2011 NHL Playoffs Picks – Sharks at Kings Game 6 Odds and Predictions – Free NHL Picks 4-25-11

Free NHL Playoffs Picks and Odds: Game 6 San Jose Sharks at Los Angeles Kings Favorite, Moneyline, Total and Predictions 4/25/11: Jonathon Quicks 51 saves in game 5 were miraculous and he has given his team life in the opening round of their western conference battle with the San Jose Sharks. He single handily willed his hockey club to victory with his heart stopping performance, but will most likely need to duplicate that performance to push this series to game 7. The Kings relying to much on their backend and not investing as much time as they need to be on the defensive side of the puck. Of the 51 shots Quick faced in game 5, 20 – 25 of them were due to odd man advantages in the offensive zone for the Sharks and 5-10 of them could have been reflected by a commitment to block the puck. Often times we see clubs rely on their goaltenders to guide them through the spring season, but it often comes to burn them when it matters most. Quick is a fine young goaltender, but he is no Patrick Roy, and the Los Angeles Kings need to have a defense first mentality if they have another second round aspirations. Dustin Penner has lived up to his billing in the 5 games of the playoffs so far, he is parking his large frame in front of the Sharks net minder on a constant basis and he is leading the physical assault for the Kings. He was often times criticized in Edmonton for taking ‘off’ nights, but he has done anything but in this series.

The San Jose Sharks are in grave danger of having to deal with another game 7 outing. Game 7’s are by no means a forte of the Sharks postseason success. They have perennially come up short in their pursuit of Lord Stanley in game 7 action. To avert this type of scenario the Sharks are hinging their chances on a quick start to game 6, not all out of the question on the road in L.A. The Sharks did a terrific job of taking the Kings fans out of the game by playing a controlling, systematic, “boring” brand of hockey. They relied on this size and strength to play a dump and chase style of puck and they have little neutral zone room. Niemi will also have to perform at a much higher level for the series to end in the city of Angels. He departed early from game 5 after allowing three early game goals and it is quite apparent that his confidence is rattled.

The complimentary selection tonight is the San Jose Sharks(Check the latest NHL Odds at SBG Global Sportsbook) on the road in game 6. San Jose was dummied at home in game 5 by a over zealous and risk taking Kings club. Los Angeles had their defensemen pinch at inopportune moments and their skilled players were caught drifting at times. They took chances because they knew that their skill and speed were no match for the dainty Sharks. San Jose will most likely come out hitting in game 6 and they will need to rely on their size and strength to push them through. They took both games in L.A. already this series, so there is no reluctance for road play on the part of the Sharks. San Jose personnel and long-time players all know well about the ineptness in game 7’s so I expect the Sharks to pull all the strings tonight to avert any potential risk. We will consider the San Jose Sharks willing their way through to round 2 with a dominant performance tonight. Cheers!

Free Pick: San Jose Sharks -125(moneyline)
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