NHL Hockey – Stanley Cup Finals Free Predictions: Flyers vs. Blackhawks – Game 1
Hockey Gambling fans sure are getting their money’s worth from the free nhl picks for the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals we give out here at Capperspicks.com.
Team Records:
Philadelphia: 41-35-6
Chicago: 52-22-8
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Series Tied 0-0
Sportsbook odds:
Flyers: +170 +1.5 (-175) Over 5.5 (-120)
Blackhawks:-200 -1.5 (+155) Under 5.5 (even)
Flyers vs. Blackhawks Game One Preview
Game 1 is finally here. Who is going to come out and establish themselves early in this series? Both teams are playing their best hockey of the playoffs, both are solid up the middle with Toews and Richards leading their teams, both have incredible young snipers – Kane and Carter, secondary scoring, a rock on defense – Keith/Pronger, and a previously unproven goalie – Niemi/Leighton.
The Philadelphia Flyers offensive game has been good in the playoffs but they still haven’t had their full complement of talent at full strength yet.
Jeff Carter should be pretty good after a couple of games back and a couple of days off while Ian Laperriere should be fine as well. They are two huge additions to the lineup. The Flyers had a top 10 offense all season and their power play ranked third.
All told, the Flyers should be a good test for the Chicago defense.
The Flyers defense is pretty good itself. Chris Pronger, Kimmo Timonen, Bradon Coburn and Matt Carle have gelled into one of the best four man crews in the NHL.
They will have their hands full for sure but if they can somehow even slow down the Hawks lineup, they will be the story of the Final – period!
The Chicago Blackhawks’ have arguably the most talented set of forwards in the NHL.
Any team that moves a talent like Marion Hossa to the second line has to be pretty good. Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Dustin Byfuglien have amassed 56 points -22G, 34A in the playoffs -22 goals in 16 games! Patrick Sharp, Marion Hossa and Kris Versteeg have been huge as well.
Dave Bolland is the type of shut down center that is the envy of every NHL team.
The Hawks’ defense is as advertised. Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are as steady as they come and the second unit of Brian Campbell and an emerging Niklas Hjarlmarsson are not so bad themselves.
All told, both teams have tools. Game 1 should be interesting indeed.
Although Philadelphia has been better in the playoffs, they were ranked 20th on the road during the regular season. Chicago was ranked third at home and despite some early playoff home hiccups, they have continued their dominance at United Center.
I like the Hawks to ride the wave of emotion in Chicago and pull out a highly contested game 1.
NHL Betting Trends:
Philadelphia is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia’s last 6 games
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Game 1 Pick: Chicago Blackhawks
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