The St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks continue their Western Conference quarterfinals for Game 6 on Friday at 9:45 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Blues-Canucks NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Blues vs. Canucks: Projected starting goalies
Jake Allen vs. Jacob Markstrom
Allen saved his team’s bacon, digging them out of a 2-0 series hole to help square the series 2-2 with solid play. It’s something they weren’t getting from last season’s crease hero, Jordan Binnington, who allowed 15 goals in three appearances from Aug. 6-14. Allen steadied the ship with a total of three goals allowed on 64 shots in the first two games, but he was dinged for four goals on 30 shots in a Game 5 loss. Head coach Craig Berube has another big decision to make. Does he stick with Allen, or go back to Binnington? Does it even matter?
Markstrom was sharp in a Game 5 victory, allowing three goals on 39 shots to push the defending champs to the brink. Markstrom has allowed three or fewer goals in each of the five games in this series, and eight of his nine appearances since the restart. In order to go deep into the playoffs you need consistent and strong goaltending play, and Markstrom is fitting the bill.
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Blues vs. Canucks: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Friday at 7:45 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Blues 3, Canucks 2
Moneyline (ML)
The BLUES (-134) have their backs to the wall, and there is some uncertainty on who will be in the crease for the elimination game. It’s a far cry from the organization of last season’s Stanley Cup run. Still, the Blues know what it takes to win in adverse conditions, and the Canucks (+115) will find it difficult tapping in the final nails in the coffin.
The Blues (+120) are plus-money on the 3-way line, but they have to win in regulation.
New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Blues to win Game 6 returns a net profit of $7.46, while the Canucks fetch a profit of $11.50 on a $10 wager if they win.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The Blues (-1.5, +200) are very tempting at a 2-to-1 rate, but they haven’t been able to slide more than three past Markstrom at any point in this series. The Canucks will make the Blues work hard for this one, and it could even be decided in overtime. PASS.
Over/Under (O/U)
UNDER 5 (+115) is tempting at plus-money, but I cannot stand playing the under on a flat five. Buy the half-goal, or insurance if you will, and go UNDER 5.5 (-154). It’s a bit expensive, but it will prove to be worth it.
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