Tag: Blackhawks

Notre Dame standout signs with Chicago Blackhawks

A short ride to the pros for him!

A recent Notre Dame standout doesn’t have far to go to now continue his hockey career.  Ryder Rolston, who dressed in 93 games with the Irish from 2020-23 has signed with the Chicago Blackhawks.  The deal is a three-year, entry-level contract that runs through the 2025-26 season ($895,000 salary cap hit). Rolston will report to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League

During his time at Notre Dame, Rolston totaled 53 points (18 goals, 35 assists).  He scored a career high 10 goals and 17 assists (27 points) in 2021-22.  He’s the son of former Stanley Cup Champion, Brian Rolston.

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The Blackhawks latest rebuild attempt is relying on trust the team hasn’t earned

Why should anyone believe in this front office?

It’d be one thing if the Blackhawks had a proven track record of doing things the right way, ya know?

If the club didn’t have morally questionable (at-best) ownership. If it had a proven player development system. If its last general manager hadn’t routinely been on the wrong end of lopsided trades. But that’s not the reality inside the United Center these days.

There is no goodwill left on Chicago’s west Madison street. No success story the team can point to.

When the Hawks decided to move Alex DeBrincat and Kirby Dach at the NHL Draft on Thursday night for a handful of picks and a prayer, it wasn’t a pair of trades anyone could trust. And that’s the most damning part about the rebuild ahead for Chicago’s newish front office—the benefit of the doubt simply does not exist.

Regardless of what GM Kyle Davidson says, the Hawks did not have to part ways with DeBrincat, a 40-goal scorer who at 24 years old hasn’t even reached restricted free agency yet, and the reaction around the league was pretty much universal that Davidson got fleeced. Sure, the Hawks moved up to the No. 7 overall pick in a first round they were previously absent from, but they would’ve had the No. 6 overall pick had Stan Bowman not traded it to Columbus last year for an ill-fated Seth Jones acquisition.

It gets worse. Because not only did the Hawks accept bargain prices for their top trade chip, they didn’t even come away with one of the Ottawa Senators’ top prospects in Jake Sanderson, Ridly Greig or Tyler Boucher.

And here’s where the benefit of the doubt would be nice. Because for the last few years, the Blackhawks have essentially zero proof they can successfully develop emerging talents. Instead, the franchise has been all too willing to give up on its top youngsters.

The trade of Dach later on Thursday was the latest egregious example. Chicago moved a 21-year-old who just completed his first full professional season that wasn’t interrupted by a significant injury or global pandemic. If the new regime can’t develop Dach, the No. 3 overall pick in 2019, what confidence should anyone have in the team’s ability to grow any of its incoming players?

Maybe Davidson and new head coach Luke Richardson have a solid plan and maybe this is all venting for the sake of venting. But neither have earned that kind of trust. Not yet. Not even from the remaining star players on their roster.

There are a lot of dark days on the ice ahead for Chicago hockey fans. There’s no indication it’ll be worth it. And it’s probably going to get a lot worse before anyone starts to figure out if it will get better.

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St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Blues at Blackhawks NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Chicago Blackhawks (31-29-8) host the defending champ and rival St. Louis Blues (40-18-10) at United Center at 7:30 p.m. ET Sunday (on NBCSN). We analyze the Blues-Blackhawks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Blues at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Jake Allen vs. Malcolm Subban

Allen is 10-6-3 with a 2.31 goals-against average and .922 save percentage this season as the backup to Jordan Binnington. Allen posted a 38-save shutout in Chicago on Dec. 2, his only one of the season. Binnington has posted a 30-12-7 record with a 2.57 GAA and .911 SV% in 49 starts. He continues to do a tremendous job, as the defending champs look poised for another lengthy postseason run. While he is 2-0-0 against the Blackhawks this season, he also has a dismal 4.01 GAA and .846 SV% against them, so that’s why he’ll likely get a break.

Subban might get a shot after Corey Crawford was a bit shaky in his most recent outing. While it might be quite the tall order for what would be Subban’s first start with the team following his trade from Vegas, he did beat the Blues 6-5 in overtime Feb. 13. Crawford is 0-3-0 with a 4.77 GAA and .867 SV% in three starts against the Blues this season.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Blues at Blackhawks: 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 Sunday at 2 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 5, Blackhawks 3

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-139) are a good bet regardless of whether the Blackhawks (+115) give Crawford or Subban the nod. St. Louis has been getting the better goaltending overall this season. The Blues are also 8-1 in their past nine games overall and 7-1 in the past eight as a favorite. The favorite is also 5-1 in the past six meetings in this rivalry, too.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager for the Blues to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $7.20 if they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

BLUES (-1.5, +185) is a nice small-unit play, as you can profit almost double your initial investment. While the home team is 6-1 in the past seven in this series and the Blues are 4-8-2 in their past 14 on the road, St. Louis is overall the better team with much more depth on offense and in the crease.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-150) is the best bet in this rivalry game, though the vig jumped from -110 to -150 from Sunday morning to afternoon. The Over is 7-3-1 in the past 11 battles in Chicago, and 15-6-5 in the previous 26 installments in this series. The Over is also 10-4-1 in the past 15 divisional games for St. Louis, while going 7-2 in the past nine for Chicago and 11-4 in the past 15 in which Chicago plays a team with a winning record.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Chicago Blackhawks at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Chicago Blackhawks at St. Louis Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

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.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

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.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Detroit Red Wings (10-29-3) visit the Chicago Blackhawks (18-18-6) Sunday at United Center for a 7:30 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Red Wings-Blackhawks odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup. This is the first meeting of the season between the two.

Detroit lost 4-1 at the Dallas Stars Friday and has dropped seven of eight, and 19 of 22.

Chicago had a three-game win streak snapped with a 7-5 loss at the Vancouver Canucks Thursday.

Red Wings at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Jimmy Howard vs. Corey Crawford

Howard is 2-13-1 with a 4.11 goals against average (GAA) and an .884 save percentage. Howard has lost his last nine starts (0-8-1), allowing 35 goals on 246 shots for a .858 SV%. He is 1-5-1 on the road with a 4.67 GAA.

Crawford is 6-11-2 with a 3.20 GAA and .905 SV%. Crawford, who is on a four-game losing streak, was pulled in the second period of his last start after yielding four goals on 20 shots in a 7-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils Dec. 23.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Red Wings at Blackhawks: Key injuries

Red Wings

  • RW Andreas Athanasiou (lower body) out
  • D Danny DeKeyser (back) out for season
  • D Jonathan Ericsson (nose) out
  • RW Anthony Mantha (ribs) out
  • D Mike Green (upper body) questionable

Blackhawks

  • LW Zack Smith (personal) questionable
  • G Robin Lehner (knee) questionable
  • D Brent Seabrook (shoulder) out for season
  • D Calvin de Haan (shoulder) out for season
  • LW Brandon Saad (ankle) out
  • LW Drake Caggiula (concussion) out
  • RW Andrew Shaw (concussion) out

Red Wings at Blackhawks: 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 Sunday at 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blackhawks 5, Red Wings 2

Moneyline (ML)

PASS. The Blackhawks (-208) are too chalky and not worth the risk of laying that kind of juice on a .500 team. The Red Wings (+170) are playing so bad, there’s no bet here either.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

The BLACKHAWKS (-1.5, +125) are the STRONGEST PLAY. They’re 23-19 vs. the PL overall and 9-9-3 straight up at home. The Red Wings (+1.5, -154) are 17-25 vs. the PL overall and 4-15-2 SU on the road.

New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered on the Blackhawks PL will profit $1.25 if they win by 2 or more goals.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+125) is worth a small wager, especially if Howard starts in goal for the Red Wings. His 4.11 GAA ranks last among all goalies. While both offenses average less than 3 goals per game – Chicago is 20th with 2.88 GPG and Detroit last at 2.14 – the defenses are in the top third of goals allowed. Detroit gives up an NHL-most 3.81 per game, and Chicago is 10th at 3.21.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. 

Johnny’s record since Dec. 1: 25-13-1. Strongest plays: 13-4.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Minnesota Wild at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Minnesota Wild at Chicago Blackhawks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Minnesota Wild (16-12-5) visit the Chicago Blackhawks (12-15-6) at the United Center Sunday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Wild-Blackhawks sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Wild at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Kaapo Kahkonen vs. Robin Lehner

Kahkonen has been solid in four starts for the Wild. The 23-year-old Finn did allow five goals in his last game –  a 6-5 home win vs. the Edmonton Oilers Thursday –  but he sports a 2.70 goals against average and a .925 save percentage in 245 minutes overall.

Lehner is 6-6-4 with a 2.86 GAA and .926 SV% in 17 games. He owns a .931 SV% at home. He’s lost his last two starts, both to the Arizona Coyotes, allowing eight goals against 87 shots.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Wild at Blackhawks: 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 12:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Blackhawks 4, Wild 3

Moneyline (ML)

Both teams played Saturday. Lehner is backing a Chicago lineup down a couple defensemen and one that gives up too many shots. But the Wild have been on the downside of recent shot and Corsi exchanges as well. Minnesota is 0 for its last 18 on the power play and have allowed seven goals in 21 chances on the penalty kill since Dec. 1. The BLACKHAWKS (-110) are the play here.

New to sports betting? An $11 bet on Chicago to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $10 … or in other words, every $1.10 wagered on the Blackhawks to win would return a profit of $1 in they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

AVOID since the puck line for Minnesota (+1.5, -304) is full of juice, while Chicago (-1.5 +240) would need to win by at least two goals. Both teams have played a high frequency of one-goal games of late, and there’s more gray area than usual with a freshman netminder.

Betting on the Wild would involve every $3.04 wagered to profit just $1 if they win outright or don’t lose by 2 goals or more. Betting on the Blackhawks would profit $2.40 for every $1 wagered, but they must win by 2 goals or more.

Over/under (O/U)

There is also too much data and too many trends muddied to advise more than a slight lean on the OVER 5.5 (-121).

Minnesota and Chicago rank 15th and 26th, respectively, in goals and eighth and 11th in goals allowed.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Arizona Coyotes at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Arizona Coyotes at Chicago Blackhawks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips

The Arizona Coyotes (17-10-4) and Chicago Blackhawks (12-12-5) tangle at United Center on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Coyotes-Blackhawks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Coyotes at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Darcy Kuemper vs. Robin Lehner

Kuemper is 12-6-2 with a 1.92 goals against average and a .937 save percentage. Kuemper is on a two-game win streak, stopping 61 of 64 shots in road wins at the Philadelphia Flyers (Thursday) and the Columbus Blue Jackets (Tuesday).

Lehner is 6-5-3 with a 2.71 GAA and a .929 SV%. Corey Crawford’s backup snapped a three-game personal skid by stopping 37 of 40 shots in a 3-2 OT win at the Boston Bruins Thursday.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Coyotes at Blackhawks: 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 1:35 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Blackhawks 3, Coyotes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BLACKHAWKS (-115) are the play here, even though the Coyotes (-106) have been the better team overall this season as they jockey for position atop the Pacific Division with the Edmonton Oilers. Arizona is playing the third game in four days, and it’s 0-4 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. The Coyotes should have heavy legs in this one. Plus, ‘Zona is 3-10 in the past 13 meetings and 1-5 in the past six trips to the Windy City.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

This should be a tight game, and if Chicago comes away with the win, it will likely be in overtime or a shootout. The BLACKHAWKS are worth a small-unit play at -1.5, +225, however, as that’s a really nice value for a home team.

New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered that the Blackhawks win by 2 goals or more would profit $2.25 if they do so.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-115) has been the dominant trend. The Under is 19-7-1 in Arizona’s past 27 on the road, and 9-4 in the past 13 overall. The Under is 5-1 in Chicago’s past six at home, and 7-3 in the past 10 overall.

Every $1.15 wagered that the combined goals scored are 5 or less would profit $1 if the Under hits.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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