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The Chicago Blackhawks and the Pittsburgh Penguins open the 2023-24 National Hockey League regular season Tuesday at PPG Paints Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Blackhawks vs. Penguins odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Blackhawks won the lottery after a dismal season, earning the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Chicago picked Connor Bedard, who is expected to be a generational talent to lead the Blackhawks back to championship form.
The Penguins suffered one of the biggest upsets at home last April 11, as the Blackhawks won 5-2 as +452 underdogs in the Steel City as the Over (6.5) just came in. The road team won both meetings in 2022-23, with the Over hitting in both matchups.
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Blackhawks at Penguins odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:19 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Blackhawks +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | Penguins -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blackhawks +1.5 (-130) | Penguins -1.5 (+110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)
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Blackhawks at Penguins projected goalies
Petr Mrazek (10-22-3, 3.66 GAA, .894 SV% – 2022-23) vs. Tristan Jarry (24-13-7, 2.90 GAA, .909 SV% , 2 SO)
Mrazek turned aside 38 of the 40 shots he faced in the 5-2 upset victory in Pittsburgh on April 11. Prior to that, he last met the Penguins on March 19, 2019, as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Jarry was on the short end of that stunning loss to the Blackhawks last April, allowing 3 goals on 25 shots in 57:32. He also lost his prior start against Chicago on Nov. 9, 2022, although he made 30 saves on 32 shots in a 3-2 shootout loss. His last win against Chicago was Oct. 16, 2021.
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Blackhawks at Penguins picks and predictions
Prediction
Blackhawks 4, Penguins 3
Moneyline
The BLACKHAWKS (+195) are live ‘dogs in the Steel City, worth playing lightly for a chance to double up as the Bedard era begins.
The Penguins (-250) would cost you 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that is just a little too much risk. Jake Guentzel (ankle) was able to practice Monday, but he is still at risk of missing Tuesday’s opener.
Puck line/Against the spread
The BLACKHAWKS +1.5 (-130) are not priced out of line, if you would like a little insurance, and just cannot take Chicago straight up.
Chicago has won 2 of the past 3 meetings in this series, both as an underdog, and the Blackhawks are an impressive 7-3 in the past 10 meetings, with 6 of those victories as a ‘dog. Feeling better about Chicago, now?
Over/Under
OVER 6.5 (-120) is worth playing lightly, but it should be a close shave. Still, Mrazek and Jarry can be very giving. And the Over cashed in both meetings last season, while going 3-1 in the past 4 meetings, and 5-2 in the past 7 in the series. Roll high, but be careful.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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