David vs. Northwest Goliath On Sunday Night
The Vancouver Canucks head out on the road for six games after a very productive home stand. Their opposition Sunday night – the reeling Edmonton Oilers who after a promising start to the season find themselves second last in the overall NHL standings.
Vancouver Canucks (37-15-6) at Edmonton Oilers (22-29-6)
When: 9:00 PM ET, Sunday, February 19, 2012
Where: Rexall Place, Edmonton, Alberta
Broadcast: Rogers Sportsnet Pacific, Rogers Sportsnet West
Canucks vs. Oilers Betting Lines from Bodog
Spread: Canucks -1 ½ (+195)
Moneyline: Canucks -146: Oilers +133
Over/Under: 5 ½ goals
*NHL ATS Matchup Report*
The Vancouver Canucks just keep wining but what was especially encouraging about their Saturday night win over Toronto is that they finally looked elite and they left absolutely no doubt about the outcome from the first period on.
Vancouver is now 9-0-3 in their last 12 games with their best effort coming last night in a 6-2 shellacking of the Leafs.
Now they have the honor of taking on an Oilers team that is in a free fall – 1-3-1 in their last five games and playing without one of their young studs Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
Vancouver had been getting it done without the Sedins showing up on the score sheet – until last night. Daniel Sedin had four points last night to break a three-game pointless streak and Henrik Sedin matched that points output – eight points combined must have the Oilers shaking in their boots.
After all, the Sedins have averaged a point per game in their career versus Edmonton.
Vancouver`s second line continues to shine – Ryan Kesler and David Booth have maintained some solid play over the last 10 games and even the fourth line is showing up on the score sheet – Max Lapierre and Manny Malhotra had a whale of a game last night.
All in all, Vancouver`s offense is plain scary right now – the Oilers will certainly have their hands full!
After playing well last night, Roberto Luongo should get the day off – he is 19-6-2 with a 2.14 goals against average Edmonton in his last 27 starts though! But Cory Schneider has won 10 of his last 11 starts and is 2-0-0 in his last two games with a 1.94 goals against average.
Edmonton`s Cinderella story hit midnight a couple of months ago but recently, they have nearly hit rock bottom. Ryan Smyth is pointless in five games and Jordan Eberle has just one point in four games for Edmonton`s 19th ranked offense.
Taylor Hall is still playing very well but a look at the recent stats show that he and Ben Eager- yes, that Ben Eager are the hottest offensive Oilers – no wonder they are losing!
Defense and goaltending have also been a huge issue for Edmonton as of late. Nik Khabibulin is an ugly 1-8-2 with a 3.79 goals against average in his last 11 starts and is 2-13-1 with a 3.46 goals against in 16 games against Vancouver.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers Betting Lines & Handicapping
In other words, expect Devan Dubnyk to start despite a recent 0-2-0 record with a 4.10 goals against average.
Dubnyk is 2-2-0 versus Vancouver in his last four with a 2.17 goals against.
Dave’s Free Won’t Cost You Anything NHL Betting Prediction:
Vancouver has won three of four versus Edmonton this season – the last a 3-2 shootout win back when the Canucks were playing average hockey.
But Vancouver has ramped it up and they have regained that swagger that we have all become accustomed to.
Just like last night, this one won`t be pretty.
Vancouver pushes their regulation unbeaten streak to 13 with an easy win!
Pick: Vancouver Canucks -146
Here are some interesting Player Props for Sunday’s game:
Henrik Sedin Points
Line = 1.5 Over (1.75) | Under (1.50)
Daniel Sedin Shots on Goal
Line = 3.5 Over (1.50) | Under (1.75)
Ryan Kesler Shots on Goal
Line = 3.5 Over (1.70) | Under (1.55)
Alex Burrows Goals
Line = 0.5 Over (1.85) | Under (1.40)
Alexander Edler Shots on Goal
Line = 2.5 Over (1.40) | Under (1.85)
Kevin Bieksa Points
Line = 0.5 Over (1.55) | Under (1.70)
Sami Salo Points
Line = 0.5 Over (1.75) | Under (1.50)
Edmonton Shots on Goal
Line = 27.5 Over (1.60) | Under (1.60)
Edmonton Power Play Goals
Line = 0.5 Over (1.80) | Under (1.45)
Jordan Eberle Goals
Line = 0.5 Over (2.00) | Under (1.35)
Cody Hodgson Goals
Line = 0.5 Over (2.10) | Under (1.30)
David Booth Shots on Goal
Line = 2.5 Over (1.40) | Under (1.85)
Game Links
Game 59 Canucks vs. Oilers: Oil Spill Ahead - NWSB Insider and Vancouver Canucks writer Josh Hall doesn’t think there’s much to worry about with the Vancouver Canucks. Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin both bumped their slumps against Toronto. Ryan Kesler is still on somewhat of a roll.
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