The Chicago Blackhawks (21-19-5) visit the Nashville Predators (24-21-1) Monday night for an 8 p.m. ET game at Bridgestone Arena. Below, we analyze the Blackhawks-Predators odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.
Blackhawks at Predators: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:40 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Blackhawks +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Predators -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Blackhawks +1.5 (-200) | Predators -1.5 (+175)
- Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Blackhawks at Predators: Projected starting goalies
Kevin Lankinen (16-12-4, .914 SV%, 2.79 GAA) vs. Juuse Saros (15-9-0, .928 SV%, 2.23 GAA)
Lankinen got off to a sparkling start to his rookie season, but his time behind a Chicago defense that gives up a league-high 33.0 shots per game is taking its toll. He has logged a pedestrian .884 SV% over his last 7 games. That stretch includes an April 3 loss at Nashville in which he yielded 3 goals on 21 shots.
Saros stopped 45 of 47 shots in a 3-1 Preds loss to the Csarolina Hurricanes Saturday. The 26-year-old has been on a roll and has notched a .952 SV% over his last 14 games. That stretch includes stopping 29 of 30 pucks against these Blackhawks March 27, and a 41-save shutout April 3. He’s 11-2 with a .940 SV% and 1.81 GAA at Bridgestone Arena this season.
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Blackhawks at Predators: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Predators 3, Blackhawks 2
Money line (ML)
This game opens up a monster week that has the ‘Hawks and Preds meeting three times — once in Nashville and twice in Chicago.
The series has the feel of the NCAA Tournament First Four: the winner has a substantial edge in getting into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, likely as the No. 4 seed in the Central Division. The loser likely stays at home in the late-spring brackets on ice.
The Predators are playing the better hockey of the two clubs. Despite losing its last two games, Nashville is 13-5-0 since March 15. That span includes a 3-0 mark against the upstart Blackhawks. Chicago was at its best early and has since faded in and out of the playoff focus.
The Preds (-145) are a worthy favorite but not one to leverage at the listed odds. The juice knocks the price on the ‘Hawks too far out of profit range, as well. PASS.
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Against the spread (ATS)
Letting this line marinate might draw a slightly better tag, but BLACKHAWKS +1.5 (-200) is the lean.
Chicago may just be too shorthanded on defense and young overall, but the ‘Hawks are a well-coached group. Figure on an even game or a one-goal deficit late in a contest where 5 total goals looks solid.
Over/Under (O/U)
The level line on the 5.5 goals is a bit of a surprise. These two clubs have trended toward grinding 3-1, 3-2 games, and they’ll have their best feet forward in a likely cautious open to Fourth Seed Week.
TAKE THE UNDER 5.5 (-110).
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