Canucks vs. Blackhawks Prediction: NHL Betting Odds
The Blackhawks are nowhere near the dynastic club they were in winning three Stanley Cups this decade, but they are entertaining to watch with a potent offence and very shaky goaltending. No team has had more games go over the total this season than Chicago, and it’s not even close.
If the Hawks were a better team, Patrick Kane would be a true contender to win a second Hart Trophy. He won’t win it but might be a finalist. Young Alex DeBrincat, 21, is a rising superstar. This club just needs help on the blueline in the worst way. Chicago has had two losing streaks of eight games this season.
Canucks vs Blackhawks Betting Analysis
Vancouver and Chicago have split two meetings, the Canucks prevailing 4-2 at home on Halloween and the Blackhawks winning 4-3 in overtime at home on Feb. 7. Jake Virtanen (2G, 1A) leads the Canucks with three in the series. Jacob Markstrom started both and has a 2.93 goals-against average and .902 save percentage. DeBrincat has two goals vs. the Canucks and Kane an assist. Collin Delia started the win in net and usual No. 1 Corey Crawford the loss.
The home team has won four of the past five in the series. The total has gone under in just one of the previous 11.
Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver played two 3-2 shootout games over the weekend, losing at home Friday to New Jersey and winning Sunday in Dallas. Markstrom was fantastic vs. the Stars with 46 saves plus all five in the shootout. Josh Leivo scored in the fourth round of the shootout for the Canucks.
Both Canucks regulation goals were in the first period and both by Tim Schaller – his first two of the season. He was the No. 1 star. Jay Beagle sat Friday due to illness but was back in there Sunday and had an assist. However, blueliner Chris Tanev was lost to the season after blocking a shot against the Devils. The Canucks have won just three of their past 16 in the second of a back-to-back.
Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago is making one last playoff push on a five-game winning streak, although it may be too late. The Hawks were 2-0 winners in Montreal on Saturday. Crawford, a Montreal native, stopped 48 shots (career high in regular season) for his second shutout of the season, and he was the clear-cut No. 1 star. Connor Murphy (fourth of season) and Brendan Perlini (13th) scored for the Blackhawks. DeBrincat had two assists. He’s now tied for second on the team with 71 points (38G, 33A), with Kane leading at 99 (41G, 58A). Kane’s four-game points streak ended in the victory. The Hawks have won eight of their past 11 at home.
