The Detroit Red Wings find themselves somewhere they haven’t been in years, down 1-2 in the playoffs to the Anaheim Ducks in the Western Conference Semi-finals. Tonight, May 7, the Wings must take control against the defending Stanley Cup Champs to avoid a 1-3 series deficit. NHL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Red Wings as -150 moneyline road favs over the Ducks (+130) with the over/under posted at 5.5 goals. Be sure to get your 2009 NHL Playoffs Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com
The Wings got ripped off about having the apparent game-tying goal with 64 seconds left waved off because of an early whistle. Despite the loss the Wings aren’t going down without a fight. Detroit hasn't lost three straight playoff games since 2007 when the Ducks did it to them in the conference finals en route to their Cup championship. The keys to their success? "We have stay out of the penalty box early on against them and we have to get our legs going early in the game," Detroit captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. "They've had some power plays early on that have given them some momentum, whether they score or not." Their penalty kill allowed one goal on four kills and they’ve given up a total four power play goals to the Ducks. They are scoring as many power play goals as they are letting in on their penalty kill. Goalie Chris Osgood has been average with a 5-2 playoff record a 2.01 GAA after allowing 15 goals, with one shutout. Detroit is trying to become the first NHL team to repeat as Cup champion since the Red Wings did it in 1998. The Wings have outshot the Ducks 80-34 in the third period and in overtime.
The Ducks swept Detroit in a first-round series in 2003 and their building confidence with each and every win. Especially after their first-round elimination of the Presidents' Trophy-winning San Jose Sharks. Rookie goaltender Jonas Hiller has been outstanding with a 6-2 playoff record and a 1.78 GAA after allowing 17 goals. He also has two shutouts in his first round win over the Sharks. On a bad note the Ducks could be without defenseman James Wisniewski. The defenseman was hospitalized Tuesday night because of a bruised lung. Wisniewski was struck in the chest by Pavel Datsyuk's slap shot during the second period and was taken off the ice on a stretcher. "He stepped in and played an important role for the team since he got here," said Ducks captain Scott Niedermayer, who will likely increase his already heavy workload if Wisniewski sits out. "He was a guy who was out killing penalties and on the power play. He plays in all situations." Anaheim could add a young defenseman to their lineup, such as Brendan Mikkelson, Brett Festerling or Brian Salcido. Veteran Bret Hedican remains sidelined with a back injury. It’s going to be a hard hitting dirty game with lots of penalties.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Anaheim.
- Home team is 37-17-2 in the last 56 meetings.
- Under is 27-13-5 in the last 45 meetings.
- Red Wings are 4-12-1 in the last 17 meetings in Anaheim.
- Red Wings are 5-1 in their last 6 playoff games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
- Red Wings are 9-2 in their last 11 games as a road favorite.
- Red Wings are 8-2 in their last 10 Conference Semifinals games.
2009 NHL Playoffs Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks
When: Thurs, May 7, 2009 10:30 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Red Wings -150
Point-Spreads.com 2009 NHL Playoffs Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks
The Bottom Line: The Wings have too much offense to lose three straight. They’ll need a good night from Osgood. Go Wings! Be sure to get your 2009 NHL Playoffs Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit
