| 2009 NHL Playoffs: Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks Game 3 |
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| Written by Scott Burgess | |||||||
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Tuesday, 05 May 2009
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 The Vancouver Canucks were outhustled by the youth, and speed, of the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semi-finals losing 3-6. Tonight, May 5, the Canucks have to slow down the Hawks, in Chicago, in Game 3 as the the best of seven series is knotted at 1-1. NHL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Blackhawks as -145 moneyline favs over the Canucks (+120) with the over/under posted at 5.5 goals. Be sure to get your 2009 NHL Playoffs Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction in now at Sportsbook.comThe Canucks let a two goal first period lead slip away in Game 2. Now they head into Chicago where the Hawks went 3-0 against the Calgary Flames and outscored them 11-5 on home ice. They must stop the 6-foot-3, 247 pounder Dustin Byfuglien. "Anytime he runs into somebody or somebody runs into him, it's usually a big hit," teammate Patrick Sharp says. "He's been a force so far. We've got to do a better job with him," Vancouver defenseman Kevin Bieksa said. "He's a big body." Luongo said he's not distracted by the trash talk or Byfuglien's attempts to keep him from seeing the puck. "He's a big guy who likes to screen me, but that's part of the challenge," Luongo said. "I haven't done much talking at all, more looking. He likes it. I don't mind it all." They’ve received some injuries in their last game; they'll be without their versatile defenseman Sami Salo, who has three goals in the playoffs. Vancouver right wing Pavol Demitra is also iffy with an undisclosed injury. The Canucks finished the regular season with a 23-15-2-3 road record where they averaged 2.79 GAG and gave up an average 2.79 GAG. Goalie Roberto Luongo is 5-1 with a 2.06 GAA after allowing 13 goals, he has one shutout during these playoffs The Hawks got right in the face of Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo and it worked. Byfuglien wants to get in Luongo's way and get his attention, maybe even start a conversation. Chicago had five goals against Luongo on Saturday night, the same number he allowed in a first-round sweep of St. Louis. The Hawks got goals from Patrick Sharp (2), David Bolland (2), Ben Eager and Patrick Kane. Their power play has two goals in two games against the Canucks on 11 tries. Their penalty kill has struggled allowing four goals in two games, or 14 kills. Chicago made the semi-finals with its speed and good play from defenseman like Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Brian Campbell, who were able to stop the Canucks' and then get the puck moving the other way. The Hawks finished their season with a 27-9-3-5 home record where they averaged 3.39 GAG and gave up an average 2.39 GAG. Goalie Nikolai Khabibulin is 5-3 with a 2.77 GAA after allowing 22 goals Recent Trends to Consider:
2009 NHL Playoffs Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks When: Tues, May 5, 2009 8:00 PM ET Line: Sportsbook.com Pick: Canucks +120 Point-Spreads.com 2009 NHL Playoffs Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks The Bottom Line: The Canucks always rebound after a disappointing loss, look for Luongo to kick it up a notch. 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                        |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 05 May 2009 ) | |||||||