Conference Finals
I can’t believe that Boston Bruins lost. I just can’t believe it. First they give up a 3-0 lead in the series, and then they give up a 3-0 lead in Game 7 in one of the biggest fails in hockey history. I. Just. Can’t. Believe. It.
Anyway, while I’m still reeling from their loss, here’s a look at the Conference Finals.
The West
San Jose v Chicago Blackhawks
These two teams battled it out all through the season for the top two positions in the standings. Now, the no. 1 ranked Sharks are facing off against the no. 2 ranked Blackhawks to decide who’s the best in the West.
Game 1 has already been played, and Chicago is off to a great start with a 2-1 victory. It was a close game in which both teams played fantastic defense. San Jose started things off with a goal on the power play by Jason Demers. Chicago tied it up in the second period with a shot from Patrick Sharp and finished it off with a goal from Dustin Byfuglien in the third.
Chicago racked up 10 minutes in penalties, which isn’t going to bode well if the Sharks can figure out how to take advantage of those power plays. Though, credit must be given to the Blackhawks’ ability to kill the 5 on 4 advantage, as they only allowed one goal though the entire game. Goalie Antti Niemi was a big part of their Game 1 success as he made an impressive 45 saves. In fact, if not for his exceptional performance, the result could have been very different as the Sharks outshot the ‘Hawks 46 to 40.
As mentioned, San Jose will need to figure out a way to take advantage of the power play as they were given ample opportunity with the man advantage in this game. If they can do that, a win in this series is highly likely. Their game is much more consistent than Chicago with a talented offense led by Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton. They’re also sporting a very solid backline led by Dan Boyle. Maybe they’ve found their feet again since their break, and Game 2 will see a much more aggressive San Jose squad in the Shark Tank.
Keep checking BetUS to put down a wager on the upcoming Game 2 at San Jose.
The East
Montreal Canadiens v Philadelphia Flyers
This series is one for the underdogs as both of these teams were supposed to have taken their walking papers in round one.
Game 1 is done and dusted between these two teams, and Philadelphia killed it with a 6-0 shutout to take the series lead. Montreal looked like an eighth seeded team rather than the miracle team that has been slaying giants throughout these NHL playoffs.
Both offensive lines were pretty evenly matched in this one. Philly managed 25 shots on goal while Montreal had 28. Philadelphia was able to capitalize more on the power play, putting away 2 goals with the one-man advantage. Montreal didn’t get any. It looks like the key in this one was defense. It all came down to the goalies, and unfortunately, tonight was not Jaroslav Halak’s night. He was replaced by Chris Price midway through the game. But, the damage was done as Philly was up 4-0. On the other side of the ice, Michael Leighton continues to do a fantastic job minding the Philly net.
If the Canadiens want to catch up in Game 2, they offense is going to have to step it up. Michael Cammalleri has been a fantastic leader throughout these playoffs, but he was largely quiet through Game 1. They’re missing Andrei Markov, which could help explain their shoddy defense through this game. They’ll need to figure out a way to fill in that massive hole because they can’t count on their goalie to win every game for them.
The puck drops on Game 2 on Tuesday, May 18 in Philly. Keep checking BetUS for all of the most up-to-date odds on this series matchup. Remember that BetUS is also offering plenty of other lines on the Stanley Cup Playoffs. These include:
Will a Canadian team win the Stanley Cup?
Yes: 8/1
No: 1/15
To Win the Stanley Cup:
Chicago Blackhawks: 2/1
Montreal Canadiens: 33/1
San Jose Sharks: 2/1
Philadelphia Flyers: 65/1
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