The Coach's NHL CHI@ANA Game 1 ANNIHILATOR
(NHL) Chicago vs. Anaheim, 05/17/2015 11:00 AM, Score: 1 - 4
Point Spread: 1.50 | -245.00 Chicago (Away)
Result: Loss
The Anaheim Ducks will host the Chicago Blackhawks for the opener of 2015's Western Conference finals. Both teams have impressed so far in the playoffs with the Ducks winning all but one game and the Blackhawks suffering just two defeats. This is a contest to close to call and I like the visitors on the puck-line in a game very likely to go past regulation.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Chicago's Routine - The Blackhawks are in their fifth conference finals in seven seasons and will be looking for their third Stanley Cup title in six years. The core is still the same as when they won the cup in 2013 and if anyone knows what it takes to navigate through tough playoff games it's this Chicago team.

2. Road Warriors - The Blackhawks defeated the Ducks in both meetings at the Duck Pond during the regular season.

3. X-Factor - Corey Crawford started the playoffs in questionable form to say the least but stepped up big time in the semifinals against the Wild.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Blackhawks +1.5 (5*)