The Detroit Red Wings (2-2-1) and Chicago Blackhawks (0-4-1) renew their Original Six rivalry Sunday at 7 p.m. ET at United Center. Below, we look at the Red Wings vs. Blackhawks odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Red Wings are coming off back-to-back losses and are playing the back half of two games in as many days. Early-season returns have been mostly positive. Detroit ranks 13th in the league in scoring-chance percentage (50.8%)
The ‘Hawks are reeling. They’ve played over 300 minutes of hockey so far, and they’ve yet to have a lead.
To make matters worse, the Blackhawks had a COVID-19 outbreak. F Patrick Kane will miss the Red Wings game because of the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol, while F Ryan Carpenter and D Erik Gustafsson were removed from COVID-19 protocol, the ‘Hawks announced Sunday morning.
Red Wings at Blackhawks odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 3:18 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Red Wings +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Blackhawks -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Red Wings +1.5 (-200) | Blackhawks -1.5 (+150)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)
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Red Wings at Blackhawks projected goalies
Alex Nedeljkovic (0-1-1, 3.55 GAA, .890 SV%) vs. Kevin Lankinen (0-1-1, 2.91 GAA, .884 SV%)
Nedeljkovic has stopped 32 of the last 34 shots in his last two appearances. That includes stopping all six shots he faced in a relief performance at the Montreal Canadiens Saturday.
Lankinen draws a second start in a row with No. 1 Marc-Andre Fleury struggling at the outset of the season. The second-year netminder allowed 3 goals in Thursday’s 4-1 home loss to the Vancouver Canucks.
Red Wings at Blackhawks odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Red Wings 4, Blackhawks 3
Money line
Detroit outshot its opponents in both recent losses (Thursday, Saturday), and its expected-goals metrics thus far are impressive. Chicago was already dealing with blue-line injuries, and has been just out of whack all the way around. Chicago has had trouble creating quality looks from the slot.
BACK THE RED WINGS (+135).
Against the spread
PASS. Shoot for the plus payout on the money line.
Over/Under
Detroit’s early-season metrics make it an Over green light for now. Coming off one goal in its last two games helps the price here.
Both power plays have looked capable in the early going. In 5-on-5 play, both sides rank in the NHL’s bottom 10 in shooting percentage. More twine-finders are out there for both.
TAKE THE OVER 5.5 (-130).
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