The Chicago Blackhawks, spearheaded by Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, are preparing to take the ice against Mike Hoffman, Evgenii Dadonov, and the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center in an East-West tilt. The opening face-off takes place at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 24, and it can be seen live on NBC Sports Chicago.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Florida Panthers Odds
Florida is 8-12 straight-up (SU) and has lost 6.0 units for moneyline bettors this year. That early-season winning percentage is a big slide from what the team recorded during the 2017-18 season (44-38). Of its 20 games this season, nine have gone over the total, while eight have gone under and just two have pushed. The team is 3-4 SU at home this year.
The Panthers have converted on 25.3 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that’s good enough for seventh-best in the NHL. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 29th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 74.2 percent of all penalties.
Averaging 21.6 saves per game with a .896 save percentage, James Reimer (four wins, eight losses, and one OT loss) has been the most dependable goalkeeper for Florida this year. Reimer did just play last night, however, so the team may decide to give him a rest and instead turn to Roberto Luongo (4-5-5 record, .902 save percentage, 3.07 goals against average).
Chicago has lost 6.7 units for bettors taking the moneyline thus far and is currently 8-15 straight up (SU). A total of 11 of its outings have gone under the total, while 10 have gone over and just one has pushed. As a road team, the Blackhawks are 3-9 SU so far.
The Blackhawks have converted on just 13.0 percent of their power play chances this season, a figure that’s ranked 32nd in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 27th overall and it’s successfully killed off 75.0 percent of all opponent power plays.
Corey Crawford (28.1 saves per game) has been the primary option in goal for Chicago. Crawford owns a 5-9-1 record, while registering a .914 save percentage and 2.68 goals against average this year.
Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers Free Picks
NHL Pick: SU Winner – Panthers, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
- For both of these teams, the over has hit in four of their last five matchups.
- Chicago has managed 30.8 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while Florida is averaging 35.8 shots per game over its last five home outings.
- Over Chicago’s last ten games, six of them have been decided by two or more goals (the team is 1-5 in those games).
- Chicago skaters notched 16.8 hits per game last season, while the Panthers accounted for 20.2 hits per contest.
