Blackhawks Look to Bounce Back After Opening Game Loss
On Friday, he first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs continues when the Chicago Blackhawks visit the St. Louis Blues in the second game of their best of seven series in the Western Conference quarterfinals. The current line has St. Louis favored at -115 with the over/under at 5 goals.
Entering this game, Chicago had a regular season record of 47-26-8 overall and 21-15-5 on the road. St. Louis on the regular season was 50-24-5 overall and 25-13-3 at home. Over its past 10 games, Chicago is 5-2-3, while St. Louis over the same period is 8-2-0.
St. Louis won the opening game in overtime 1-0 on a goal by David Backes the Blues captain. Backes was attempting to feed the puck in front of the goal, when it hit the skate of Trevor van Riemsdyk a Chicago defenseman and ricocheted past Corey Crawford the Blackhawks goalie into the net.
On Friday, Duncan Keith will return to the Chicago lineup after serving a suspension of six games for a high sticking incident March 29. His presence will help the Blackhawks as they attempt to split the two games in St. Louis to open the series and take the home ice advantage away from the Blues.
Patrick Kane was not affected by the physical performance of the Blues in Game 1. He and his teammates are used to being hit, as they tend to have possession of the puck more often than their opponents.
Kane led the NHL this season in points with 106. He was the first player born in the U.S. to win the league’s scoring title.
Blue goaltender Brian Elliott saved 35 shots on the night. He is 12-1-0 over his past 12 games played. Elliott stopped Jonathan Toews the Chicago captain on a breakaway during the second period and thwarted both Kane and Toews on strong chances during overtime.
Chicago left winger Andrew Ladd should play Friday. His wife gave birth to their third child earlier this week.
Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo has two goals scored and five assists over his past five games played.
Chicago defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson blocked five shots during Game 1.
The UNDER has cashed in 3 of the past 4 games between the two teams.
Prediction: The Chicago Blackhawks are known for coming back following a loss with a victory. This game should be no different, look for Chicago to avenge opening game loss..
