Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues Odds – 2016 NHL Playoffs
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Mike Schultz
This is familiar territory for these two teams, who are facing each other in a repeat of the 2014 playoffs, when the Blues got off to a great start, winning the first two games only to drop four in a row to the Blackhawks. The Blues are coming into this series with a lot to prove and the need to overcome what seems like a history of missed opportunities in the post-season. Unfortunately for them, they need to do it against the defending Stanley Cup champions. Bet on St. Louis vs. Chicago in round one of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 1: Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues
Series Winner Odds: Blackhawks -122, Blues -114
Game Dates: 4/13 @ STL, 4/15 @ STL, 4/17 @ CHI, 4/19 @ CHI, *4/21 @ STL, *4/23 @ CHI, 4/25 @ STL
Home Team Advantage: St. Louis Blues
St. Louis Blues
The Blues had a 107 point season and they have plenty of ammo to make them formidable opponents. Goalie Brian Elliot finished the regular season as the NHL’s leader in save percentage at .930 and although he’s faltered in the post-season in past years, he may be primed to maintain his excellent performance into the playoffs. Another threat to the Blackhawks is Vladimir Tarasenko. Tarasenko is a machine in the playoffs, and poison for the Hawks, scoring five goals against them during the regular season – a season in which they finished 3-2-0 against the defending champs. Tarasenko’s playoff numbers are pretty incredible as well, with 10 goals scored in his last 12 playoff game appearances. Coach Ken Hitchcock spoke to the media about facing the defending champions right out of the gates, saying that they “might as well start at the top. They’re the only team in the league, quite frankly, with the knowledge of what it takes. We get first crack at them.”
Chicago Blackhawks
Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook were the top scorers in the 2014 series against the blues, and they’re all here again to try and repeat that outcome, even though Duncan Keith will miss the first game because of a suspension. Goalie Corey Crawford had a good season, but started to falter in the end after suffering an upper-body injury. The most exciting element of Chicago’s team this year is unarguably their second line. Rookie left wing Artemi Panarin has exploded in his first season and along with center Artem Anisimov and probable Hart Trophy winner Patrick Kane, they make up a fearsome second line. Kane led the League in scoring and Panarin led all rookies in goals, assists and points. Hopefully the power of this line will help inspire veterans Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa, who both had the worst seasons of their NHL careers.
Prediction: St. Louis Blues in 6