The Chicago Blackhawks (27-27-8) visit the St. Louis Blues (36-17-10) in a Central Division clash Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Blackhawks-Blues odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.
Blackhawks at Blues: Projected starting goalies
Corey Crawford vs. Jordan Binnington
Crawford figures to be the steady No. 1 option the rest of the way for the Blackhawks, who traded G Robin Lehner to the Vegas Golden Knights Monday. Crawford owns a 2.80 goals against average (GAA) and a .915 save percentage. He permitted eight goals on 68 shots in a pair of losses against St. Louis in December, but the 35-year-old veteran has logged a robust .939 SV% in nine games since Jan. 9. Crawford stopped 31 of 33 shots at Dallas Sunday. He’s also registered a .913 SV% when starting on two-day rest.
Binnington has played in 45 games for St. Louis, logging a 2.56 GAA and .913 SV%. He’s been sharp at home (2.12 GAA, .922 SV%) and of late (2.33 GAA, .918 SV% in February). Binnington is coming off a sharp Sunday start (32 saves, one goal allowed at the Minnesota Wild), which followed back-to-back home shutouts – 14 saves in a 1-0 win vs. the Arizona Coyotes Thursday, and 17 saves in a 3-0 victory vs. the New Jersey Devils Feb. 18.
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Blackhawks at Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 1:30 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Blackhawks 3, Blues 2
Moneyline (ML)
Pythagorean comparisons (using goals and goals allowed to predict wins and losses) are bullish on Chicago and bearish on St. Louis. Recent puck-possession numbers indicate the ‘Hawks may be overlooked and worth a shot at a price +175 or better. The CHICAGO +185 line makes for moderate value.
New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered on the Blackhawks ML will profit $1.85 if they win.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
PASS. Three of the Blues’ last four wins have been by multiple goals. But the Blackhawks line (+1.5, -150) isn’t tamped down enough to warrant a play.
Over/Under (O/U)
The Under is 3-2 over Chicago’s last five games and 4-1 in the Blues’ last five. The goal total in seven of Chicago’s last 10 games has been 5 or less. A struggling St. Louis power play makes for two subpar PP-units in this one. The netminders present a likable matchup for Under bettors, and the price here – UNDER 5.5 (+115) – is a lure. Will back the UNDER.
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