After getting past the Nashville Predators in the first round, the Vancouver Canucks have been in a fierce battle with divisional rival Edmonton Oilers. With the series now even at two games apiece, it’s time for an update on Vancouver.
Vancouver Canucks update: Series tied 2-2 with the Edmonton Oilers
When it comes to a series against the Oilers, there’s no denying they will have the two biggest superstars on the ice - Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, the Canucks have arguably the deepest roster in the NHL, as they led the league with six All-Star selections.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that we have such a competitive series, which is now tied at 2-2 following the Oilers Game 4 win on Tuesday night. While McDavid and Draisaitl may be the household names, Evan Bouchard has been Vancouver’s kryptonite.
After scoring the game-winning overtime goal for Edmonton in Game 2, the defenseman yet again scored the game-winner with less than a minute left in regulation in Game 4. That brings the series back to Vancouver, and for the Canucks to regain the series lead, they’re going to need to put more pressure on net.
They recorded just 21 shots on goal in Game 4, but let’s not forget, they won all four games against the Oilers in the regular season.
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Vancouver Canucks update: Looking ahead to potential Western Conference Finals matchups
If the Canucks are indeed able to get by their Pacific Division rival and eliminate Edmonton, who would they face in the Western Conference Finals? As it stands, it looks likely to be the Dallas Stars, as they hold a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Colorado Avalanche.
The two Central Division rivals play tonight, and the game is in Dallas. With that the more likely opponent, let’s review how Vancouver performed against them this season. In three matchups, the Stars hold the 2-1 series lead. As for Colorado, Vancouver lost all three games against them during the regular season.
The Avs and Stars are two teams that can light up the scoreboard, especially at home. Dallas certainly has the better defense, and with the Canucks struggling to put pressure on opposing goaltenders, they will be a tough opponent to get through.
Vancouver Canucks update: Odds to win the Stanley Cup
Given what we just mentioned about Vancouver’s road ahead is a difficult one, it’s no surprise to see them with rather long odds to win it all. They currently sit with +1800 odds, which are shorter than only the Avalanche and Boston Bruins, who are both just a game away from being eliminated.
Unfortunately for Vancouver fans, their potential opponent in the next round - the Stars - holds the shortest odds to hoist Lord Stanely at a +240 price. Behind them are the Florida Panthers at +260 and New York Rangers at +500.
