Blues vs Canucks odds – Canucks try to cool off NHL’s hottest team
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The Blues vs Canucks odds make for an amazing story, simply because neither team seemed to have a prayer of making the playoffs halfway through the season. The Canucks sputtered and struggled to score goals before exploding in February and March. The Blues, meanwhile, were dead last, believe it or not, before posting the NHL’s best second-half record. So which team will come out on top of NHL sports betting lines?
Blues vs Canucks odds: Blues went 9-1-1 in home stretch
- WHO: Blues vs Canucks odds
- WHAT: Best-of-Seven series
- WHEN: Game 1 is Wednesday, April 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET
- WHERE: General Motors Place in Vancouver, BC
- SEASON SERIES: Tied 2-2
- THE PICK: Canucks in seven
This sportsbook matchup should be a treat, even if it gets less fanfare than some of the other first-round series. Both teams are fast, tough, and reliant on goaltending, so it’s safe to say online betting fans will see plenty of bumps, bruises and overtime in the Blues vs Canucks odds.
Becoming a two-line team instead of “the Sedins and the rest” did wonders for the Canucks’ offense this season. The second line of Ryan Kesler, Pavol Demitra and Mats Sundin didn’t consistently light the world on fire but it certainly took pressure off the twins; think it was a coincidence that the Sedins played arguably the best hockey of their careers in the second half?
At the back end, the Canucks are capable and tough with hulking Kevin Bieksa anchoring a steady if unspectacular unit. Vancouver’s crown jewel is, obviously, Roberto Luongo. Even if the Canucks’ offense goes cold, he’ll keep them in every single game with his phenomenal athleticism and all-around play in net.
The Blues lack offensive star power but they have a stable of speedy, creative youngsters that gave opposing defenses fits down the stretch. Ten Blues scored 11 or more goals in NHL betting this season and four topped the 20-goal mark. Brad Boyes is the team’s top sniper while rugged David Backes surprised with a 30-goal season. David Perron, Patrick Berglund and, especially, T.J. Oshie all seem to be ahead of schedule in their development. They’ll give give the Canucks’ blueline, which isn’t the most mobile group out there, all they can handle. Keith Tkachuk and Andy McDonald provide a steady veteran presence.
Since Chris Mason seized the No. 1 goaltending job from Manny Legace, he has been a sportsbook sensation, not simply by standing on his head but also by playing with remarkable consistency. Watching him duel with Luongo will be fun for online sports betting players.
DON’S PICK: The Blues simply weren’t supposed to be in the Stanley Cup odds mix this soon. Their future is bright but inexperience, coupled with the Roberto Luongo factor, will be their undoing in the Blues vs Canucks odds. Bet on Vancouver.
For more Blues vs Canucks odds or tips on other NHL lines, 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.
