Predators vs Blackhawks Picks – Blackhawks Will Keep Predators From Second Round
The Nasvhille Predators have never been to the second round of the NHL playoffs and they won’t be finding new firsts in the 2010 playoffs. The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the best teams in the West, they are built for the playoffs and they are focused on succeeding where they failed last year, which was the Conference Finals.
The Story
The Blackhawks fell just one point short of the top spot in the West but online betting cappers shouldn’t fret for them. They may actually prefer to face Nashville since it means less traveling for them. The Blackhawks are hot heading into the playoffs and are on the heels of one of their best seasons in franchise history. They have to do well in the playoffs to stamp the signature, though.
For Nashville, they are still hoping to get out of the first round. This team seems a bit weaker than some of their other entries, so it’s hard to see it happening against such a tough Blackhawks squad.
Who Has The Edge On Offense: Predators Or Blackhawks?
The Predators got full 82-game seasons from Steve Sullivan and David Legwand, but their offense still doesn’t have too much bite. Nashville is just 18th in the NHL in goals per game and they’ll need more than that against the Blackhawks.
Sportsbook odds makers know that the Blackhawks have plenty of snipers with Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa. Overall, the Blackhawks had six 20+ goal scorers.
The problem for Nashville is they’ll need other sources for points – such as special teams – but they have the short end of the stick there.
The Predators are a lowly 24th on the power play and 28th on the penalty kill. The Hawks were fourth on the penalty kill and 16th on the power play, so they have the edge in both categories.
Edge: BlackhawksWho Has The Edge On Defense/Goaltending: Predators Or Blackhawks?
If there is one lingering question about the Blackhawks for NHL betting purposes, it is their goaltending. Antti Niemmi did finish with the fourth-best goals against average this year but he doesn’t have any playoff experience, which leaves the Blackhawks vulnerable.
The good news for the Blackhawks – at least in the first round – is that they are facing a team with an inexperienced goaltender themselves. Pekka Rinne has dazzled at times in the regular season but he may have to carry his team through this first round and that’s not a given.
On the blue line, both teams are solid but the Blackhawks have the edge. Their unit is not only more talented, but more versatile.
Edge: BlackhawksWho Has The Edge In Experience?
The Predators have never been past the first round yet the young Blackhawks made it to the conference finals last year. That’s a huge difference.
The Blackhawks feel the sting from last year but still are well aware of what level they have to play at to succeed. Meanwhile, the Predators have never even been to that point so they are just going to give it their all and hope for the best.
The Blackhawks have a clear edge in this category as well.
Edge: BlackhawksWho Will Win The Predators vs Blackhawks Series?
Sports betting fans will see the Blackhawks advance. The Predators are a decent team but they are just too vanilla overall. They are good everywhere but they aren’t overwhelming strong in one area and when it comes to the playoffs, you have to have some sturdy strong points to advance and the Preds just don’t have it.
