The Blackhawks are nowhere near the dynastic club that they were at winning three Stanley Cups this past decade, but they are entertaining to watch with a powerful offence and very shaky goaltending. No team has had more matches go over the total last season than Chicago, and it’s not even close.
When the Hawks were a much better team, Patrick Kane would be a true contender to acquire another Hart Trophy. He will not win it but may be a finalist. Young Alex DeBrincat, 21, is a rising superstar. This club just needs help on the blueline in the worst way. Chicago has had two losing streaks of eight matches this year.
Canucks vs Blackhawks Betting Analysis Vancouver and Chicago have split two meetings, the Canucks prevailing 4-2 at home on Halloween and the Blackhawks winning 4-3 in overtime at home on Feb. 7. Jake Virtanen (2G, 1A) leads the Canucks with three in the series. Jacob Markstrom began both and contains a 2.93 goals-against average and .902 save percentage. DeBrincat has two objectives vs. the Canucks and Kane a help. Collin Delia began the win in net and average No. 1 Corey Crawford the loss.
The home team has won four of the past five in the sequence. The total has gone under in just one of the previous 11.
Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver played 3-2 shootout games over the weekend, dropping at home Friday to New Jersey and winning Sunday at Dallas. Markstrom was fantastic vs. the Stars with 46 saves plus all five at the shootout. Josh Leivo scored in the fourth round of the shootout for the Canucks.
Both Canucks regulation goals have been in the first phase and by Tim Schaller — his first two of the year. He had been the No. 1 star. Jay Beagle sat Friday because of sickness but had been back in there Sunday and had an assist. However, blueliner Chris Tanev was lost to the season after blocking a shot against the Devils. The Canucks have won only three of their previous 16 at the second of a yearlong.
Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago is making one last playoff drive on a five-game winning streak, even though it could be too late. The Hawks were 2-0 winners in Montreal on Saturday. Crawford, a Montreal native, stopped 48 shots (career high in regular life ) for his second shutout of the year, and he had been the straightforward No. 1 celebrity. Connor Murphy (fourth of season) and Brendan Perlini (13th) scored for the Blackhawks. DeBrincat had two assists. He is currently tied for second on the team with 71 points (38G, 33A), together with Kane leading at 99 (41G, 58A). Kane’s four-game points streak ended in the victory. The Hawks have won eight of the past 11 at home.
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