NHL Betting Free Picks: San Jose @ Chicago
Added on May 21, 2010 by Jack Thurman in
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Sportsbooks offering one hockey betting opportunity for Friday, as the San Jose Sharks try to get back in their Western Conference Final series against the Chicago Blackhawks. Chicago won the first two games on the Sharks’ home ice, and now the series shifts to the United Center in Chicago for Games 3 and 4.
San Jose Sharks at Chicago Blackhawks
May 21, 5:05 PM Pacific
With all due respect to the Sharks’ regular season success, the Blackhawks caught a perfect matchup in the conference finals against San Jose. Heading into the playoffs, there was some concern that a physical, grinding team could cause trouble for Chicago. The Sharks, on the other hand, play a very similar style to the Hawks–only Chicago is younger, faster and arguably more talented. At this point, they have to be seen as the team with the best chance of capturing the Stanley Cup.
A Game 3 spot where a team goes on the road after losing the first two at home is one of the toughest in sports, and that’s very much the case for the Sharks here. We’re thinking the Blackhawks continue their winning ways, but we like the total in this game much more than the side play. When both teams are playing at their best, they’re scoring goals. Both have the personnel and the ability to win close checking defensive games, but as both sides have superior offensive talent when they’re really clicking on all cylinders they’re getting a lot of odd man rushes and scoring goals. Conversely, neither team really has the personnel to force the opponent into a physical battle. We’re going to play this game Over the total–if the Blackhawks continue to roll they’ll get goals, if the Sharks are able to be competitive they’ll get goals. San Jose has gone Over in 6 of their last 8, while Chicago has 6 Overs and 2 pushes in their last 10 games. Head to head, 6 of the last 8 meetings have gone Over the total. At a ‘pick’em’ price we’ll play this game to go Over 5′.
Play Chicago/San Jose Over 5′ -110
