These teams are very close in terms of talent and depth. But the Blues deserve to be solid favorites in this Game 1 and not just because they are home. Each team has had ample time to plan and prepare. I like Blues coach Ken Hitchcock over Sharks coach Pete DeBoer. A coaching edge is especially important with extra preparation time.

I also favor the Blues goalie, Brian Elliott, above Martin Jones. Elliott has a .929 save percentage in the postseason, which is better than Jones.

The Blues have advanced by already knocking off two dynamic offensive clubs - the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks and the top-seeded Stars. St. Louis has the superior blueliners and the versatility, physical, heavy-hitting style and size to cause San Jose problems.

It's the Blues, not the Sharks, who rank first in the playoffs in goals and points. They also rank second in even-strength goal differential.

The Sharks were great on the road during the regular season at 28-10-2-1. But they have dropped their last two away games in the playoffs.