Sharks-Predators Is Cheapest Conference Semifinal Game 7 in Last Six Years

Has your thirst for playoff hockey been quenched yet? If not, take a seat and rehydrate - two Game 7s are on the menu to cap the Conference Semifinal round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators will all go the distance in their respective series through the end of the week, and fans will be bring the noise to American Airlines Center and SAP Center in hopes of willing their teams to victory.

It appears that Sharks and Predators fans will be keeping their wallets considerably fatter during their respective Game 7 on Thursday night, however. According to TicketIQ, the average resale price for San Jose Sharks tickets against the Predators is $171.22, 43.1% cheaper on average than that of the Stars-Blues game. If looking to just get past the gates at the Tank, the get-in price is currently $93 for seats in Section 211.

As it stands now, Wednesday's contest between the Stars and Blues will be the more expensive Game 7 on the secondary market. Dallas Stars tickets at American Airlines Arena for the deciding Game 7 against the Blues are now averaging $301.11. The cheapest ticket is currently listed from $116 in Section 332.

While the above numbers illustrate conflicting ticket demand in Dallas and the Bay Area, it is interesting to compare this year's two Conference Semifinal Game 7s to those of years past. The NHL is no stranger to do-or-die Game 7s in recent memory. Since 2011, 31 have been played across all four rounds, with 10 of those games coming in the Conference Semifinals. Interestingly enough, this year's games are among the cheapest Conference Semifinal Game 7s of the last six years.

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As seen in the data above, the Stars and Blues will play in the third cheapest Conference Semifinal Game 7 on average since 2011. The Sharks and Predators serve as the lowest Conference Semifinal Game 7 on average in the last six years. So what does that mean for fans? This year's games are setting record lows in terms of resale ticket price, so being on hand won't necessarily break the bank for those hoping to attend.

The Stars have played four Game 7s in their history and enter Wednesday's matchup with the Blues with a 2-2 record in those games. The Blues have had significantly more experience in decisive game of the series, playing 14 Game 7s dating back to 1968. In nine previous do-or-die playoff Game 7s, the Sharks have gone 5-4 since the 1993-94 season. The Predators have certainly gotten their fair dose of going the distance this season - the franchise will play its second straight Game 7 of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the only two its ever participated in.