NHL Playoff Betting: Red Wings Take On Sharks

Detroit Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek will have to be sharp against Joe Thornton and the San Jose Sharks (AP Images)

Both the Sharks and Red Wings have had a few days to recover from their first-round battles.

In a surprisingly short series, San Jose took out Nashville in five games, winning three games over the Predators by a single goal. Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton led the charge for the Sharks in tallying six points apiece. Milan Mihalek chipped in with four goals, all even-strength markers.

Detroit got off to a smoking start against Calgary before the Flames battled back to make it interesting. The Red Wings’ clinching victory in double-overtime of Game 6 saw the road team win its first game of the series.

Detroit defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom will be key on both offense and defense. He stands second in playoff scoring with two goals and six assists and was also credited with shutting down Calgary’s Jarome Iginla. He’ll likely play a similar defensive role against Thornton, the league’s top assist man. While Thornton (6-4, 235 lbs.) has a decisive size advantage over Lidstrom (6-1, 188 lbs.), the Red Wings’ captain is a master at using his speed and stick to cut off passes.

With home-ice advantage, Detroit is favored to knock off San Jose, but don’t be surprised if it comes down to a seventh game to put that advantage to the test.

Check out the latest NHL futures at Bodog Sportsbook.