2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Western Conference Semifinals Picks: Detroit Red Wings vs Chicago Blackhawks Odds and Predictions

2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Western Conference Semifinals Picks: Detroit Red Wings vs Chicago Blackhawks Odds and Predictions: The 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs have been drama-filled and unpredictable thus far, especially in the Western Conference where just one of the top-four seeds advanced to the semifinals. However, that one team was the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks, and the winners of the President’s Trophy will take on the seventh-seeded Detroit Red Wings. As if playing for a spot in the conference finals wasn’t enough, the series is also a battle between two long-time rivals and members of the “Original 6” of the NHL so there the intensity level should be high.

Normally one of the favorites, Detroit needed a late-season surge just make the playoffs, and the Red Wings followed that up with come-from-behind win over the Anaheim Ducks in seven games in the first round. The secret to the Red Wings’ sudden success has been the play of veterans Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. After leading the team in assists and goal, respectively, during the regular season, they led the team with eight and seven points against the Ducks. A now-healthy group of blueliners has also helped, but goalie Jimmy Howard remains inconsistent between the pipes. Still, Detroit’s veteran leaders haven’t let this team die yet, and their knack for scoring big goals is undeniable.

The Blackhawks have been a juggernaut on both ends of the ice all year, and it continued in the first round. After allowing the fewest goals and scoring the second most during the regular season, the Blackhawks outscored the Minnesota Wild 17-7 and dispatched the No. 8 seed in five games. Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews comprise the core of the powerful offense, and a stout group of defensemen protect goalie Corey Crawford. For his part, Crawford was brilliant in the opening round, posting a 1.32 goals against average. Plain and simple, Chicago has been the best team in the NHL from the moment the lockout-shortened season began.

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The Red Wings Win If:

One of the few advantages the Red Wings have in this series comes in the form of playoff experience, and if they want to upset the top seed, they need to exploit it. It starts with Datsyuk and Zetterberg, and the Red Wings have to continue scoring timely goals in big spots. In net, Howard definitely has to be on his game more than off it, but if he has saved a few of his brilliant performances for this series, he could frustrate the young Chicago scorers. At the end of the day, Detroit can win this series by keeping the games close and by scoring the momentum-swinging goals that will keep the pressure favored Blackhawks. From there, the Red Wings’ poise under pressure could allow them to tip the scales in their favor.

The Blackhawks Win If:

Chicago has the edge in talent and depth on both ends of the ice, but it won’t mean a thing if the Blackhawks don’t take advantage of it. Offensively, Chicago needs to stay in attack mode and force Howard to prove that he can provide consistent goaltending for an entire game and for an entire series. More importantly, the Blackhawks can’t get careless with the puck and provide the Red Wings with easy scoring opportunities. On the defensive end, Crawford needs to continue take care of business in net. Prior to this season, he had never played like an elite goaltender for long stretches, and he can’t let the pressure of the playoffs shake his focus. As long as the Blackhawks don’t let the pressure that comes with playing one of their bitter rivals on a big stage change what they have been doing all year, their edge in firepower and depth should win out.

Bottom Line:

There have been plenty of President’s Trophy winners that have taken their success for granted and been bounced in the postseason, but the Blackhawks certainly didn’t look like one of those teams in the first round. Not to mention the fact that playing a rival like Detroit should only serve as extra motivation to stay focused. More importantly, Chicago has a massive edge in firepower on the offensive end, and while an argument can be made that Crawford has been playing above his head so to speak, it’s not like Howard has ever been a guy that can carry a franchise for long stretches. Don’t get me wrong, the Red Wings have enough playoff-tested veterans to handle the pressure of the situation and have been thriving with their backs against the wall all season. Expect Detroit to make the Blackhawks work and even grind out a couple of wins, but in the end, Chicago is the more talented team on both ends of the ice and will emerge from the series.

Prediction: Chicago Blackhawks Win in 6 Games

Detroit Red Wings vs Chicago Blackhawks Series Price
Detroit Red Wings +240
Chicago Blackhawks -280

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