The Chicago Blackhawks (25-21-7) host the Boston Bruins (32-10-12) Wednesday at United Center for an 8 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Bruins-Blackhawks sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.
Bruins at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies
Jaroslav Halak vs. Robin Lehner
Halak stopped 25 of 26 shots in a win over the Minnesota Wild Saturday. He improved to 13-6-6 through 24 starts and a relief appearance while working behind starter Tuukka Rask. Halak has a .920 save percentage and 2.42 goals against average.
Lehner took a loss against the Florida Panthers prior to the All-Star break to snap a three-game winning streak. He dropped to 15-8-4 through 27 starts and two relief appearances with a .922 SV% and 2.86 GAA.
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Bruins at Blackhawks: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated at 10:10 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Bruins 3, Blackhawks 1
Moneyline (ML)
The BRUINS (-155) are catching adequate value on the road. They’re 14-8-3 as visitors this season and enter Wednesday’s game 7-2-1 across their last 10 contests overall including a four-game winning streak. Rask was between the pipes for a 4-0 shutout of the Pacific Division-leading Vancouver Canucks Tuesday.
The Blackhawks (+130) are just 12-12-3 at home this season. They’re 6-3-1 across their last 10 games but coming off a 3-2 overtime loss to the rival Minnesota Wild Tuesday. With both teams on the second half of a back-to-back, side with the B’s.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Bruins to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $6.45.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
Back the BRUINS (-1.5, +180) to win by at least 2 goals. Boston is 25-29 against the spread overall, but 13-12 on the road. Chicago is 31-22 ATS overall, but just 13-14 at home. The Bruins have won their last two games by a combined score of 10-1. The Blackhawks have a minus-6 goal differential on the season compared to the Bruins’ plus-44 margin.
Over/Under (O/U)
Take the UNDER 5.5 (+125) with two fresh goaltenders in net. Boston is 4-5-1 against the Over/Under across its last 10 games, and Chicago is 5-5. The Blackhawks claimed a 4-3 overtime victory in Boston Dec. 5, but the B’s were without captain Patrice Bergeron.
Esten’s NHL betting record: 203-191
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