Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vancouver Canucks
Free Pick: Under 6 Goals -110 odds
Visit Touthouse.com for more NHL hockey picks from Nick Parsons

I stated before this series started that these were the types of teams that could win 5-1 one night, and then lose 5-1 in the following game; Chicago leads the series 3-2 and has dominated the Canucks at GM Place, outscoring them 12-6 in two games there.

Game 1: 5-1 win for Vancouver
Game 2: 4-2 win for Chicago
Game 3: 5-2 win for Chicago
Game 4: 7-4 win for Chicago
Game 5: 4-1 win for Vancouver

I had a *10* play on the “under” in Game 5, and my *10* post season NHL picks remain on a 9-4 (69%) run since the beginning of the Playoffs.

For the most part, I’ve had a hard time getting a good read on either side during this series…but not tonight! I believe this one is going to be a no-brainer. (make sure to check out my big *10* ‘Hawks/Nucks GAME 6 WINNER)

Vancouver was extremely effective at shutting down the ‘Hawks in Game 5, and Dustin Byfuglien, the bruising 6′ 5″ 265 lb. menace, was a non-factor.

The Canucks made a major adjustment in Chicago, and I expect them to do the same in their own barn; they played a much more disciplined game and avoided stupid penalties; Vancouver was short-handed 14 times in its previous two home games and gave up six-power play goals.

This was a problem for it in its first round matchup vs. LA as well, until it made similar changes in its game plan.

That’s not to say it didn’t play aggressive, especially short handed.

“It’s a team game,” said Roberto Luongo, who made 29 saves last time out. “We all have to step it up as a team. If we want to move on we’ve got to play the best hockey we’ve played all year. It’s not on one guy to make a difference. It’s on everybody to make sure they give a little extra.”

Chicago has played some of its best hockey on the road and will be looking to get more traffic and shots on Luongo; “We put ourselves in this situation,” forward Patrick Kane said. “We want to win, obviously, in Game 6 and not give ourselves a chance to go to Game 7.”

I’m expecting the tightest contest of this series.

It has to be pointed out that Chicago has in fact seen the total go “under” the number in 10 of 15 games this year after a loss by 2 goals or more in its previous contest; which means of course, that after a sub par effort, this team comes out and plays with an extremely concerted effort on the defensive end.

This number is too high; Luongo and Antti Niemi take centre stage tonight; I suggest a second look at the UNDER in this situation.

If you enjoyed this article then you may be interested in:

1. NHL Betting: Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks: May 2nd 2009
2. NHL Betting: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vancouver Canucks: May 7th 2009
3. Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vancouver Canucks Betting Odds & Predictions: May 1st 2009
4. Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vancouver Canucks Betting Odds & Picks: April 30th 2009
5. NHL Betting Picks: Anaheim Ducks vs. Vancouver Canucks: March 11th 2009