Blackhawks vs. Red Wings Pick
Can the host Detroit Red Wings get the job done as a small favorite tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks at 7:30PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Red Wings are a -120 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Blackhawks are a +100 underdog, while the total is set at 5.5 goals. As of Thursday afternoon, 66 percent of public bets have come in on visiting Chicago.
Chicago enters with a 22-19-6-1 record after a 3-2 home overtime loss to the Maple Leafs Wednesday night. Detroit is 19-20-7-1 following a 3-2 home overtime loss to the Flyers Tuesday night. The Red Wings won the first meeting this season in a 4-0 shutout at Chicago on Jan. 14. Detroit is 2-1 in three meetings since the start of last season. The over has gone 2-1.
The Blackhawks were paced by Nick Schmaltz as he tallied a goal and an assist in the defeat against Toronto. Brent Seabrook scored the other goal. Jeff Glass recorded 33 saves on 36 shots in goal to take the loss. The goal by Schmaltz tied the score with 12:05 in the third period, but the Maple Leafs ultimately put in the game-winner in overtime.
In the loss to Philadelphia, Jonathan Ericcson and Frans Nielsen each scored a goal to lead the way. Luke Glendening dished out a pair of assists. Petr Mrazek was saddled with the loss as he surrendered three goals on 31 shots. Nielsen tied the score at 2-2 with 9:16 remaining before the Flyers won it in the extra session.
The home team is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings. The over is 4-0-1 in the last five meetings in Detroit and 3-1-3 in the last seven meetings overall.
Bet on Blackhawks vs. Red Wings
With Chicago struggling mightily lately and the Red Wings having an extra day of rest plus being at home, I have to side with the hosts here. Detroit should be up for this one as it’s a rivalry game even though the two squads are in opposite conferences now. Jimmy Howard has been solid in goal this season and expect a strong effort out of him tonight to help carry the Red Wings to a season sweep.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: DETROIT RED WINGS -120