The Blackhawks will host their long-time rivals the Blues at historic Wrigley Field on Tuesday evening in Chicago. With the road team favored on the moneyline and the total sitting at 5.5 goals, what’s the smart play in this Blues vs. Blackhawks Winter Classic matchup at 5:00 p.m. ET?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
St. Louis Blues (-150) at Chicago Blackhawks (+125); o/u 5.5
5:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
TV: TNT/truTV/Max
Blues vs. Blackhawks Winter Classic Public Betting: Bettors Leaning Blues
As of this writing, our NHL Public Betting Page shows that 58% of bets are on the Blues’ moneyline. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided to get the most up-to-date public betting information.
Binnington’s struggles continue
Jordan Binnington surrendered four goals on 16 shots in Sunday’s 4-2 loss to Buffalo. Binnington allowed a pair of goals apiece in the first and third periods of Sunday’s defeat, two of which came on the power play. The Ontario native has been subpar through eight appearances in December, posting a 2-5-1 record while allowing 23 goals on 201 shots in that span. Overall, the 31-year-old has a 9-14-3 record, .895 save percentage and 2.93 GAA through 27 appearances.
Mrazek draws start for Hawks
Petr Mrazek will be between the pipes Tuesday at home in the Winter Classic against the Blues, according to Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN Radio. Mrazek will make his 23rd start of the campaign in the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field. The 32-year-old is sporting an 0-4-0 record, .830 save percentage and 5.21 GAA through five appearances in December, and he hasn’t registered a win since Nov. 27. Mrazek will have a chance to get on the right track against a St. Louis team that has put up 2.61 goals per game through 38 contests, which ranks 28th in the NHL.
Blues vs. Blackhawks Winter Classic Betting Trends:
St. Louis is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing Chicago
St. Louis is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago’s last 8 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago’s last 6 games when playing St. Louis
Blues vs. Blackhawks Winter Classic Betting Prediction
Take the over. As noted above, St. Louis goaltender Jordan Binnington is in a massive funk. He often saves his best performances for the biggest games, so perhaps he’ll show up tonight at Wrigley Field and put on a show. That said, an .895 save percentage speaks for itself. He hasn’t been good.
Meanwhile, the Blackhawks have dropped four straight games. During this skid, they’ve allowed every opponent to score at least four goals. Two opponents, the Sabres and Flames, scored six goals. Thus, whether Chicago’s goal prevention is atrocious or Binnington struggles, we’re covered either way on the over today at Wrigley Field.
Blues vs. Blackhawks Winter Classic Prediction: OVER 5.5