Blues vs Canucks odds – Vancouver a rolling freight train
Follow the link for up-to-date Stanley Cup odds and coverage, including Blackhawks vs Canucks odds.
Thursday means the start of the March Madness odds and, while you can’t blame online betting fans for focusing their attention on college hoops at this time of year, the show must go on in NHL betting. Thursday’s schedule is somewhat light but it features an important Western-Conference matchup in the Blues vs Canucks odds, as these teams are both gearing up for a serious postseason run.
Blues vs Canucks odds – Thursday, March 19 at 10:00 p.m. ET
- Canucks’ 10-game home winning streak is a franchise record
- Goalie Chris Mason keeps the Blues competitive every night
- Canucks have finally found scoring depth
Two months ago, St. Louis and Vancouver were both jokes in NHL betting circles and completely untrustworthy at the sportsbook. Now, both teams find themselves in the thick of the West playoff race thanks to speedy youth, savvy veterans and clutch goaltending.
At first, the Canucks’ surge seemed like a cute little hot streak, perhaps fuelled by the arrival of Mats Sundin and return of all-world netminder Roberto Luongo from injury. Now, it’s clear the Canucks don’t just want to squeak into the postseason; they’re suddenly a serious contender no one wants to face in the first round of the sports betting for the Stanley Cup playoffs. In fact, with a franchise-best 10 straight home wins and a 15-3-1 record in February and March, they’re the hottest NHL sportsbook pick this side of the Pittsburgh Penguins right now.
The secret to the Canucks’ success is that they’re no longer relying on just a handful of key players. Yes, Roberto Luongo is in his prime, arguably the most talented goalie on the planet. He can steal not only games, but playoff series come April. Henrik and Daniel Sedin continue to chug along with remarkable consistency. But the real key to the Canucks’ newfound dominance in NHL betting: scoring depth. They were a one-line team for the last few years, but the Sundin signing gave them the number-two center they’ve lacked since Brendan Morrison’s heyday. Perhaps more importantly, versatile, speedy Alex Burrows and Ryan Kesler are coming into their own; they’re the types of players any team would kill to have.
The St. Louis Blues, though no juggernaut, deserve respect at the sportsbook too. Team President John Davidson has quietly built a young, quick roster with good size up front. Sniper Brad Boyes and power forwards David Backes and Keith Tkachuk will press the Vancouver “D” hard and Andy McDonald, with his underrated playmaking skills, has been a true catalyst. The main force behind the Blues’ rise is the inspired play of Chris Mason, who snatched the goalie job from Manny Legace and has been a horse of late. He’ll keep St. Louis in the game no matter what Vancouver tosses his way.
Ultimately, no one can touch Vancouver at home right now and the Blues aren’t quite strong enough to end the streak. This could be a goalie battle but, if that’s the case, online betting fans have to bet on Luongo and the Canucks.
For more NHL betting and hockey betting analysis, bookmark the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.
Who better to offer great sports betting and hockey tips than a native Canadian? Like any good Canuck, Don Melrose eats, sleeps, breathes and bets hockey, making him the perfect NHL handicapper. Thoughts or questions? Email comments@BetOnline.com.
