Tyler Bertuzzi, Dylan Larkin, and the Detroit Red Wings will face off against Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center in an Original Six showdown. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 5, and fans at home can see it live on NBC Sports Network.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Chicago Blackhawks Odds
The Blackhawks (-200) are currently noticeably favored over the Red Wings (+170), and oddsmakers have set the Over/Under (O/U) at 7 goals (-105 for the over, -115 for the under).
Losing 1.6 units for moneyline bettors, Chicago is 18-24 straight up (SU) overall this year. That early-season winning percentage is right in line with the 36-46 record the team managed during last year’s regular season campaign. Through 42 regular season contests, 21 of its games have gone under the total, while 20 have gone over and just one has pushed. Thus far, the team is 9-12 SU at home.
The Blackhawks have converted on just 15.6 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s ranked 26th overall in the NHL. On the other hand, their penalty kill is rated 11th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 81.7 percent of all penalties.
Averaging 32.3 saves per game with a .922 save percentage, Robin Lehner (12-13-5) has been the top option in goal for the Hawks this season. If the Hawks choose to give him a breather, however, Chicago may turn to Corey Crawford (6-14-14 record, .905 save percentage, 3.20 goals against average).
On the visiting bench, Detroit is 10-32 straight up (SU) and has lost 15.4 units for bettors taking the moneyline thus far. Through 42 regular season matches, 20 of its games have gone over the total, while 17 have gone under the total and just five have pushed. As a road team, the Red Wings are 4-17 SU so far.
The Red Wings have converted on just 15.3 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that places them in the bottom-10 overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 30th overall and it’s successfully killed off 73.2 percent of all opponent power plays.
Jonathan Bernier (3.04 goals against average and .904 save percentage) has been the main option in goal for Detroit. Bernier is averaging 26.0 saves per game and owns an 8-18-2 record.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Chicago Blackhawks Betting Predictions
Prediction: SU Winner – Blackhawks, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- The Blackhawks (2-4 in shootouts this season) has more experience in games decided by shootout. The Red Wings fell short in its only shootout this season.
- For both of these clubs, the over has hit in four of their last five matchups.
- Over Detroit’s last ten games, seven of them have been decided by two or more goals (the team is 2-5 in those games).
- The Hawks this season have dished out the eighth-most hits per game in the NHL (23.8), but that number has jumped up to 29.0 over their past five games as the home team.
