NHL Hockey Free Pick: Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Hockey Gambling fans sure are getting their money’s worth from the free nhl picks we give out here at Capperspicks.com.
Team records:
Vancouver: 39-22-2
Chicago: 42-16-5
Tonight, 7:05 p.m. ET
Sportsbook odds: Canucks +140, Blackhawks -160
The Vancouver Canucks continue their ridiculously long road trip with a stop in the Windy City on Friday night to play a team that they dislike a lot, the Chicago Blackhawks. This rivalry started in the playoffs last year and has built into one of the most bitter rivalries in all of the NHL. It should be a rough and tumble affair Friday night, lots of fun to watch!
The Vancouver Canucks have won their two games since the Olympic break, one win was rather uninspiring and the other one was truly impressive. The Canucks took a bit of heat in the media at the trade deadline for not addressing their need for a secondary scorer but promptly proved that they will be just fine with a six goal output against Detroit. With the Sedins, Alex Burroughs, Ryan Kessler, Mason Raymond, Pavol Demitra and a suddenly emerging Kyle Welwood, the Canuck appear stacked at the forward position and with Roberto Luongo in goal, the sky is the limit for this team.
Friday’s game is the third in five nights for the road weary Canucks and a let down is certainly possible. However, Vancouver is 21-10 in their last 31 meetings with Chicago and match up very well against them. The Canucks should be able to get up for this game – there is nothing that they would like more than to beat Blackhawks in Chicago. If the exhaustion doesn’t catch up to the Canucks, they should give the Hawks a very good game.
The Chicago Blackhawks own the second best record overall in the NHL and are 24-6-2 on home ice. They are extremely tough to beat in their own building and will do everything in their power not to let the hated Canucks be their seventh home loss. 
Chicago is young, fast, big and talented and they know how to use their strengths. Puck moving defenseman Brian Campbell has an incredible ability to survey the ice and make quality outlet passes to his skilled and speedy forwards. Canadian Olympians Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith pose the same ability. The Blackhawks are strong on defense and at forward. They are built pressure their opposition with a strong forecheck and if the Canucks weary defense is unable to slow Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Marion Hossa and the crew at their own blue line, it could be a long night.
Make no mistake, the Canucks and the Blackhawks are both strong. It is difficult to side with the exhausted and somewhat defensively depleted Canucks in this game. Look for a hard hitting spirited affair with the Blackhawks squeaking out a win on home ice.
NHL Betting Trends:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Vancouver’s last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago’s last 5 games
Vancouver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Vancouver’s last 5 games
Vancouver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Chicago is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago’s last 5 games when playing at home against Vancouver
Pick: Chicago Blackhawks -160
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