Canucks @ Blackhawks

[PassTheBuck]

Vancouver, playing their 3rd road game in 4 nights, roll into Chicago for a 4pm pacific time start on Sunday. Meanwhile, Chicago, victims of a game tying goal with 12 seconds left, and a heartbreaking loss in a shootout, finished their Saturday night game at roughly 8:30pm pacific time. They now get on the horse and ride back to Chicago for a Sunday game with the Canucks. The Canucks have shown that they are not as bad as some people (myself included) thought at the start of the year. While I'm not one to make quick judgements, this is not the team that I thought we'd have this season. They are quicker, and taking a much more offensive approach. In fact, they have hit the over in every game thus far. Part of the reason is that Roberto Luongo is not playing at a superstar level. He has let out many bad rebounds, and overall has not looked sharp for a full 60 minutes in any of his starts. The Canucks have also had recent success against the Hawks, winning 4 of the last 5 meetings, with the only loss coming in the most recent meeting last season. Chicago has also gone over the number 3/5 games, and more importantly has managed to score at least 2 goals in every game. This is a game that should be full of chances. I don't post plays often in the hockey forum, but I think this is a good spot to make two bets.

Vancouver Canucks ML (-105) -- 1.5 units
Vancouver/Chicago o5.5 (+110) -- 1.5 units

BOL

Record: 0-0, +0.00 units

 

[VegasVic]

With you on Vancouver PTB. Getting Bieksa back makes the decision even easier. Canucks should bounce back from a flat performance in Buffalo, (after taking care of business in Detroit the night before).

After practising solo, Bieksa's passing may be a little rusty but his shooting should be great. Actually, it's his mobility the Canucks have missed most during his absence, as a couple of Vancouver's defencemen struggled against quick forwards in difficult games this week against the Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres.

Their special teams' play and goals-against are a concern. Bieksa should help the both on Sunday.

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=89a18731-2c5d-4d08-b0b0-5099f021585d

 

[FairWarning]

It is only an hour flight from St Louis to Chicago, so the Chicago travel is minimal.

 

[PassTheBuck]

It is only an hour flight from St Louis to Chicago, so the Chicago travel is minimal.

Yah, I realize it's not that long. I guess the point is that by the time they touch down in Chicago they have max. 15-17 hours before their next game. Plus they have that very tough loss to dwell on.

 

[artiesliver]

Like 'em both. BoL tonight.

 

[PassTheBuck]

Canucks should have just played the entire game with an empty net. They had a number of chances while Chicago could not hit the net on several attempts.

Canucks got owned... I'm happy to get out of this game with a split, and enough profit to buy lunch. Huet made some monster saves down the stretch, and Canucks had a hard time turning a 2 on 1 into a good scoring chance.


Record: 1-1, +0.15 units