2009 NHL Playoffs Vancouver Canucks vs St.Louis Blues

Written by Scott Burgess

Wednesday, 15 April 2009

Two of the hottest teams in the West get set to bump and bash tonight, April 15, when the Vancouver Canucks play host to the St.Louis Blues. The Canucks and Blues are split at 2-2 this season. NHL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Canucks as -180 moneyline favs over the Blues (+160) with the over/under listed at 5 goals. Be sure to get your 2009 NHL Playoffs Vancouver Canucks vs St.Louis Blues Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com

The Blues went on a serious winning streak just to get in the playoffs. The Blues went 25-9-7 the final 41 games, going from dead last in the west on Feb. 15 to the sixth seed with a 9-1-1 run to finish the season. They’ve also had to deal with a long list of injuries to some key players, top defensemen Erik Johnson and Eric Brewer remain out. Paul Kariya played 11 games at the start of the season before needing hip surgery, but he has been skating and there’s no return date set for him, yet. In his absence, the Blues rely on a mix of veterans like 37-year-old captain Keith Tkachuk, and talented young forwards like David Perron and David Backes, and rookies Patrik Berglund and T.J. Oshie, who are all under the age of 26 and among the Blues' top seven scorers. Goalie Chris Mason has won eight of his last ten games for a 2.10 GAA; he has a 3.00 GAA in four games against the Canucks. Brad Boyles leads the Blues with 72pts, 33 goals and 39 assists.

The Canucks were the second hottest team in the West, next to the Blues, as they fought their way into the top of the Northwest Standings. The Canucks went 23-7-2 since February erasing a 13pt gap between Northwest leading Calgary. The Canucks can take comfort that they're opening the best-of-seven series in Vancouver, where they are 13-1-1 since February, including a team-record 11 straight wins. Goalie Roberto Luongo finished his last ten games with a 6-4 record and a 2.30 GAA; Roberto Luongo has a 3.50 GAA in four games against the Blues. Veteran Mats Sundin, who signed as a free agent in mid-December, leads the team with 83 career playoff games, but hasn't been to the postseason in five years. The last time these teams met in the first round in 2003, the Blues built a 3-1 series lead before most of their top players got the flu, and they lost the series in seven games. Daniel Sedin leads the Canucks with 82pts, 31 goals, while Henrik Sedin has 60 assists.

Recent Trends to Consider:

Over is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings.
Home team is 25-10-2 in the last 37 meetings.
Blues are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings.
Blues are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings in Vancouver.
Canucks are 11-1 in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Canucks are 8-1 in their last 9 games as a favorite of -151 to -200.

2009 NHL Playoffs Vancouver Canucks vs St.Louis Blues Prediction
When: Wed, April 15, 2009 10:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Canucks -180

Point-Spreads.com 2009 NHL Playoffs Vancouver Canucks vs St.Louis Blues Prediction

The Bottom Line: The Canucks are great at home and Luongo is on fire. They must watch out for T.J. Oshie, he’s hot. Go Canucks! Be sure to get your 2009 NHL Playoffs Vancouver Canucks vs St.Louis Blues Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!