Apparently, hockey fans are so blessed that they’re going to see two Game 7’s to end the NHL’s conference final round. That was ascertained after the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Anaheim Ducks, 5-2, in Game 6 of their Western Conference Final series.
Before this series began, several experts laid out their own predictions as to how this series would conclude. Most of them expected a tight series, one that will end in a Game 7. With that said, let’s look back and see which team these hockey savants picked to win Game 7.
[sc:NHLArticles ]Chicago Blackhawks vs. Anaheim Ducks Game 7 Expert Picks and Predictions
Series Scores & Schedule
Game 1 – Chicago Blackhawks 1 at Anaheim Ducks 4
Game 2 – Chicago Blackhawks 3 at Anaheim Ducks 2 (3OT)
Game 3 – Anaheim Ducks 2 at Chicago Blackhawks 1
Game 4 – Anaheim Ducks 4 at Chicago Blackhawks 5 (2OT)
Game 5 – Chicago Blackhawks 4 at Anaheim Ducks 5 (OT)
Game 6 – Anaheim Ducks 2 at Chicago Blackhawks 5
Game 7 – May 30, 8:00 PM ET – Chicago Blackhawks (+115) at Anaheim Ducks (-135); total: 5.0 – view all Stanley Cup lines
ESPN
| Expert | Game 7 Pick |
|---|---|
| Scott Burnside | Ducks |
[sc:NHL240 ]For ESPN Scott Burnside, he believed that the Ducks’ blue line would be a tremendous advantage for Anaheim. Through six games of this series, the Ducks have used their blue line’s decided size advantage over Chicago to rough up the Blackhawks. In fact, the Ducks have outhit Chicago in each of the last six games. Burnside also stated that he liked Anaheim’s “balance up front” before selecting the Ducks to win in seven games.
USA Today
| Expert | Game 7 Pick |
|---|---|
| Kevin Allen | Blackhawks |
Kevin Allen of USA Today, meanwhile, was awed by the Ducks’ centers, whom he thought were hard to deal with for any opposing team. He also noted that the Ducks have “improved defensively.” That being said, he pointed out that the Blackhawks own the postseason. Two Stanley Cup championships by Chicago since 2010 had seemingly swayed Allen into picking the Blackhawks to win in seven games of this series. He also said that Duncan Keith would be a Conn Smythe candidate if Chicago advances into the final. Keith is undoubtedly playing in Conn Smythe level in this series as he has six assists and a plus-minus rating of +1 through six games of the Western Conference Final. Overall, Keith has two goals, 14 assists, and a +11 thus far these playoffs.
NESN
| Expert | Game 7 Pick |
|---|---|
| Nicholas Goss | Ducks |
Over at NESN, hockey expert Nicholas Goss predicted that the Ducks would win in seven games against Chicago. Among the reasons why he picked Anaheim to win the series was the amazing play of Ryan Kesler. According to Goss, “Kesler has provided the depth and scoring from the No. 2 center role that was lacking in Anaheim’s playoff run last season.” So far in the Western Conference Final, Kesler has been playing great on both ends of the ice. He has a total of 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 15 games thus far this postseason.
Top Bet
| Expert | Game 7 Pick |
|---|---|
| Top Bet | Ducks |
While most major media outlets have yet to release their updated Game 7 picks, we here at Top Bet have released one right after Chicago’s win Wednesday night. With the Ducks playing at home, we believe that they must find the back of the net first. The winning team of each game of this series has been the one to score first. It is one trend Anaheim must keep in mind to play aggressive early in the game. All told, we see the Ducks winning Game 7 by a score of 4-2.
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