Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction: Expect the Road Team to Score Often

Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction: Expect the Road Team to Score Often

The Canucks enter tonight's contest in Chicago against the Blackhawks off a 1-0 shootout loss in Calgary on Saturday night. Returning goaltender Thatcher Demko stopped 31 of 32 shots in the loss. The game was Demko's first since January 18th, as he was sidelined due to Covid protocols. On the season, the Canucks have a record of 19-19-6 for 44 points, which is 7th in the Pacific.

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Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction

The Canucks are 4 points behind Calgary for the last Wild Card spot in the West. After reeling off 7 straight wins to welcome in the Bruce Boudreau era, the Nucks have gone 3-4-5. This can be attributed to many top players being sidelined in Covid protocols. Garland, Miller, Pearson, and Demko have all missed time during that stretch. Pearson is still out, but the others have returned and already made an impact. JT Miller had a hat trick in Thursday's 5-1 win at Winnipeg, and I already mentioned Demko's performance in Saturday's loss.

Chicago is coming off a 6-4 home loss to Colorado on Friday night. The Blackhawks also went through a coaching change earlier this season as Derek King took over for Jeremy Colliton on November 6th. After winning 10 of King's first 16 games, Chicago has a record of 5-6-5 since. On the season, the Hawks are 16-21-7 with 39 points, 7th in the Central Division. Chicago is going through a rebuilding year and could sell off some assets at the trade deadline, most notably goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury who is having a solid year. Flower is 14-14-3 with a 2.88 GAA and a .909 save%.

The Canucks are averaging 2.64 goals per game on the road, which should see a bump with their returning players. They are also getting their chances on the road as their 277 high danger scoring chances are 5th in the league. At home, Chicago is allowing 3.25 goals per game and have allowed at least 3 goals in 12 of 20 home games this season. The team split 2 earlier meetings with the Canucks winning 4-1 in Chicago on October 21st. The Hawks returned the favor and won 1-0 in Vancouver on November 21st. Fleury is confirmed for Chicago, and he has given up 15 goals over his last 3 games. I like a finally healthy Vancouver offense to get to this 3 goal mark in Chicago tonight.

Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks Line Movement

Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks Pick

• Vancouver Canucks Team Total over 2.5 -130 (Bet $130 to win $100)