The simple handicap here is that a total above 5 1/2 is too high when the Canucks are involved.

Vancouver is averaging one per goal per game during its last seven games! This total lack of scoring is mainly a result of the Canucks losing their leading scorer and star, Brock Boeser, who hasn't played during this losing skid and likely won't play again this season due to injury.

The Canucks rank 27th in scoring. They know they can't play wide open especially on the road. So it's not a surprise that the Under has cashed the past six times Vancouver has been away.

The Blackhawks are playing for the first time since being officialy eliminated from the playoffs. That's a new experience for them so it remains to be seen how much effort and energy they'll produce here. The Blackhawks have a below offense. Chicago has been held to three goals or fewer in 12 of its last 15 games.

The Blackhawks have been a huge Under team at home, too, with the Under going 19-5-2 in Chicago's last 26 games at United Center.