The Vancouver Canucks are getting set for their second matchup with the St. Louis Blues in a matter of three days. After a 4-1 defeat in St. Louis, the Canucks will welcome the Blues back to Rogers Arena with their playoff hopes on very rocky footing.
Currently sitting with a record of 32-27-9, Vancouver sits six points out of third spot in the Pacific Division, currently occupied by the Edmonton Oilers, as well as three points outside the second wild card spot in the Western Conference, currently occupied by the Vegas Golden Knights.
With just 14 games left in the season, Vancouver’s playoff odds sit at 8.2%, according to the folks over at Money Puck. The Canucks will likely need to win at least 10 of their remaining games to have an outside shot at making the postseason.
Their Wednesday night opponents, on the other hand, are enjoying a fine season in which they seem destined for the playoffs. After beating Vancouver on Monday, the Blues moved to 36-20-9 on the season, placing them fourth in the Central Division with a pair of games in hand.
St. Louis is the first wild card team in the conference, and have a seven point gap between themselves and the first team outside the playoff picture.
As seen on Monday, the Blues possess talents including the likes of Vladimir Tarasenko, Jordan Kyrou, and Pavel Buchnevich, led by head coach Craig Berube.
St. Louis has the fifth best offence in the NHL at 3.51 goals per game, supplementing their 11th ranked defence, allowing only 2.85 goals per game. Special teams have indeed been special this season for St. Louis, as their seventh-ranked penalty kill is paired with the league’s fourth-best powerplay.
After a 35 save performance on Monday, expect Ville Husso to be in the net again for the Blues, whilst the desperate Canucks should return to Thatcher Demko between the pipes after giving Jaroslav Halak the start the other night.
The odds for Wednesday’s matchup between the Canucks and Blues are courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook, the official betting partner of FanSided.
Betting Odds
Moneyline
Canucks -105
Blues -115
Goal Total
Over 6.0 goals at -110
Under 6.0 goals at -110
Puckline
Canucks +1.5 at -260
Blues -1.5 at +210
Prediction
Vancouver has had some massive wins this season when their playoff hopes seemed to have dried up. With their playoff odds under 10%, and the games remaining becoming fewer and fewer each night, this game feels like a must win for the Canucks.
These teams will obviously will be familiar with each other given their meeting just two nights ago, so expect head coach Bruce Boudreau to make the adjustments necessary to give Vancouver a better chance at walking away with two points.
Given that this game is back at home in Rogers Arena, as well as Demko returning to the crease, this contributor is willing to hedge his bet on the home side emerging with a victory that keeps their slim hopes alive.
Pick: Canucks moneyline -105
What are your thoughts on this upcoming game between the Canucks and Blues? What bets will you be placing on the matchup? Let us know your feelings down below in the comment section!