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The Vancouver Canucks and the Chicago Blackhawks will meet for the first time since last season's playoffs. It was the Blackhawks who eliminated the Canucks in that Western Conference semi-final series. I think that the Blackhawks will have Vancouver's number once again tonight when they face off in Chicago.

The Canucks are playing below expectations so far this season. Sitting in fourth in the Northwest division with a 3-5 record they will most likely step up their play in the future, but for now you have to take it for what it is. The Canucks are 0-3 on the road this year losing to long time rivals Edmonton and Calgary twice.

The main reason for Vancouver's slow start is their goaltending. Normally the strength of their team, Roberto Luongo is far from mid-season form. Luongo has started all eight games for the Canucks. Through those eight games the 30-year old has a save percentage of .879. This is down from his career save percentage of .919.

The Blackhawks are sitting in first in the Central division with a 5-2-1 record. The two regulation losses have come in games with Detroit and Dallas, both by one goal.

Chicago has plenty of offensive talent. Patrick Sharp leads the club with 10 points on the short season. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews showed their offensive prowess last season. The Hawks also have a pair of defensemen that jump into the play with Brian Campbell and Brent Seabrook. Both blue liners have seven points so far this season.

The Blackhawks come into this one winners in four of their past five. I think they keep rolling here. Chicago can be backed for [1.63] on the Moneyline.