A Western Conference tilt kicks off Sunday’s five-game NHL odds slate as the Chicago Blackhawks host the Vancouver Canucks.
This matchup has seen plenty of low-scoring games over the past few seasons, with six or fewer total goals scored in six of the past seven meetings.
Will we see another low-scoring affair will these teams light the lamp? Find out in our free NHL picks for Canucks vs. Blackhawks on Sunday, December 17.
Canucks vs Blackhawks odds
Canucks vs Blackhawks predictions
There have been six or fewer total goals scored in seven of the Chicago Blackhawks' past nine games. This trend is a product of multiple variables.
First, the Blackhawks offense is terrible outside of rookie Connor Bedard. At 5-on-5, Chicago ranks 30th in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60).
Second, the goaltending has been extremely strong considering the poor two-way play in front. Petr Mrazek is slated to guard the cage for the Blackhawks, and he's 2-1 with a commanding .955 SV% and 1.53 GAA over his past four starts.
This success is likely to continue against the Vancouver Canucks, a team Mrazek boasts a .919 SV% and 2.49 GAA through six career starts. There were six or fewer total goals scored in five of those six outings.
Across the ice, goaltender Thatcher Demko defends the crease for Vancouver. Attempting to re-enter the conversation as one of the world’s best netminders, Demko is 15-7 with a .923 SV% and 2.30 GAA over 22 starts.
Like Mrazek, Demko owns a terrific track record against tonight’s opponent. Through four career starts against Chicago, he's 3-1 with a .966 SV% and 1.01 GAA.
There were five or fewer total goals scored in all four of those games. However, Vancouver’s offense is due for major regression as it ranks first in goals scored per game but 21st in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at 5-on-5.
My best bet: Under 6 (+105 at SIA)
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Canucks vs Blackhawks same-game parlay
Under 6
Canucks moneyline
While the Canucks enter this contest on the second half of a back-to-back, that doesn't overshadow the fact that they're better than Chicago in every aspect of the game. Vancouver ranks higher in both goals scored per game and goals against per game, and also ranks higher analytically in both categories.
On the micro level, the Canucks also best the Hawks in shots on goal per game, power play percentage, shooting percentage, faceoff percentage, shots on goal allowed per game, and penalty kill percentage. There is not a single aspect of the game that the Blackhawks own the advantage in other than home ice and extra rest.
Those two advantages don't outweigh the fact Vancouver is better in every aspect of the game.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Canucks vs Blackhawks moneyline and Over/Under analysis
The Canucks opened as a -200 favorite and remain at that number at the time of writing. I think this number will only grow longer, given how terrible Chicago has played compared to Vancouver’s excellence thus far.
That brings us to the total, which opened between 6 and 6.5 depending on the book. With that said, I'd much rather take the Under 6 at +105 rather than lay juice at 6.5, although I believe there's value in both numbers.
There have been five or fewer total goals scored in each of Vancouver’s past three games.
Canucks vs Blackhawks betting trend to know
There have been six or fewer total goals scored in six of the past seven meetings between these two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Canucks vs. Blackhawks.
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Canucks vs Blackhawks game info
| Location: | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Sunday, December 17, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet, NBCS-Chicago |
Canucks vs Blackhawks latest injuries
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