The Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks are in action Thursday, each club looking to build off a win when the league resumed play two days ago following a week-long hiatus.
Vancouver’s 3-2 overtime win over Chicago had all the intensity of a playoff game and with just three points separating the Wings and Canucks atop the Western Conference standings, bettors should expect more of the same tonight.
It’s the third meeting this season and each club has one win coming on home ice. NHL odds favor the Canucks (-125) and the total is 5.5 Under (-114). This is one of eight games offered at online sportsbooks Thursday.
Detroit went into the All-Star break off a 7-2 loss in Montreal but it’s a game that should be wiped off the radar for handicappers. It was clear from the first faceoff the Wings were not focused on the task at hand, perhaps looking forward to a much needed break after leading the league in wins since October.
Their overall road record is 14-14 after Tuesday’s 3-1 win at Calgary and four-straight road games vs. Western foes have finished with five or less goals.
NHL Picks: Three of the past four games between these teams have stayed under the number. Jimmy Howard will start against Roberto Luongo and each has shown reasonable success against top caliber opponents, making the small price on the “Under” 5 look like a worthwhile investment.
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