The Chicago Blackhawks look like the best team in the NHL right now. They found a way to overcome a 2-0 series deficit against the St. Louis Blues and they really haven’t looked back since then. Can the Los Angeles Kings turn around the Western Conference Finals and stand in Chicago’s way? It’s going to be a tough task for the 2012 Stanley Cup champions as they try to even the series with the 2013 Stanley Cup champs.
Why The Kings Can Win:
Their goaltender, Jonathan Quick, is one of the very best in the world. Quick stood tall between the pipes in leading his team to a comeback from a 3-0 series deficit in the first round of the playoffs against the San Jose Sharks. Quick has already won six elimination games in the playoffs, a staggering statistic for only two rounds of playoff action. Quick has won two Game 7s already, and nothing that has happened in these playoffs has fazed him. He’s a clutch competitor and the kind of player who will respond to a so-so performance with a big effort. The Kings were skated off the ice on Sunday in Game 1. They looked emotionally and physically spent after winning Game 7 against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night and then having to make the quick flight to Chicago for a Sunday afternoon game. The Kings are playing this game on Wednesday with two full days of rest, and without having to travel. They should be a lot fresher. They should have their game legs under them, and they should be ready to take the fight to the Blackhawks. The way Game 1 was played could very well give way to a noticeably different story in Game 2.
Why The Blackhawks Can Win:
Their momentum right now is unmistakable. The Blackhawks dug out of trouble against St. Louis, and when a proven championship team overcomes that kind of obstacle, it gains the belief that it cannot be beaten or finished off, no matter what the opponent or the circumstances might be. The Blackhawks have two of the 10 best players in the world, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Their goaltender, Corey Crawford, has come of age and become an elite NHL netminder. Their role players are battle-tested. Up and down the lineup, head coach Joel Quenneville has found answers. He has guys he can trust.
The Blackhawks are also in good position to win this game simply because they’re unbeaten at home in the playoffs. Chicago fell behind St. Louis and then won three straight home games, plus a road game in Game 5 of that series. The Blackhawks won all three home games in the second round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Wild. They won Game 1 of this series at home. It’s going to take a special effort for the Kings to knock them off.
Outlook
This feels like a close game – one that will be decided by only one goal. The Kings are therefore the better choice on the puck line. However, for moneyline players, it’s tough to bet against the Blackhawks in this spot. They’ve won eight of the last nine meetings between the teams and simply have the Kings number.
Pick: Los Angeles +135
