This is a 6* BIG-CHALK PUCK-LINE COMMUNITY PLAY on the Canucks.

Toronto's been awfully good over the first half, but it enters off a 3-1 loss to the hungry Canucks and we're expecting it to once again have its hands full here with Vancouver.

Clearly, if we were to just look at each team's offensive and defensive numbers, then we'd conclude that Toronto is the much better team.

We know this. Everyone knows this. I don't need to sit here and break down individual player talent, as there are plenty of shows and analysts out there to do that for you.

We're here to tell you why the Canucks are going to dig deep here and at the very least, keep this one competitive until the final moments.

Toronto had won seven of eight leading up to that last loss, including four in a row. It's been a long road trip for the Leafs and after this, they enjoy two whole nights off before a three-game series at home against the Jets.

Fatigue is a major factor here for Toronto and I think the Canucks, who clearly can't afford to take the foot off the gas after a slow start, can take advantage.

In a contest which we see being decided late or even in extra time, we're going to lay the reasonable price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance.

Good luck, NP