NHL Western Conference Final Preview

NHL betting dives deep into the playoff schedule when the Chicago Blackhawks take on the San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference final. Here's an inside look at Game 1, which goes at HP Pavilion this weekend.

Chicago Blackhawks at San Jose Sharks

While the Eastern Conference playoff picture has been anything but predictable, the Western Conference has played out as planned. The top two seeds in the West meet up for a chance at the Stanley Cup. 

With the Sharks edging the Blackhawks by one point in the regular season (113-112), they get to host the first two games of the series and hold home-ice advantage in the third round of the playoffs.

San Jose is putting to rest the talks of a playoff curse after running over the Detroit Red Wings in five games in the conference semifinals. The Sharks' deep roster was too much for the Red Wings to handle, taking the first three games of the series before surrendering seven goals in Game 4. San Jose rebounded from that with a 2-1 victory in Game 5 to punch its ticket to the next round.

While the Sharks have one of the most dangerous lines in hockey with Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley, and Patrick Marleau, it has been their role players who have made the difference. Center Joe Pavelski has been a scoring dynamo this postseason, registering nine goals and six assists. Defenseman Dan Boyle has also given the team some offensive pop from the blueline, posting nine points in the playoffs.

Chicago bullied its way to the conference final with a series win over the Vancouver Canucks. The Blackhawks' talented and bruising frontline caused havoc in the Vancouver end, taking the series in six games. Chicago outscored its opponent 23-17 for the series including a 5-1 win to clinch the set in Game 6.

The Blackhawks play a very similar style as San Jose, capitalizing on the speed and skill of forwards like Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Sharp. They also have some grinders stepping up in the postseason, with players like defenseman Brent Seabrook, Dave Bolland, and Dustin Byfuglien making a difference.