Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vancouver Canucks Prediction, NHL Odds
Rick Tocchet will make his debut behind the Vancouver bench when the Canucks play host to the resurgent Chicago Blackhawks in Tuesday NHL action. Tocchet takes over the coaching reins after the club fired popular bench boss Bruce Boudreau in the wake of Saturday’s 4-2 loss to Edmonton that extended the Canucks’ current losing streak to three games. The Blackhawks open a three-game swing through Western Canada after falling 2-1 to the visiting Los Angeles Kings on Sunday, but shown renewed life while winning six of their past eight including victories in each of their past two road contests.
The Canucks hit the ice as betting favourites for the first time in 10 games, sporting short -238 odds, while the Blackhawks trail as lengthy +198 underdogs despite their recent success. The total has vaulted to 6.5 since opening at 6.0. However, the UNDER holds the edge as a -116 bet.
Blackhawks vs. Canucks NHL Betting Odds
Tuesday night’s matchup at Rogers Arena marks the first of three regular season meetings between these Western Conference rivals. The Canucks took two of three from Chicago last season, but dropped a 1-0 decision in their only date on home ice. Overall, Vancouver has taken 10 of 13 from the Blackhawks, and has limited Chicago to just one total goal in their past two clashes at Rogers Arena. Overall, the Blackhawks have scored just three total goals over their past four head-to-head dates, fueling a steady 4-0 run for the UNDER.
Chicago Blackhawks
After winning six of their previous seven contests, the Blackhawks slipped back into more familiar form in Sunday’s loss to the Kings, mustering just 19 shots on goal. That 2-1 defeat marked a big step for the Blackhawks offence, which had averaged 4.50 goals per game over their previous four outings. That begs the question as to which version of the Blackhawks will show up on Tuesday night, which will likely be determined by the performance of the club’s supporting cast. Indeed, it was the team’s role players that led the win in Saturday’s 5-3 victory in St. Louis. Former Canuck Jason Dickinson took the lead in that contest, opening the scoring with his fifth goal of the year and adding a pair of helpers. Journeyman Sam Lafferty also contributed a goal and an assist, and has now tallied three points in his past three road appearances. However, this club could really benefit from increased productions from veteran stars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, who have combined to score just one total goal over the past four games.
Vancouver Canucks
Rick Tocchet faces a daunting task as he gets set to make his debut behind the Canucks bench. The Canucks find themselves on the verge of freefall after losing 10 of their past 12, a run that featured the very public humiliation of former coach Bruce Boudreau by team management. The drama created by Boudreau’s slow-motion firing has taken its toll on this team. Vancouver has been outscored by a wide 13-5 margin during their current three-game slide, and have seen six o their 10 recent defeats come by multi-goal margins. Now sitting just eight points out of last place overall in the NHL standings, the Canucks have not been helped by increased rumblings from the trade rumour mill that have largely focused on Bo Horvat. The veteran centre has been held off the scoresheet in each of the past two games after enjoying a nine-game points streak during which he tallied four goals and six assists. Horvat’s mini swoon has not helped spark a Vancouver attack that has produced just three even strength goals during their three-game slide.
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