NHL: Ducks vs Blackhawks

Tonight is game five of the NHL semi-final series between the Western Conference top seed Anaheim Ducks and the Chicago Blackhawks.

The series is tied at two games apiece with both Blackhawks’ wins coming in overtime games which totaled 5 overtime periods.

I predict the series will go to a seventh game on Saturday night.

Speaking of five, this is the third Chicago vs Anaheim major sports league semi-final and all were contested in a year ending in “5.”

In 1985, the Chicago Bears eased vs the L.A. Rams, whose home was in Anaheim in the NFC title game/NFL semi final. The Bears went on to devour the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.

In 2005, the Chicago White Sox defeated the Angels, who played and still play in Anaheim, in the ALCS/ major league baseball semi-final.

The White Sox then swept the Houston Astros, winning 4 close games, to win their first World Series in 88 years, a year after the Boston Red Sox ended an 86 year title drought.