Bodog Beat

The Chicago Blackhawks have won a postseason series for the first time since 1996. (AP Images)

Next up in the Western Conference semifinals are the Vancouver Canucks, who have not played since completing a sweep of St. Louis last Tuesday.

The Canucks split the four-game regular-season series with Chicago, winning the final two. Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo posted a shutout against Chicago in late March at the United Center.

After a short breather before starting the series at Vancouver, the Blackhawks won’t have time to look back and consider what they’ve accomplished so far against the physical but injury-riddled Flames.

The Canucks, who are listed at +500 to win the Stanley Cup, have had time to get healthy. That means Mats Sundin isn’t expected to miss the start of the second round, which is good news for Vancouver backers.
Chicago is 2-11 in the last 13 meetings in Vancouver. Get your NHL odds with Bodog now.