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Robbed of a chance to win Game 3, Sportsbook.com oddsmakers expect the Detroit Red Wings to head home with their Western Conference Semifinal tied 2-2.
Detroit currently trails the Anaheim Ducks 2-1 but they're listed as the -150 favorite for Thursday's Game 4 in Anaheim.
Sportsbook.com bettors are not only backing the Red Wings to the tune of 53% on the Money Line, they're also putting 75% of the Puck Line bets on the defending champs, according to early Betting Trends numbers.
"The Red Wings are a resilient team and it's hard to believe Anaheim will be able to grab a 3-1 series lead," said Sportsbook.com spokesman, Dave Staley. "Detroit is going to bring pressure all game after feeling like they were robbed in the final minute of Game 3."
Trailing 2-1 with the clock winding down on Tuesday night, Detroit thought they had tied the game when Marion Hossa put the puck in the net with just over a minute to play. The goal, however, was quickly waved off by referee Brad Watson as he had lost sight of the puck and was in the process of blowing the play dead.
While the puck went in the net before the whistle actually blew, the goal was disallowed as the referee intended to blow the whistle before the puck crossed the goal line.
Now, Detroit must find a way to get more pucks past Anaheim goaltender Jonas Hiller or they'll return home with their backs to the wall.
Hiller, with an amazing .955 save percentage, has been outstanding through the first two rounds of the playoffs and stopped 45 of 46 Detroit shots in Game 3, including all 18 shots fired his way in the third period. He stopped 59 of 62 shots in Game 2.
"It was obvious that Hiller was in the heads of the San Jose players in the first rounds and it could be happening to the Red Wings now too," said Staley. "Obviously bettors think he's bound to break down at some point."
The other interesting aspect for Game 4 is how heated the game is following the fireworks that ensued when the buzzer went to end Game 3. All players on the ice mixed it up and the bad blood between these teams is evident.
Who will win Game 4? Bet on all the NHL Playoff action right now at Sportsbook.com.
Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
