand on his head, making 33 saves in his second consecutive standout performance, while defensemen Ian White and Niclas Wallin each found the back of the net to lift the Sharks to a 2-1 victory over Detroit just two nights after rookie Benn Ferriero scored the game winner in overtime.
The Sharks have come out swinging in this series and have taken no prisoners peppering Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard with a salvo of shots throughout the first two contests. The 2003 – 2nd round draft pick has responded, making 79 saves, though, constantly being under attack by the Sharks’ forwards who have not shied away from encroaching the crease while giving the occasional snow shower to the face.
Nevertheless, Detroit has to remain focused and disciplined, and must find a way to return the favor by rattling Niemi. Maybe they should take a page out of the Sharks playbook when it comes to harassing keepers.
But it won’t be easy, as the Finnish net minder seems to be well on his way to a repeat performance of last year’s run that helped Chicago win the Stanley Cup in just his rookie season. Niemi had another strong game on Sunday, finally yielding Detroit’s lone goal on its sixth power play of the game. He gave up only one goal in each of the first two games after giving up 19 in six starts against Los Angeles in the first round.
Detroit had 59 shots in Games 1 and 2—both of which it lost 2-1.
The bottom line is the Sharks have outworked the Wings high-powered offense that has failed to deliver. San Jose has spent more time in the offensive zone, cycling, and moving the puck, and has had more shots and scoring chances, outshooting their opponents in each of the first two games and by a cumulative total of 83-59.
The Red Wings need more offense. They are not going to win this series by scoring just a single goal per game.
The odds makers have the Detroit Red Wings as a -1.5 point favorite with an over/under of 5.5.
Check out the latest NHL Hockey Odds here.
Matt’s Free Prediction: Detroit- Detroit have lost six of their last seven series when falling behind 2-0, with the only win coming in the first round against Vancouver in 2002. However, I do look for Detroit to win one at home sending the series back to San Jose for a final Game 5. This is that game as San Jose adjusts to playing at Joe Louis.
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