Detroit Red Wings @ Chicago Blackhawks – Wednesday May 15, 2013 (Game 1)
If the truth be told, the best online sportsbook experts really never expected the Detroit Red Wings to beat the Anaheim Ducks in the opening round of the NHL playoffs. The Ducks came into the playoffs with a record that almost rivaled the Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim was playing really well. The Ducks have always had solid goaltending, but something went wrong in the Anaheim net in the opening round of the playoffs that had a lot to do with why the Ducks lost that opening series. Now Detroit moves to the next level and has to face the Blackhawks.
The sportsbook agents were not sure how Chicago goalie Corey Crawford would respond to the pressure of the NHL playoffs, and it did not help that the first goal that the Minnesota Wild scored in the opening round of the playoffs was a weak one over Crawford’s glove. But Crawford gained his composure and led the Blackhawks to a 4-1 series win over Minnesota. What is odd is that the Blackhawks used goalie Ray Emery a lot in the regular season, but it looks like Chicago has no intentions on using Emery in the playoffs. But that could change if Crawford struggles.
Detroit Red Wings
The sports book experts can look all over for reasons why the Red Wings were able to eliminate the Ducks in the first round, but the primary reason was Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard. Howard not only played exceptionally well, he also managed to fend off an Anaheim team that had decided to be extremely physical in the Detroit goal crease. Now Howard brings his act to Chicago to see how it will play against the Blackhawks. The Chicago Blackhawks are a much different team than the Ducks and that could be a big problem for Howard and the Red Wings.
Chicago Blackhawks
Much to the surprise of the sports betting websites, the Chicago Blackhawks actually played excellent defense in their opening playoff round against the Minnesota Wild. The Blackhawks had actually spent most of the series playing against Minnesota backup goalie Josh Harden and not starter NiklasBackstrom. That means that the Blackhawks will have to adjust to playing against a goalie like Howard, who is not affected by the things going on around him. It may take a little while, but the Blackhawks will adjust.
The Bottom Line
The Blackhawks have said all along that their goal this season is to win the Stanley Cup. But, then again, that is what every NHL team says. The Red Wings prefer to not act like they are just happy to be in the playoffs because they actually have aspirations to be successful. The Blackhawks have been sitting around waiting for this series to start. When the puck is dropped, Chicago will probably send a barrage of shots Jimmy Howard’s way in the opening minutes. As the game progresses, things won’t get any easier for Howard.
Click here to learn more about the Chicago Blackhawks’ quest for the Stanley Cup.
Pick: Chicago Blackhawks
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