Faced with elimination, the defending Western Conference champs gear up for their biggest game since losing Game 7 to the Bruins in last year’s Stanley Cup Final. We break down the matchup with latest line moves from online sportsbooks, wagering options and our playoff pick for Vancouver and Los Angeles, Game 4
The Canucks average 38.3 shots through the first three games but Quick’s goals-against average is 1.34 with a .965 save percentage – best among regular starters
Gaining a playoff spot is the first thing on a lot of NHL teams’ mind when the season begins. Divisional crowns are next, followed by the No. 1 seed and then of course the President’s Trophy.
Check, check, check and check.
Losing three-straight games to open the playoffs if not part of the plan and ranking last out of 16 playoff teams with a 1.33 goals per game average cannot be traced to a single team in the history of successful NHL betting.
The Canucks have reached the tipping point in Game 4 against Los Angeles but they could have Daniel Sedin back in the lineup and if the team’s leading scorer does dress, look for him to have a huge impact.
Daniel (30 G, 37 A) posted nine goals and 20 assists during last year’s playoffs, second only to brother Henrik, but it what he does for the players around him that makes a difference. Opening up space, doubling the power play’s efficiency and of course the mental telepathy he has with Henrik that has made Hank of the top setup men in the league the past two seasons.
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Beating Jonathan Quick will not be an easy task for the Canucks tonight but this team did not fluke its way to the Cup Finals last year. Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows will each need to play a more physical game, get to the net and look for those rare rebounds.
– Vancouver is averaging 38.3 shots per game in the playoffs, second only to Chicago
Quick’s goals-against average is 1.34 with a .965 save percentage. It’s the best save rate from regular starters and only starter has a better goal-against – That man is Cory Schneider (1.03 GAA).
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Coach Alain Vigneault has confirmed Schneider will start in net with the Canucks tonight and Schneider has allowed a total of one goal in five of his last six road starts. His record on the road vs. playoff teams this season was 1 over and 6 unders. Vancouver is 10-1 (plus-9.3 units) after two or more consecutive losses this season and as the team fights for its playoff life, we’re jumping on board.
Pick: Take the Canucks (even)
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