This is a 10* GAME OF THE YEAR on the Anaheim Ducks.

These are two really good teams and it wouldn't be hard to write a convincing argument for either to win this game, but for a number of different solid common sense reasons, I think we're getting excellent value on the home side in the opener of the Western Conference finals. Both teams are loaded top to bottom with talent, but the Ducks are hungrier. Chicago has the overall experience obviously and while that will play a factor for sure as this series progresses, it won't be one tonight. These teams are both rested, emotions and adrenalin make any "experience" advantage a moot point in Game 1. Coming into this series and before a game has even been played, I will give the Ducks the slight nod in net, 6-foot-4 Frederik Andersen has been solid all year, while Chicago's goaltending has been a bit more tenuous, Corey Crawford would temporarily lose his job this spring to Scott Darling. One other factor to keep in mind is injuries, Anaheim is at 100%, while Chicago will be playing without defenseman Michal Rozsival, who broke his ankle. The Hawks took two of three from the Ducks in the regular season (both in Anaheim), but that just adds fuel to the fire for the home side, note that Anaheim is 18-12 (+4.1 units) in revenging a loss vs. an opponent this season. Home ice advantage, hunger, slight goaltending nod, revenge factor, injuries. As mentioned off the top, these two teams are very evenly matched, but these small external factors (coupled with what I feel is a pretty fair price) which I just listed will prove to be the difference in the outcome of Game 1. Play on ANAHEIM.

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