The San Jose Sharks are a very slight favorite at the sportsbook in the Western Conference Finals against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Sharks finished one point ahead of Chicago in the final regular season standings and that is why they have home ice advantage. San Jose is a -125 favorite at the Internet sportsbook to win the series against the Blackhawks.
Sportsbook odds will be very tight in this series since both teams are very evenly matched. The Sharks took out Detroit in the last round of the playoffs while Chicago beat Vancouver. The Blackhawks have played well on the road recently and they are confident of winning at San Jose. Chicago dominated Vancouver in Game 6 on the road, winning 5-1 to eliminate the Canucks. The Blackhawks are 4-1 on the road in the playoffs and have outscored opponents 26-14. “Obviously you have to have confidence,” Chicago’s Kris Versteeg said, “That’s how we have to play in the next series as well.”
The Blackhawks definitely don’t mind starting the Western Conference Finals on the road. “Starting on the road might be a good thing,” Chicago’s Troy Brouwer said. “We have confidence on the road. We play a good tight road game and try not to give up too many opportunities.” The Blackhawks are pleased with their road play but they realize they must do better at home against San Jose. “We like the way we play on the road but we’re disappointed in the way we play at home,” coach Joel Quenneville said.
The Sharks and Blackhawks played four times this season and two of the games went to overtime. The games could be just as tight in the playoffs and the sportsbook odds will be tight. “They were a point behind us in the standings and were good all year,” said San Jose’s Rob Blake, “They were in the conference finals last year. They are a team with a lot of motion and a lot of good young scorers.”
Chicago has a lot of balance as six players scored 20 or more goals this Internet sportsbook NHL season. The Blackhawks are definitely respected by San Jose. “They are a very good team, you don’t get to the final four without having a very talented group of players,” said Sharks Head Coach McLellan. “They are very well coached and are well prepared.”