2009 NHL Playoffs: Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks Game 4

Written by Scott Burgess

Thursday, 07 May 2009

The Vancouver Canucks managed to shutdown the Chicago Blackhawks high powered offense to win, 3-1 in Chicago, during Game 3 of the Western Conference Semi-finals. Tonight, May 7, the Blackhawks will try their luck again, at home, while red hot Roberto Luongo might have something to say about that. The Canucks lead the best of seven series 2-1 outscoring them 11-10. NHL oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have the Blackhawks as -160 moneyline home favs over the Canucks (+135) with the over/under listed at 5 goals. Be sure to get your 2009 NHL Playoffs Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks Pick in now at SBGglobal.com

The Canucks bottled up the neutral zone to throttle the Blackhawks' speed, protected the puck and played strong defense. They got outstanding goaltending from Roberto Luongo who stopped 23 of 24 shots for a 5-1 playoff record with a 1.92 GAA after allowing 14 goals. They got goals from Mason Raymond, Steve Bernier and Henrik Sedin. They went 1 for 4 on the power play and 1 for 5 on the penalty kill. The Canucks have started each game scoring the first goal, but they’ve allowed the Hawks to catch up. The key for Game 4, play solid and simple hockey, keep the Blackhawks from opening up the game with their skating skills and also silence the sellout crowd that works itself into a frenzy by cheering during the Star Spangled Banner. "They'll attempt to come out strong in this building. They had a few flurries early last game, but after that we settled into our system," Luongo said. They can also get a boost on defense with the return of sharp shooter Sami Salo who missed Game 3 with an undisclosed injury.

The Blackhawks couldn’t figure out the Canucks stifling defense despite a lone goal from Brian Campbell. Goalie Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 18 of 21 shots for a 5-4 playoff record with a 2.81 GAA after allowing 25 goals. They went 1 for 5 on the power play and 1 for 4 on the penalty kill. Chicago's slow starts so far can also be attributed to spending too much time in the penalty box in the early going. During the three games, the Blackhawks have been called for 10 first-period penalties. "Staying out of the penalty box is what we're going to stress and coming with more energy to start," Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said. The Hawks have to get the first goal to keep the momentum flowing and the crowd rowdy.

Recent Trends to Consider:

Under is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings in Chicago.
Canucks are 7-2 in the last 9 meetings in Chicago.
Canucks are 21-7-1 in the last 29 meetings.
Under is 9-4-2 in the last 15 meetings.
Underdog is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.
Canucks are 5-0 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Canucks are 4-0 in their last 4 road games.
Canucks are 6-0 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.

2009 NHL Playoffs Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks
When: Thurs, May 7, 2009 8:00 PM ET
Line: SBGglobal.com
Pick: Canucks +135

Point-Spreads.com 2009 NHL Playoffs Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks

The Bottom Line: Even though the Hawks will come out strong, the Canucks are going to come out harder to take a 3-1 lead heading home. Luongo is RED HOT! Be sure to get your 2009 NHL Playoffs Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks Pick in now at SBGglobal.com and receive a 60% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit

Last Updated ( Thursday, 07 May 2009 )

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