7* Friday NHL SJ/CHI

San Jose vs. Chicago, 02/15/2013 20:30 EDT, Score: 1 - 4

Total: -116/+5½ Under

Sportsbook: BETONLINE

Result: Win

San Jose & Chicago under 5.5

The Chicago Blackhawks host the San Jose Sharks on Friday. Chicago is coming off a 3-2 shootout loss to Anaheim, while San Jose dropped their last game to Nashville in overtime, 1-0.

The San Jose offense was white-hot out of the gates, propelling the team to the top of the Western Conference standings. As we noted in earlier postings, the Shark power play was converting at an unusually high rate and was due for a sharp decline.

That is exactly what has happened as the Sharks have scored on only two of 29 power play opportunities in their last six games. Their offense has fallen off without those power play markers, as they've scored only six times in those six games.

Sharks goaltender Antti Niemi has posted a .914 save percentage against his former club, and a 1.65 GAA on the road this season.

The schedule-makers dealt the Blackhawks a raw deal as they were forced to play 10 of their first 12 games on the road. They were able to weather that storm, and now get to enjoy an extended homestand.

No one has enjoyed the home cooking as much as goaltender Corey Crawford, who has posted a 1.60 GAA and a .947 save percentage at the United Center this season.

Dating back to last season, the Blackhawks have played under the total in each of their last six home games, while San Jose has played under the total in eight of their last 10 games overall. Take the UNDER.

Good Luck, Razor Ray

7* Play on San Jose & Chicago u5.5 -116