The Chicago Blackhawks face elimination when they welcome the Anaheim Ducks to United Center for Game 6 of the Western Conference Final. Chicago failed to grab a 3-2 series lead in Game 5, losing 5-4 just 45 seconds into overtime. But the Blackhawks can still even the series with a crucial Game 6 on home ice. Can the Blackhawks force Game 7? Or will the Ducks punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final?
Read on as a panel of experts sounds off with its picks. Don’t miss out on the enthralling Western Conference Final. Check out our complete preview for the Ducks vs. Blackhawks Game 6.
[sc:NHLArticles ]Experts Predictions for Anaheim Ducks vs. Chicago Blackhawks Game 6
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 – May 27, 8:00 PM ET – Anaheim Ducks (+120) at Chicago Blackhawks (-140); total: 5.0 – view all NHL lines
Game 7* – May 30, 8:00 PM ET – Chicago Blackhawks at Anaheim Ducks
*If necessary
Bleacher Report
| Expert | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Steve Silverman | Blackhawks 3-2 |
[sc:NHL240 ]Steve Silverman, a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, believes that Chicago’s star power will be too much for the Ducks to overcome in this crucial Game 6. The Blackhawks have Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and an excellent goalie in Corey Crawford on their side.
Toews, in particular, scored two goals in 72 seconds to send Game 5 to overtime. Meanwhile, Crawford has been solid between the pipes at United Center, going 4-1 with a 1.92 GAA and .935 save percentage this postseason.
The Ducks are the bigger and stronger team capable of giving Chicago a run for its money. Anaheim out-hit Chicago 101-75 in the past two games. But if the Ducks give up the first goal of Game 6, they won’t be able to recover, Silverman believes.
Covers
| Expert | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Covers | Blackhawks 5-2 |
Covers believes Chicago keeps its season alive with a convincing blowout victory in Game 6. But the Blackhawks will have a couple of things going against them. They have used their fifth and sixth defensemen sparingly in this series, which should account for some heavy legs on the blue line. Chicago is 0-4 in games following an overtime contest.
The Blackhawks will be in further trouble if Kane can’t get on the board. He has been kept off the score sheet in three of the five games in this series after notching at least a point in nine of his 10 contests in the first two rounds of the postseason. But Kane is too talented to remain quiet, so expect him to play a crucial role in this big Game 6.
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International Business Times
| Expert | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Greg Price | Blackhawks 3-1 |
Defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, Chicago’s top two blue liners, have been nothing short of amazing according to Greg Price of International Business Times. Keith has a positive-eight plus/minus this postseason, fifth in the playoffs, while Seabrook isn’t too far behind at positive-six.
Price also notes Crawford’s excellent game between the pipes, especially his 60 and 47 saves in Games 2 and 4 respectively. Toews has also stepped up his game. He leads the Blackhawks with 16 points (seven goals and nine assists) after netting three goals in Games 4 and 5. It was the first time Toews has scored in consecutive playoff games since last year’s first round matchup against St. Louis. Excellent defense and a star-studded offense led by Toews should help Chicago force Game 7.
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