The Vancouver Canucks are on the brink of the most monumental collapse in NHL playoff history. They DOMINATED Chicago for three consecutive games and marched out to a convincing 3-0 lead. Thoughts around the league and hockey gurus were pretty much the same — Vancouver is the team to beat.

Yet, after dropping three straight games to the Blackhawks the series is tied and headed for a classic seventh game. The question now becomes who has the better value from a betting perspective? Opening lines say Vancouver is still being considered the favorite to win the game. I, for one, am shocked the Blackhawks have been able to bounce back from being in that massive hole. Sure, Chicago is a very talented team and we've even bet on them a couple of times in this series and won, but Vancouver is an overall better team.

Getting a big price on Chicago is almost like a present from a bettor's perspective. Roberto Luongo hasn't proven he can stop a single thing the Blackhawks put on net lately. He gave up 10 goals combined in Games 4 and 5 and only faced 13 shots in last night's game, giving up the game-winning goal for the Blackhawks on a rebound he has no business missing.

He isn't the same goalie he was in the regular season. Something's changed and his psyche is in serious question. Remember, they ripped the "C" from his sweater during the off-season because they didn't believe he had lived up to being the captain. Now they've benched him in essentially a must-win Game 6 and go with the young guy, Cory Schneider. What's going on in Luongo's head?

I think Chicago, after striking for three straight wins, is in a GREAT position to move on and win this series. Since Dave Bolland has returned to the lineup for the Blackhawks, it's been a big change. 

Games 1-3:

Sedin brothers — (+7) Canucks take first three games.

Dave Bolland doesn't play.

Games 4-6:

Sedin brothers — (-13) Canucks lose three straight games.

Dave Bolland — (+6) Chicago wins three straight.

Think this is a coincidence at all? I don't.

Comments:

Who wins Game 7 in this series and why?