The Chicago Blackhawks are heating up for another go at the Stanley Cup this season. But before they can move any further, they’ll have to make a quick pit stop at St. Louis, where the Blues are waiting. It’s going to be one hell of a matchup between these two Central Division teams, as Chicago’s league-best power play matches up against one of the NHL’s top penalty kill units in St. Louis.
It’s going to be one hell of a day for hockey. Check out one of the other games on deck with our complete preview for the Capitals vs. Kings.
Line: Chicago Blackhawks (EVEN) at St. Louis Blues (-120); total 5.0 – view all NHL lines
Betting on the Chicago Blackhawks (41-21-5)
The Central Division title and the top seed in the Western Conference are at stake. Chicago and St. Louis, along with Dallas, are all contending to be the best team in the West this season, making this one hell of a matchup to watch. The Blackhawks embark on a two-game road trip starting Wednesday at St. Louis and Friday at Dallas.
These divisional games will be very important. Chicago’s league-best power play could have a huge role in ensuring that the Blackhawks get some crucial wins on the road. The Blackhawks are scoring on 24.1 percent of their opportunities with the man advantage. They’ve also been incredibly hot recently, scoring on 14 of 28 in their last nine games.
Patrick Kane has been the main difference-maker with seven power-play points in his last nine contests. Brent Seabrook, Artemi Panarin and Duncan Keith each have six during that span. Kane has been very good with eight goals in his last 13 games. He now has an NHL-best 89 points this season. He has 13 points in nine career games against St. Louis.
Getting the offense going is crucial for Chicago. Goaltender Corey Crawford has struggled against the Blues this season. While he’s won two of the first three meetings, he has compiled a 2.61 GAA and .906 save percentage over those games.
The Blackhawks have won five of their last seven on the road.
Betting on the St. Louis Blues (38-20-9)
The St. Louis Blues could tie the Chicago Blackhawks for second place in the Central Division with a regulation win tonight. The Blues are just two points behind the Blackhawks in the division standings. They’ll be chomping at the bit to beat the defending Stanley Cup champions tonight. The Blues are returning home after winning three-straight on the road.
Goalie Jake Allen started all three of those games. He has a .936 save percentage over those games. Expect Allen to be on point tonight. He’s been a decent net minder at home with a 1.99 GAA and .924 save percentage at Scottrade Center.
Allen will have to be more consistent after splitting his two games against Chicago this season. He stopped 27 of 28 shots as a backup in a 6-5 overtime win at Chicago on November 4. On the flipside, he also allowed four goals in a 4-2 loss at home on November 14.
Defense will certainly help the Blues, especially in this game against the league’s best power play. St. Louis ranks first in the NHL, stopping 86.6 percent of opponents’ power play opportunities. They’re also very good on the man advantage, converting of 21.7 percent of their chances.
Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk is a game-changer from the blue line on the power play. He’s second on the team in power play assists (16) this season. Meanwhile, Vladimir Tarasenko will once again be at the forefront of St. Louis’ attack. He has team-highs of 55 points and 30 goals. Tarasenko has four points through the first three games against Chicago this season.
The Blues have won seven of their last 10 home games against Chicago.
Writer’s Prediction
The Blues (-120) take a tight 4-3 victory over visiting Chicago.
