The Vancouver Canucks (4-0) begin the Western Conference Semi-finals tonight, April 30, at home against the Chicago Blackhawks (4-2). The Canucks and Blackhawks split their regular season series 2-2, but the Canucks won the last two games by a score of 11-3. NHL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Canucks as -140 moneyline home favs over the Blackhawks with the over/under set at 5 goals. Be sure to get your 2009 NHL Playoffs Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com
The Blackhawks needed six games to send the Calgary Flames to the golf course. They outscored the Flames 21-16 and went 1-2 on the road where they got outscored 10-11. Goalie Nikolai Khabibulin is 4-2 with a 2.52 GAA, during the regular season he went 24-8-7 with a 2.35 GAA. The Hawks top scorers are Cam Barker (3), Martin Havlat (3) and Patrick Sharp (3). Their other multi goal scorers are Kris Versteeg (2), Jonathan Toews (2) and Patrick Kane (2) while they have six others with one goal. To say they are getting goals from multiple players is an understatement. The Hawks were great on their power plays going 7 for 24, they got a goal or more a game, except for Game 1. Their penalty kill has been great giving up only two goals in six games or 18 kills. The Chicago Blackhawks' last game against the Vancouver Canucks featured a third-period line brawl that had everything from WWF-style body slams to hair pulling. So it's safe to say they won't have to wait for the hatred to build.
The Canucks swept the St.Louis Blues 4-0 and spent the rest of their time off resting their aching bodies. They outscored the Blues 11-5 and went 2-0 at home outscoring them 5-1. Goalie Roberto Luongo has been solid in net with a 4-0 record and 1.16 GAA, during the regular season he went 33-13-7 with a 2.35. Their defensemen will have to keep Luongo protected from the Hawks dirty play, which started a brawl last game. The Canucks top scorers are Daniel Sedin (3) and Alex Burrows (3) while five others have one goal. They’ll need more effort from other players to keep up with the young talented Hawks. That’s unless Luongo has a say in it. The Canucks power play went 4 for 18 and failed to score in two games. Their penalty kill was their bread and butter allowing only one goal in four games or 18 kills. The Canucks definitely have home ice advantage as they are 15-2 in their last 17 home games.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Canucks are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. Central.
- Canucks are 4-0 in their last 4 playoff games as a favorite.
- Canucks are 15-2 in their last 17 home games.
- Under is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings in Vancouver.
- Under is 8-2-2 in the last 12 meetings.
- Blackhawks are 7-19-1 in the last 27 meetings.
- Blackhawks are 2-11 in the last 13 meetings in Vancouver.
- Underdog is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
2009 NHL Playoffs Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks
When: Thurs, April 30, 2009 9:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Canucks -140
Point-Spreads.com 2009 NHL Playoffs Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks
The Bottom Line: The Canucks at home with a red hot Luongo is money in the bank. Go Canucks! Be sure to get your 2009 NHL Playoffs Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit
