Two teams that split their season series (one game apiece) a year ago, the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks meet at the United Center for an Original Six showdown. NBC will air the matchup, and the action gets going at 0:30 ET on Sunday, January 14.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Chicago Blackhawks Odds
The Blackhawks are 22-22 straight up (SU) and have lost 2.9 units for moneyline bettors thus far. That early-season winning percentage is a big slide from what the team managed during the 2016-17 season (50-32). 23 of the team’s 44 contests have gone under the total, while 19 have gone over and just two have pushed. This year, the team is 12-9 SU at home.
Chicago has converted on just 15.9 percent of its power play chances this season, a mark that places the team in the bottom-10 overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 11th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 82.1 percent of all penalties.
Chicago, as a collective unit, has been penalized just 3.7 times per game overall this season, and 2.6 per game over its last five outings at home. The team’s had to defend opponent power plays for just 8.5 minutes per game over its last 10 outings, in total.
Averaging 27.9 saves per game with a .929 save percentage, Corey Crawford (16-12-2) has been the top goalkeeper for the Blackhawks this year. If they choose to give him a breather, however, the team may turn to Anton Forsberg (4-11-11 record, .911 save percentage, 2.92 goals against average).
The Hawks will continue seeking offensive production from Patrick Kane and Nick Schmaltz. Kane (45 points) has tallied 18 goals and 27 assists and has recorded multiple points 12 times this year. Schmaltz has 12 goals and 20 assists to his name and has notched a point in 18 contests.
On the other side of the ice, Detroit is 17-25 straight up (SU) and has lost 6.7 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 42 regular season matches, 21 of its games have gone under the total, while 20 have gone over and none have pushed. As the visiting team, Detroit is 7-12 SU so far.
Detroit has converted on 19.5 percent of its power play chances this season, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 19th overall and it’s successfully killed off 80.6 percent of all penalties.
Detroit’s skaters have been penalized 3.9 times per game in total this season, and 2.8 per game over their last five on the road. The team’s been forced to kill penalties just 6.2 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Jimmy Howard (2.68 goals against average and .915 save percentage) has been the main option in goal for Detroit. Howard is averaging 26.9 saves per game and has 14 wins, 21 losses, and six OT losses to his credit.
For the visiting Red Wings, the offense will be coordinated by Dylan Larkin (six goals, 28 assists) and Henrik Zetterberg (six goals, 24 assists).
Detroit Red Wings vs. Chicago Blackhawks Betting Predictions
Predictions: SU Winner – Blackhawks, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Trends
The total has gone under in three of Chicago’s last five games.
Detroit has managed 28.6 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while Chicago is averaging 33.8 shots per game over its last five at home.
