Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks and Predictions November 16th 2024

Connor Bedard returns to hometown as Blackhawks visit Canucks

The Blackhawks and Canucks are set to face off at 10:00 ET on ESPN+. The Canucks will host the game at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC. The over/under goal line for this matchup is currently at 5.5 goals, and the Canucks are -1.5 goal favorite to win at home against the Blackhawks.

Chicago vs. Vancouver Key Information

• Teams: Blackhawks at Canucks
• Where: Rogers Arena Vancouver
• Date: Saturday, November 16th
• Betting Odds VAN -249 | CHI +207 O/U 5.5

The Blackhawks Can Win If…

With a 4-2 victory over the Ducks, the Blackhawks improved to 6-10-1 this season. Chicago, as underdogs on the puck line, covered in this one. The total was set at 6.5 goals, but the teams combined for 6, falling just short.

Four different players scored for Chicago, who held a 4-0 lead before Anaheim got on the board. The Ducks’ second goal came with just 4 seconds left in the game.

Chicago’s offense found the net four times in their 4-2 win over the Ducks. Ryan Donato scored his 7th goal of the season, while Seth Jones added his 2nd. Teuvo Teravainen netted his 4th goal, and Isaak Phillips opened the scoring with his 1st of the year.

Connor Bedard contributed with two assists, bringing his total to 9 this season. Taylor Hall also added two assists, now with 4 on the year. The Blackhawks took 29 shots on goal and scored twice on the power play.

Defensively, the Blackhawks will look to carry over their performance from the previous game, where they gave up just two goals to the Ducks. Arvid Söderblom made 38 saves with a 95% save percentage, and the defense recorded 6 takeaways and 5 hits. Both goals they allowed came in the 3rd period, with one at 10:16 and the other at 19:56.

• Over their last three regular season games, the Blackhawks have gone 1-2 straight up. The team’s record vs the puck line was just 1-2, in addition to an over-under mark of 0-3.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Chicago has a record of 4-6. The team’s record vs the puck line was just 5-5, in addition to an over-under mark of 2-7-1.

The Canucks Can Win If…

Vancouver improved to 8-4-3 with a 3-2 win over the Sharks. The Canucks were -1.5 goal favorites, but didn’t cover the puck line. The total was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined score of 5 fell short of that mark.

After falling behind 1-0 in the second period, Vancouver tied it up with 5:19 left in the period. They took the lead at 4:22 in the third, but the Sharks responded with a goal at 18:43. Pius Suter scored the game-winner for the Canucks with just 26 seconds remaining.

Pius Suter led the way for the Canucks with two goals, including his 3rd and 4th of the season. He scored in the 2nd period and added the game-winner with just 26 seconds left. Jake DeBrusk netted his 1st goal of the season at 4:22 in the 3rd period.

Vancouver took 27 shots on goal but turned the puck over 25 times. After a scoreless 1st period, the Canucks got on the board at 14:41 in the 2nd.

Defensively, the Canucks will look to tighten up after giving up the first goal just 2:37 into the 2nd period and another late in the 3rd at 18:43. Kevin Lankinen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage, while the defense recorded 5 takeaways and 24 hits.

• Through their last three regular season contests, Vancouver has a record of 1-2. Against the spread, Vancouver went 1-2 in these games and finished with an over-under mark of 2-1.
• Across Vancouver’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 6-4. In these contests, the team went just 5-5 against the spread, while going 6-3-1 on the over-under.

The Lean

When it comes to a moneyline bet in this game, our analysis leans towards the Canucks picking up the win. However, given the current odds of -249, I’d advise going with the puck line, as our predictions have the Canucks coming out on top by more than one goal.

When it comes to a puck line pick, our choice is the Canucks to secure the win and cover. Expect the Canucks to dominate this one with a multi-goal win over the Blackhawks.

For those looking at the over/under line set at 5.5 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.

Daily NHL Picks & Predictions

Connor Bedard Returns to Hometown: Can Blackhawks and Canucks Overcome Struggles?

Connor Bedard’s highly anticipated return to his hometown of Vancouver takes center stage as the Chicago Blackhawks face the Vancouver Canucks this Saturday. The 19-year-old phenom and first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft will look to reignite his season amid the excitement of family, friends, and local fans filling the arena. This emotional homecoming comes at a critical time for both teams, as they seek to overcome recent struggles and find consistency.

Connor Bedard’s Hometown Homecoming

For Bedard, playing in Vancouver is more than just another game. The hometown hero missed his chance to play there last season due to a broken jaw, making this moment even more special. Reflecting on the numerous ticket requests from family and friends, Bedard joked, “I’ll be paying to play for a day.”

Despite the fanfare, Bedard enters the game amid a challenging stretch. In 17 games this season, he has only three goals and 13 points, with no goals in his last eight outings. The Calder Trophy winner acknowledged his need to step up:

“Lately, I’ve just been less of an impact and not really making a difference. Hopefully, I can contribute more,” Bedard told The Hockey News.

Bedard’s ability to rise to the occasion in a familiar setting could serve as a catalyst for both his performance and the Blackhawks’ fortunes.

Chicago Blackhawks: A Team in Transition

The Blackhawks are navigating a rebuilding phase, and recent performances highlight the growing pains. Coming off a 3-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken, Chicago has just one win in its last four games. Despite staying within striking distance in their most recent outing, the team was ultimately undone by an empty-net goal in the final minutes.

Veteran forward Nick Foligno expressed the team’s frustration:

“We talked about it. They start fast, too, and we just didn’t have an answer. The game was almost waiting for us to take it over, and we just didn’t.”

The Blackhawks’ inconsistency in maintaining momentum mirrors Bedard’s struggles. However, they have an opportunity to rally around their young star and find cohesion in Vancouver.

Vancouver Canucks: Seeking Stability at Home

While the Canucks have excelled on the road (6-1), their home record (2-3-3) leaves much to be desired. Following a disappointing 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders on Thursday, head coach Rick Tocchet took responsibility for the team’s lackluster play:

“We’re not playing good enough at home. It’s on me. I thought we were ready to go. We weren’t.”

The Canucks’ defensive lapses, including surrendering five consecutive goals after taking an early lead against the Islanders, have become a recurring issue. Despite standout moments—such as Dakota Joshua’s return to the lineup after overcoming testicular cancer and rookie Jonathan Lekkerimaki’s first NHL goal—Vancouver has struggled to maintain consistency.

Defenseman Vincent Desharnais summed up the team’s frustrations:

“We’re going to lose games. We can’t win all 82, but it’s not normal to lose games like we’re doing right now. We’ve got to figure it out.”

Key Storylines to Watch

1. Bedard’s Breakout Opportunity: The game offers Bedard a chance to end his scoring drought and deliver in front of a supportive hometown crowd. A strong performance could inspire his teammates and shift Chicago’s trajectory.
2. Canucks’ Home Woes: Vancouver needs to find its groove at home to match its road success. The team’s defensive play and ability to support their goaltenders will be critical.
3. Momentum Shifts: Both teams are under pressure to improve, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle. Individual performances, such as Lekkerimaki’s early promise and Joshua’s inspirational return, could provide the spark needed.

What’s at Stake?

For Bedard and the Blackhawks, this game represents more than just a return home—it’s a chance to regain confidence and showcase resilience. Meanwhile, the Canucks must capitalize on their home ice and address the inconsistencies that have plagued them early in the season.

As these two teams collide, fans can expect a game filled with emotion, grit, and the unpredictable drama that defines hockey. Whether it’s Bedard breaking out, the Blackhawks finding cohesion, or the Canucks finally defending their home ice, the storyline of redemption looms large for both sides.

Conclusion

Connor Bedard’s return to Vancouver is a reminder of the human element in sports—the highs of playing for your hometown and the pressures of meeting sky-high expectations. For the Blackhawks and Canucks, this game isn’t just about the standings; it’s about setting a tone for the rest of the season. Who will rise to the challenge? Saturday’s matchup promises to deliver answers.