NHL Western Conference Finals Preview and Pick
By ARI BAUM-COHEN
Chicago Blackhawks (+115) vs. San Jose Sharks (-125)
Season Series: Chicago 3-1
The Sharks are trying to advance to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in franchise history. The Blackhawks last made it to the Cup finals in 1992 and are showing preliminary signs they could be the NHL’s next dynasty.
Size matters
The San Jose forward contingent has a combination of size, speed and skill that has worn opponents down.
“They have a big, strong group of forwards that can skate as well as some of their defensemen. They were first in our conference for a reason," Hawks defenseman Duncan Keith told NHL.com.
The Hawks may not boast the size of the Sharks, but they have the biggest player on the ice in Dustin Byfuglien.
The 6-3, 246 pound Byfuglien was an impact player in Chicago’s last series, getting under the skin of the Canucks. He scored six points in the series (including a hat trick) and spent time on Chicago’s top line with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
Boyle-ing down to defense
San Jose defenseman Dan Boyle (nine points in ten games) has shown strong leadership this postseason, demonstrating the resiliency that San Jose teams of the past have lacked.
The entire San Jose defense will be tested by Chicago’s balanced attack, but the Sharks blue-liners will be a much bigger challenge for the Hawks forwards than Vancouver’s depleted corps.
The Hawks’ shutdown pairing of Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook will have its hands full with San Jose’s top line of Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau. Keith, a Norris Trophy Candidate, has been scuffling this post-season (1 goal, 5 assists, -1 rating).
The key matchup in this series for the Hawks could be the second line pairing of Brian Campbell and Niklas Hjalmarsson against San Jose’s second line of Joe Pavelski, Devin Setoguchi and Ryane Clowe.
Pro Niemi, advantage Evgeni?
Antti Niemi has quieted critics this postseason, sporting a respectable 2.57 goals against average, and .909 save percentage despite facing the highest scoring team in the Western Conference (Vancouver).
Chicago’s rookie netminder has rebounded particularly well from losses in the playoffs, sporting a 4-0 record, 0.75 goals against average and earning two shutouts.
Evgeni Nabokov’s playoff numbers are similar to Niemi’s: a 2.43 goals against average and .907 save percentage.
Both goalies will be tested often in this series and both teams have been going over the total lately. The over is 5-1-2 in Chicago’s last 8 games while the Sharks have gone over the total in five of their last six games.
Home on the road
The Blackhawks have dropped only one game away from the United Center this postseason (4-1). Chicago has scored 22 goals in its last four road games.
The Hawks may even benefit from opening the series in San Jose.
"Starting on the road might be a good thing," Brouwer told reporters. "We have confidence on the road. We play a good tight road game and try not to give up too many opportunities."
San Jose has been playing inspired hockey since defenseman Dan Boyle scored in his own net in game three of the Colorado series. The Sharks have gone 7-1 since then, including 4-0 at home.
Prediction: Hawks take two out of four in San Jose and win in 7.