NHL Playoffs: Blues and Ducks Look to Go Up 2-0
The Western Conference has provided some entertaining playoff battles already and the good news is, things are only going to heat up on the ice as the postseason rolls on.
Today, we’ve got two game twos out of the West and they should be just as, or more, thrilling than their game ones. First, the Blues will look to take a 2-0 series lead against the defending champion Kings and later, the Ducks will defend the home ice and their 1-0 series lead against the hard-hitting Red Wings. Check out who we like on the lines!
Los Angeles Kings +1.5 at St. Louis Blues -1.5
The Kings swept the Blues in the second round last year, but St. Louis proved that it is an improved team in 2013 and that it won’t let the Kings run them over this time around.
In typical Blues fashion, they squeaked out a 2-1 overtime win against L.A. in game one and with a little newly found momentum, they’ll try to make it two in a row. Before Tuesday’s game one victory, the Blues had dropped eight straight to the Kings.
But there’s a reason the Kings have had so much success against the Blues up until Tuesday night. Not only are the Kings the defending Stanley Cup champions, they are a team that matches up very well against St. Louis, as they bring the same type of physical play the Blues use to wear opponents down.
This series appears destined to go six or seven games and in knowing that there will be plenty of back and forth, I like the Kings to rebound and earn the win today. Despite giving away the game-winner in overtime, Jonathan Quick played well in game one and he should be able to shut down one of the league’s weaker scoring teams again tonight. Take the Kings to cover+1.5 and win outright.
Detroit Red Wings +1.5 at Anaheim Ducks -1.5
The Red Wings won the season series against Anaheim, but like many teams that have battled the Ducks this year, the Wings couldn’t get anything going offensively against them in game one, losing 3-1.
Though the franchise has plenty of playoff experience, the current Wings roster doesn’t have nearly as much, as they are sending one of their youngest squads ever out onto the ice this postseason. Meanwhile, the Ducks – a team that isn’t a perennial playoff-bound squad – have more veterans with more games under their belts.
Of course, that experience will help the Ducks during their postseason run, but it may not necessarily help them today. The Wings are young, hungry, talented and they know how to beat the Ducks, as evidence by their 2-1 regular season record against Anaheim.
This is another case where, I like the Ducks to win the series, but I believe game two will go to the Wings. Take Detroit to rebound as well, and pick up the win, covering +1.5.
