The Vancouver Canucks sit atop the Western Conference and get an easy on-paper matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks, who have dropped six straight games and are scoring just 1.38 goals per game without Connor Bedard.
However, this will be the Canucks’ last game of a five-game road trip (2-1-1) and Vancouver’s fifth game in eight days while the Blackhawks have been solid in net of late posting a 2.69 GAA without Bedard in the lineup. With a schedule advantage, is there value in the Hawks on the +1.5 NHL odds puck line?
I break down the matchup and offer my free NHL picks for Cancuks vs. Blackhawks for Tuesday, February 13.
Canucks vs Blackhawks odds
Canucks vs Blackhawks predictions
Everyone knows that the Blackhawks are one of the worst teams in hockey. They're riding a season-worst six-game losing skid and have gone 3-9-1 without Connor Bedard while scoring a league-worst 1.38 goals per game. This is a team that I would bet their Under 2.5 goals at -160 or better vs. any opponent, but Chicago has played some tight games of late, which is giving value to that +1.5 at -110.
Despite the 3-10 SU record without the Calder Trophy odds favorite, they're 8-5 ATS over that stretch and have lost three straight games by exactly one goal. It might sound wild to like the Hawks’ team total Under 2.5 and the +1.5, but with a total of just 5.5 and the Canucks wrapping a five-game, eight-day road trip, tonight is a great spot for the reverse puck line.
Vancouver dropped an OT game to Detroit on Saturday afternoon and then was gifted an OT winner vs. the Capitals on Sunday. That was their fourth game since the road trip started on February 6. Chicago has been off since Friday and will have their better goaltender in net in Petr Mrazek.
The undervalued goalie hasn't allowed more than three goals in regulation over his last 11 games, where he has a 2.20 GAA and a .926 save percentage. Over that stretch, Chicago has the No.8 penalty kill and sports a Top-10 HD save percentage. The offense is trash, but they're keeping things tight on the scoreboard and Vancouver might struggle to top their team total of 3.5.
There is usually value in the worst teams in hockey and that’s the case I’m finding with the Hawks tonight at +1.5 at -110. The schedule spot for Vancouver is not great and the 5.5 total is implying a low-scoring game. Knowing Mrazek is the starter gives me enough confidence to make this a play.
Chicago is 5-1 ATS at home without Bedard and that only loss came in a 3-1 defeat to Dallas with an empty-net goal. Since Christmas, they are 7-1 ATS at home.
My best bet: Blackhawks +1.5 (-110 at SIA)
Canucks vs Blackhawks same-game parlay
Chicago +1.5
Under 6.5
Chicago +0.5 first period
There aren't a lot of options when betting the reverse puck line and the Under, but moving the Under from 5.5 to 6.5 is worth it, as Chiacgo +1.5 with the Under 5.5 is +230 while the Under 6.5 is +200. That one goal is certainly worth more than 30 points in this multiplier.
It's two correlated plays with the Blackhawks tying or winning the first frame. Despite all the losing, the Hawks have a +23% ROI over their last 86 1P moneylines. Even the Under 6.5 and +1.5 at +200 is worth it here in a game that's projected to be low scoring with a 5.5 total, the Hawks being undervalued at home, and the Canucks wrapping up a jammed-packed eight-day five-game road trip.
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Canucks vs Blackhawks moneyline and Over/Under analysis
The Canucks opened at -300 on the moneyline and have since lengthened to -275. Vancouver has taken nine of the last 10 matchups including 2-0 SU this year, but both games were tight — a 2-0 win in Vancouver in late January and a 4-3 game in Chicago in December.
The Hawks have been one of the worst road teams in hockey with a 4-23-1 record but have fared better at home improving their GAA from a road mark of 4.04 (31st) to a home GAA of 2.88 (15th). The goal differential at home is also better than expected at -0.46 per game with a 10-12-2 record.
Vancouver might go with Casey DeSmith today as well after Thatcher Demko played on Sunday afternoon in the 3-2 OT win over the Capitals. Of course, Chicago will take money if the Canucks don’t play Demko who shut this team out three weeks ago on 31 shots. This is priced for Demko so a DeSmith start would just be added value.
Chicago is going with Petr Mrazek which is why this total is at 5.5. The Over could see some money if DeSmith starts but with Chicago’s non-existent offense — 1.38 goals per game without Bedard — it’s tough to take any Over with Chicago that is 9-4 to the Under without the rookie forward.
This total has hit 6 at most places and if you want the Under, I’d suggest waiting closer to puck-drop as it could stay at 6, especially if DeSmith is announced as the starter.
I see this one being a tight and low-scoring game. Vancouver is playing their final of a five-game road trip in eight days and has been on the road since the All-Star break. Chicago has been undervalued at home as they are 7-1 ATS since Christmas.
Canucks vs Blackhawks betting trend to know
The Chicago Blackhawks have hit the 1P moneyline in 31 of their last 86 games (+19.80 Units / 23% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Canucks vs. Blackhawks.
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Canucks vs Blackhawks game info
| Location: | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Tuesday, February 13, 2024 |
| Puck drop: | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SNP, NBCSCH |
Canucks vs Blackhawks latest injuries
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