NHL
Mike Schultz
May 13, 2016

St. Louis Blues vs. San Jose Sharks Odds: 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Out of these two teams, both of whom have consistently dropped the ball in the playoffs, one will finally get a chance to exorcise their playoff demons and make it to the Stanley Cup Final. Neither the Blues nor the Sharks have ever won a Stanley Cup. The last time the Blues made it to the Final was 46 years ago, and they lost to the Bruins. The Sharks haven’t made it past this stage of the playoffs since 2004. This year, both the Sharks and the Blues had to face challenging opponents as they fought to get to the Western Conference Final, and that determination should result in a close, exciting series between these two teams in their battle for the Clarence Campbell Bowl.

Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final: St. Louis Blues vs. San Jose Sharks

Series Winner Odds: St. Louis Blues -135
Home Team Advantage: San Jose Sharks

St. Louis Blues

If the Blues beat the Sharks in this series, it will be in no small part due to goaltender Brian Elliott’s rock solid performance through the post season. Defensively, the Blues are going to face a powerhouse Sharks offence, but Alex Pietrangelo has been dynamite this season, making this a more even match-up. Something the Blues will have to make a solid plan for, if they intend to advance, is the Shark’s power play, which has been a real force throughout the playoffs. The Blues are the slight favorites in this series, currently set at -135, but barring some complete breakdown for the Sharks, it’ll be a grind for them to win the Western Conference Final.

San Jose Sharks

Could this be the year for Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture, Brent Burns and company? They are certainly playing with the intensity it takes to make sure it’s their year. Brent Burns has been astounding for the playoffs (he’s the playoff scoring leader, a true feat for a defenseman) and goaltender Martin Jones has been consistently good throughout the postseason. Offensively, this team is going to present a challenge to the Blues, but whether or not they can get past Tarasenko, Backes and of course Brian Elliot, will be more of a test than the Predators or the Kings gave this team.