The NHL conference semifinals are in full swing this week, and there are still two active series matchups around the league. Both Western Conference series have been decided, including a 4-0 sweep of the Minnesota Wild by the Chicago Blackhawks, and a 4-1 rout of the Calgary Flames by the Anaheim Ducks. The Eastern Conference looked to be following suit, as both the Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning were quick to record 3 series victories. However, the New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens are proving why they were two of the NHL’s top teams in the regular season by making the series closer. According to ScoreBig, the top-three games of the Eastern Conference’s second round are selling tickets at an average price of $557.15 on the secondary market.
05/13/15 Washington Capitals @ New York Rangers Game 7 | Average Price: $813.58| Get-in Price: $358.00
The series between the Capitals and Rangers has been one of runs. The Capitals gained momentum at the start of the series, jumping out to a 3-1 lead over the favored Blueshirts. Then, in Games 5 and 6, the offense for New York came alive, and the Rangers were able to best the Capitals twice with their backs against the wall. New York’s crucial victory in Game 6 has enabled them to send the series back to their home ice, largely off the backs of Derek Brassard and Henrik Lundqvist. Lundqvist has a 1.68 goals against per game average this postseason despite struggling earlier in the series. In addition, Brassard has been able to take the pressure off players such as Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis by netting 8 points. According to ScoreBig, the average price for this game is a whopping $813.58 on the secondary market, as New York Rangers tickets are consistently amongst the most expensive. Just to get into Madison Square Garden, it will cost around $358.00, which sounds like a lot, but still might be enticing for fans of the road team to get their Capitals tickets, in hopes of them prevailing.
05/12/15 Montreal Canadiens @ Tampa Bay Lightning Game 6 | Average Price: $240.01 | Get-in Price: $50.00
When the Lightning and the Canadiens square off this season, it is generally a great battle between offense and defense. Armed with superstar forward Steven Stamkos, the Lightning score 3.2 goals per game, which is the highest mark in the NHL. The Canadiens are one of the best defensive teams in the NHL, only allowing 2.2 goals per game, which is the least in the NHL. However, offense was proving to beat defense early in this series as the Lightning were able to take the first three games as a result of defensive breakdowns by PK Subban, Carey Price and the rest of the Canadiens defense. However, Price, the NHL’s best goaltender was able to corral the troops in Games 4 and 5 to save the series. According to ScoreBig, this is the least expensive playoff game in the second round this week. Lightning tickets are going for an average price of $240.01 on the secondary market, while it will cost fans $50 to get into Amalie Arena. They’re certainly hoping they can avoid a Game 7.
05/14/15 Tampa Bay Lightning @ Montreal Canadiens Game 7 (If Necessary) | Average Price: $507.32| Get-in Price: $162.00
If the Canadiens can play strong defensive hockey and top the Lightning in Game 6, they will send the series back to Montreal for Game 7 in the Centre Bell. If Carey Price turns in another strong performance like he has done so many times, the Canadiens can definitely pull it off. They also have to generate offense like they did in Game 4, as the Habs put 6 pucks in the net during that contest. If they are scoring at that feverish of a pace, they should be able to handle the high-flying offense of the Lightning. According to ScoreBig, if there is a Game 7, the average price of tickets will be $507.32 on the secondary market. Furthermore, it will only cost $162.00 to get into the Centre Bell, which is much less than Madison Square Garden.
