|
 Anaheim fell to Detroit in a 2013 first-round matchup that was
eerily similar to this series, as it alternated wins and losses over
the first six contests in the exact same way before suffering a 3-2
defeat at home in Game 7. Last postseason, the Ducks also held a 3-2
lead over the Kings in the conference semifinals before dropping
Game 6 in Los Angeles and Game 7 at Honda Center. Chicago came up
short in Game 7 of the conference final last year, succumbing to the
Kings at home after bouncing back from a 3-1 series deficit. The
Blackhawks are seeking their third Stanley Cup final appearance in
six years while the Ducks are attempting to reach the final round
for the second time in franchise history.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBC, CBC, TVA
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS: It would be no surprise if Patrick Sharp
scored a goal Saturday, as the veteran has tallied at least once in
each of his last 19 playoff series. However, the 33-year-old has yet
to get a shot past Frederik Andersen in this matchup, notching only
three assists. Chicago would like to see a few other players record
a goal in Game 7, as it is 15-0 in the playoffs when Marian Hossa
tallies, 9-0 when Andrew Shaw scores and 6-0 when Marcus Kruger
beats the opposing goaltender.
ABOUT THE DUCKS: Ryan Getzlaf, who leads the league with 17 playoff
assists, did what most captains would do and accepted the blame for
Anaheim's loss in Game 6. "I thought the tension was there a little
bit. It started with me," Getzlaf said. "That's on me. I've got to
be better and calm our group down as we go." Another member of the
Ducks who will have to be better is Andersen, who has allowed at
least four goals in each of the last three games (two losses) after
yielding more than two only three times in his first 12 postseason
contests.
[to top of second column] |
OVERTIME
1. The road team is 23-21 in Game 7s since 2005, including a 6-1
mark last postseason.
2. Chicago C Brad Richards is 7-0 in Game 7s in his career, with six
of the victories ending with a 2-1 score. The former Conn Smythe
Trophy winner netted the winning goal in the New York Rangers'
seventh-game triumph over Pittsburgh last postseason.
3. Anaheim's Bruce Boudreau is 1-5 in Game 7s at home during his NHL
coaching career.
PREDICTION: Blackhawks 3, Ducks 2
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
