NHL Playoff Odds: Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals is set for Wednesday night in Chicago as the Los Angeles Kings visit the Chicago Blackhawks in a game that can be seen on NBCSN. The teams split their first two games in Chicago with the Chicago Blackhawks winning Game 1 3-1 while the Los Angeles Kings won 6-2 in Game 2. Games 3 and 4 were played in Los Angeles so now the series shifts back to Chicago for the pivotal Game 5 on Wednesday night. Here is a look at the matchup and NHL playoff predictions.
Back and Forth Series
When you look at the Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks you see two very evenly matched teams. Even though the Chicago Blackhawks won the first game of the series it was the Los Angeles Kings who played almost as well. And in the second game it was the Chicago Blackhawks who dominated for two periods and yet lost Game 2. Both teams have very good goaltenders, solid defense and good scoring. The one edge in the series was thought to be the depth of the Chicago Blackhawks scoring and that may end up being the case before all is said and done.
Game Notes
Even though the Los Angeles Kings did win Game 2 in Chicago, they have normally struggled at the United Center. They have lost 8 of the last 10 in Chicago. It was looking for a long time like they would lose Game 2 before they turned it on in the third period. Totals have been tough to predict in the last ten in Chicago with five games going over and five going under.
NHL Playoff Predictions
The Chicago Blackhawks probably should have won both of the first two games in this series at home and I don’t see them losing this one so I will lay the price in NHL playoff odds at the sportsbook and take the home team on Wednesday.
