The Anaheim Ducks have been somewhat devalued in these playoffs because they were only able to beat the likes of Winnipeg Jets and the Calgary Flames on their way to the conference final. But by taking a 3-2 series lead against legitimate title contenders in the Chicago Blackhawks, no one’s questioning the Ducks now.
Chicago is still smarting from the bitter series loss of the Bulls at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Playoffs. Is Windy City about to witness another Chicago team being eliminated in the playoffs? Or will Jonathan Toews and company force a winner-take-all Game 7?
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Anaheim Ducks vs. Chicago Blackhawks Game 6 Preview
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
Betting on the Anaheim Ducks
[sc:NHL240 ]A fast start and a terrific finish were all the Ducks needed to win Game 5, 5-4. Up 3-0 in the first period, the Ducks saw their lead evaporate as Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews scored two goals in the third period to force overtime. Fortunately for the Ducks, their second line came to the rescue as Matt Beleskey scored 45 seconds into extra time to give Anaheim a 3-2 series lead.
Beleskey has now scored in two-straight games, having found the back of the net also in Game 4. He now has seven goals thus far in these playoffs, just two goals short of Corey Perry’s team-leading nine goals. Ryan Kesler, meanwhile, has also scored in each of the Ducks’ last two games. Apart from scoring, Kesler is also doing a magnificent job of giving his team added possessions. So far in these playoffs, Kesler is second in the team in goals (6) and in faceoff win percentage (59.6). With Beleskey and Kesler seemingly on a groove, the Ducks’ second line will enter Game 6 as a more dangerous unit.
That spells trouble for the Blackhawks, who are already having a tough time dealing with Anaheim’s top line. Patrick Maroon, Ryan Getzlaf, and Perry have combined for six goals and seven assists thus far in the conference final.
Frederik Andersen, meanwhile, was a beneficiary of the Ducks’ prolific offense in Game 4. Andersen wasn’t at his best in that game, as he allowed four goals on just 28 shots faced. Andersen will look to bounce back from that pedestrian performance at United Center on Wednesday. The Ducks are 7-3 in Andersen’s last 10 road starts.
Despite Jonathan Toews heroics in Game 5, the Blackhawks ultimately fell short of their goal of taking a crucial 3-2 series lead. With their backs now against the wall, the Blackhawks eye to avoid elimination at home, where they are 7-3 in their last 10 games.
Toews’ pair of goals in Game 5 has raised his playoff total to nine goals. He now has a team-leading 16 points this postseason, and will undoubtedly be the man to watch for Chicago come Game 6. Apart from Toews, the Blackhawks will also be counting on Patrick Kane to deliver on Wednesday. After all, Kane has scored in each of the Blackhawks’ last five home games. Thus far in these playoffs, Kane has scored six of his nine goals at home.
With Anaheim playing rough hockey—Ducks have outhit Chicago in this series, 261-181—the Blackhawks can expect power play opportunities to come on Wednesday. With that said, the Blackhawks must be able to maximize their chances on the man advantage. The Blackhawks went 1-for-4 on the power play in their last home game, a 5-4 overtime win in Game 4.
The Blackhawks, however, will have to find their defensive moxie if they are to prolong their season. Chicago, which allowed just 2.3 goals per game back in the regular season, has now surrendered nine goals over the last two games. Corey Crawford has slipped up during that stretch, as he gave up all those goals on 79 shots faced. But with the Blackhawks facing elimination, expect coach Joel Quenneville to stick with Crawford rather than start rookie goalie, Scott Darling.
Crawford is 7-4 with a 2.57 GAA and .917 SV% in 11 starts this postseason.
