Chicago Blackhawks at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Pittsburgh Penguins odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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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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