Vancouver at Chicago

One of the top teams in the NHL last season is a dog here. They've not gotten off to a great start, but there's no denying the talent, depth and firepower on this team. Vancouver is No. 10 in the NHL in goals scored, No. 7 on the power play and No. 6 in penalty killing. They have scored first in the last four games, tallying 15 goals. The Canucks are 16-6 in their last 22 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation and 60-27 in their last 87 vs. the Western Conference. Vancouver beat these Blackhawks in the playoffs just a few months ago in seven games. First place Chicago is getting a lot of respect from the oddsmakers now, but I'm not sold on a team that is No. 28 on the power play and in the middle of the pack defensively in goals allowed. They are 4-3 their last seven games and their last three games have all been decided by one goal, losing 5-4 at Tampa Bay the last game. Yet, they are a big favorite here to a very talented team. Play Vancouver.