NHL Wednesday - Hawks @ Ducks

One team is reeling following a devastating the loss in a game it should have won, the other is reeling from a season that it probably could have performed much better. These teams meet Wednesday for a chance to turn it around, at least for 60 minutes. 

Chicago Blackhawks @ Anaheim Ducks

Wednesday March 17th – 9:00PM

Honda Center, Anaheim, California

Broadcast: WGN

NHL Betting Line: Chicago -145

The Chicago Blackhawks have a comfortable 13-point lead on the Nashville Predators in the Northwest division, and are only two points back of San Jose for first in the Western conference, but that doesn’t nearly take away the sting of Sunday’s loss to Washington. The Blackhawks led that game 3-0, and the Capitals’ were without leading scorer Alex Ovechkin. However, Chicago still found a way to lose, allowing four straight goals in a 4-3, overtime result. Anaheim has not been able to put much of a streak together down the stretch run, going one game below .500 over its past ten games. Currently in 13th place in the west, the Ducks are all but mathematically eliminated from postseason contention and are now playing to determine what to do to turn it around for next year. 

What The Blackhawks Will Have To Do To Win: 

Chicago is behind only Washington and Vancouver in goals for, but has allowed fewer goals against than both. The Blackhawks pride themselves in playing a complete game, and should be motivated to put together a more complete effort after falling apart against the Capitals on Sunday.  The key to this one will be finding a way to beat Ducks’ netminder Jonas Hiller. Chicago has lost two of the first three between these teams heading in to the finale, and scored just one goal in the defeats. The Blackhawks scored five goals in their lone win over Anaheim in early January, and will be looking to put consecutive heartbreaking losses behind them at the start of a four-game road trip. 

What The Ducks Will Have To Do To Win: 

Chicago is one of the few teams the Ducks have played well against this season, and now they will have a chance to win the season series against one of the top teams in the west. The Blackhawks are frustrated about the way they lost consecutive games, so it will be important for Anaheim to weather the storm early if Patrick Kane and company do come out flying. The Ducks had won 11 straight games at home before the Olympic break, but will have to find a way to get back to their winning ways at home without injured forwards Ryan Getlzaf and Teeemu Selanne, who are both expected to sit. 

Outlook and Pick: 

The Ducks will be handicapped even if the injured Getzlaf and Selanne dress, which will make a difficult task even tougher. Chicago has been one of the strongest and most complete teams all season, and will be as motivated as ever to tie this season series so not to fall too far behind the Sharks for first place in the conference. 

Pick: Chicago - 145