It’s a must win situation for the Vancouver Canucks tonight, May 11, as the Chicago Blackhawks have a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference Semi-finals. Tonight’s game goes in Chicago where the Blackhawks are 4-1 in the playoffs. NHL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Blackhawks as -155 moneyline favs over the Canucks (+135) with the over/under posted at 5 goals. Get your 2009 NHL Playoff Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com
The Canucks played Game 5 without any spunk and grit. They took five penalties to Chicago’s two penalties and they managed only one goal on the power play. Goalie Roberto Luongo stopped 26 of 29 shots for a 6-2 playoff record with a 2.04 GAA. The Canucks managed a disappointing 21 shots on net, they haven’t taken more than 21 shots since the series opener. They’ll have to be more disciplined tonight. Tied at 2-2 with 6:44 remaining, Kevin Bieksa got called for high-sticking Patrick Sharp. Chicago made the most of it, and Kane produced a beautiful assist on Dave Bolland's go-ahead goal. After the call against Bieksa, Ryan Kesler was whistled for hooking defenseman Brian Campbell, who appeared to take a dive – at 16:07 of the third and hurt the Canucks' comeback chances. Although Vigneault said those penalties were "deserved," he questioned Bieksa's penalty on Sunday. "How we came up short-handed in that scrum I don't get," he said. "But at the end of the day you have to deal with bad calls, deal with good calls and find ways to put your best game on the ice. Obviously, so far, they have been the better team." They never could slow Chicago, even though they got physical. The Canucks are 3-1 on the road in the playoffs where they’ve averaged 2.00 GAG and given up an average 1.75 GAA.
The Blackhawks outhustled the Canucks to win Game 5 4-2 thanks to goals from Dustin Byfuglien (2), David Bolland and Martin Havlat. Goalie Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 19 of 21 shots for a 7-4 playoff record with a 2.56 GAA. Despite a 3-2 Conference lead they aren’t about to slow down yet. We're pumped and we've got to take advantage of it and not sit on anything," captain Jonathan Toews said Saturday, "We don't want to get satisfied at all. We've got a huge opportunity and we've got to take advantage of it." The Blackhawks look for their first Conference final since 1995. The Blackhawks have outscored the Canucks 16-14 in five games. These teams are tired of each other, and the Blackhawks would love nothing more than to put away the Canucks. "It's not easy to take control of a series like this and we feel we are in a great situation," Toews said. "It's just up to us not to be satisfied for one second." The Blackhawks are 4-1 at home in the playoffs where they’ve averaged 2.80 GAG and given up an average 1.80 GAG.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Canucks are 4-1 in their last 5 road games.
- Canucks are 4-1 in their last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
- Blackhawks are 6-0 in their last 6 games as a favorite of -151 to -200.
- Blackhawks are 6-0 in their last 6 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200.
- Blackhawks are 4-0 in their last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
- Under is 6-1-1 in the last 8 meetings in Chicago.
- Canucks are 19-8 in the last 27 meetings.
- Canucks are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Chicago.
- Underdog is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.
2009 NHL Playoff Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks
When: Mon, May 11, 2009 9:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Canucks +135
Point-Spreads.com 2009 NHL Playoff Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks
The Bottom Line: The Canucks aren’t going to go down without a fight. Go Canucks! Get your 2009 NHL Playoff Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit
