Chicago Blackhawks betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 4

Nashville Predators at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks, and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Nashville Predators at Chicago Blackhawks odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Nashville Predators (18-10-1) visit the Chicago Blackhawks (11-15-2) Friday at United Center. Puck drop is slated for 8:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Predators vs. Blackhawks odds and lines and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Nashville rolls into Chicago on a six-game win streak. Those half-dozen victories include four on the road and three or four monster puck-possession performances. The Predators have held foes to just 24.8 shots per game across the six-game span.

The Blackhawks have alternated wins and losses for their last 13 games. They are coming off a 5-4 overtime triumph over the Washington Capitals Wednesday. The Blackhawks are 5-2 over their last seven home games; that stretch began Nov. 7 with a 2-1 overtime victory against these Predators.

Predators at Blackhawks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:58 a.m. ET.

Money line: Predators +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Blackhawks -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Predators +1.5 (-240) | Blackhawks -1.5 (+175)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -102 | U: -122)

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Predators at Blackhawks projected goalies

David Rittich (3-1-0, 3.10 GAA, .880 SV%) vs. Marc-Andre Fleury (9-10-0, 2.85 GAA, .913 SV%)

Rittich is coming off back-to-back wins, but he owns a mere .847 SV% over his last three starts. He’s posted a similar save percentage (.856) over four career outings versus Chicago.

Fleury allowed 4 goals to the Capitals Wednesday but was quite good in facing 46 shots. The winner of 501 career games is 4-1 over his last five starts.

Predators at Blackhawks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Blackhawks 3, Predators 2

Money line

CHICAGO (-140) is a solid price on a club that is a little healthier than it was a month ago. The ‘Hawks power play has been sharp of late (6-for-20, 30.0% in December), and so has its top netminder.

Nashville’s penalty kill (78.3%) ranks 24th in the league, and the Preds are in the box more than the average team. Back the Blackhawks.

Against the spread

PASS: this contest has a likable Under, and Chicago has tended to play a lot of close games of late.

Over/Under

The Under is 3-0-1 in Blackhawks’ last four games as a favorite and is 5-1 in the last six series meetings in Chicago.

Peg this total as being gettable on the low side, mostly due to the score-favoring factors and recent trends being slightly fade-worthy. Steer clear of a full-unit bet unless the tags here were to even out at -110. But consider a small play on the UNDER 5.5 (-122).

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Washington Capitals at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks, and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Washington Capitals at Chicago Blackhawks odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Washington Capitals (17-5-6) and Chicago Blackhawks (10-15-2) meet Wednesday for a tussle at United Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Capitals vs. Blackhawks odds and lines and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Washington earned a 3-2 shootout win at Buffalo Saturday and is playing the second game of a three-game road trip. The Caps have had three shootouts in their last five games, a stretch that began with a 4-3 loss to these Blackhawks Dec. 2.

The Blackhawks had their Monday game against the Calgary Flames nixed due to COVID-19 protocols on the Calgary side. Chicago is 9-6-0 since enduring a dreadful 1-9-2 open to the season. Despite five of their last eight games being against top-10 teams (point percentage), the ‘Hawks have posted a 52.8% Corsi-for over that stretch.

Capitals at Blackhawks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:23 a.m. ET.

Money line: Capitals -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Blackhawks +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Against the spread (ATS): Capitals -1.5 (+150) | Blackhawks +1.5 (-200)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -122 | U: -102)

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Capitals at Blackhawks projected goalies

Ilya Samsonov (11-2-1, 2.47 GAA, .915 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Marc-Andre Fleury (8-0-0, 2.79 GAA, .913 SV%, 2 SO)

Samsonov owns a spectacular .950 SV% over his last four road starts. He was not between the pipes when Chicago defeated Washington Dec. 2.

Fleury stopped 30-of-30 in his last start Thursday at the Montreal Canadiens, and the veteran netminder owns a .939 SV% over his last 10 games. He was undone by a pair of power-play goals in yielding 5 overall in his last home game Dec. 7 versus the Rangers.

Capitals at Blackhawks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Blackhawks 3, Capitals 2

Money line

The home side is the likable play in this one, but just barely so at the current tag. Consider a partial-unit play on CHICAGO (+125).

Fleury has been in a vintage Vezina-last-season groove of late, and the ‘Hawks have registered solid puck-possession analytics against a tough slate in recent weeks.

Performances versus expected goals would indicate Chicago is a little undervalued while the Capitals look to be too far out over their skis. Throw in Samsonov owning a .925 SV% figure in short-handed situations, and this match-up is bound to have too far a public lean toward Washington.

Against the spread

PASS. The Chicago outright play offers the best return for the risk.

Over/Under

With this game being the second Washington-Chicago meeting in two weeks and with a nod toward the goalies in a tightened-up affair, the UNDER 5.5 (-102) has a slight lean.

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New York Rangers at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks, and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s New York Rangers at Chicago Blackhawks odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New York Rangers (16-4-3) and Chicago Blackhawks (9-13-2) battle in a Tuesday “Original Six” matchup at 8:30 p.m. ET at United Center. Below, we look at the Rangers vs. Blackhawks odds and lines and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

New York is playing Chicago for a second straight game. The Rangers beat the Blackhawks 3-2 Saturday at Madison Square Garden for a sixth consecutive victory.

While the Rangers had the next day off, the Blackhawks bounced back from the setback with a 3-2 shutout victory at the New York Islanders Sunday. The Blackhawks return home where they are 5-5-1. They went 2-1 on their recent road trip, which included a 4-3 shootout win at the Washington Capitals before their two-game stop in New York.

Rangers at Blackhawks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:47 p.m. ET.

Money line: Rangers -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Blackhawks +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread (ATS): Rangers -1.5 (+180) | Blackhawks +1.5 (-250)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

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Rangers at Blackhawks projected goalies

Alexandar Georgiev (3-1-1, 3.58 GAA, .876 SV%) vs. Marc-Andre Fleury (7-9-0, 2.82 GAA, .913 SV%)

Georgiev stopped 25 of 27 shots against these same ‘Hawks Saturday. The 25-year-old went into that start with an .867 SV%. He’s been undone by shots in close and by a .682 SV% in short-handed play.

Fleury enters this start on a roll. The veteran netminder is 6-2 with a .944 SV% over his last eight games. Fleury backs a Chicago defense which yielded 33.4 shots per game from Oct. 21-Nov. 9 but has improved that figure to 29.8 in 10 games since.

Rangers at Blackhawks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Blackhawks 4, Rangers 2

Money line

The home side in this one has posted solid puck-possession and shot-generating metrics of late, and Chicago is backed by a star goalie in a groove.

The Rangers offense has not been generating as many low-slot shot attempts lately. The win streak has been logged against mostly below-average squads and without puck-possession analytics to back it up.

TAKE CHICAGO (+110).

Against the spread

PASS on these juice-filled puck-line figures.

Over/Under

Chicago has some unrealized offensive potential at home. A hot-back-in-the-fall power play cooled in November. It’s now 2 for its last 5, so there is some potential there as well.

Georgiev shouldn’t scare off any Over lean. BACK THE OVER 5.5 (-120).

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Chicago Blackhawks at Seattle Kraken odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Seattle Kraken odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Blackhawks (4-9-2) travel to meet the Seattle Kraken (4-10-1) Wednesday at Climate Pledge Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Blackhawks vs. Kraken odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Blackhawks enter on a three-game win streak, including two victories as underdogs. Last time out was a 2-1 win over the Arizona Coyotes at home Friday. Each of the three wins are one-goal games, hitting the Under in each.

The Kraken are skidding, losing four in a row. While Seattle has averaged 3.0 goals per game, and scored at least 2 goals per game, during the losing streak, it has also allowed at least 4 goals in each outing and averaged 4.0 goals per game allowed.

Blackhawks at Kraken odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:40 p.m. ET.

Money line: Blackhawks +122 (bet $100 to win $122) | Kraken -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Blackhawks +1.5 (-220) | Kraken -1.5 (+165)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Blackhawks at Kraken projected goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury (3-7-0, 3.50 GAA, .897 SV%) vs. Philipp Grubauer (4-7-1, 3.18 GAA, .880 SV%)

Fleury has found his sea legs after a rough start to his tenure in Chitown. He has backstopped back-to-back wins, including a 3-2 shootout against the Pittsburgh Penguins Tuesday against his original NHL team.

Grubauer, a Vezina Trophy finalist last season with the Colorado Avalanche, is finding expansion team life tough. He has dropped three straight games, allowing 13 goals during the span, including at least 3 goals in each loss. He enters 1-3-0 with a 3.87 GAA and .847 SV% in four November starts.

Blackhawks at Kraken odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Blackhawks 4, Kraken 3

Money line

The BLACKHAWKS (+122) are a great value on the road as they enter on a three-game win streak, lately finding ways to win. The Kraken are moderate favorites for a team struggling and playing poor defense with inconsistent goaltending.

Against the spread

The Blackhawks +1.5 (-220) have been involved in one-goal games the past three times out, all wins. Six of their last 10 games have been decided by one goal. Still, this is too expensive if you want a little insurance. If you like the Blackhawks, just play them straight up.

PASS.

Over/Under

The OVER 5.5 (-115) has been the rule for the Kraken, cashing in six straight games. It’s worth playing lightly here as the Blackhawks actually enter on a 3-0 Under run. But even Chicago’s sputtering offense should find some success in Seattle.

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Nashville Predators at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Nashville Predators at Chicago Blackhawks odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Nashville Predators (6-5-0) face the Chicago Blackhawks (1-9-2) Sunday at United Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Predators vs. Blackhawks odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Predators picked up a 3-2 win at the Vancouver Canucks Friday for a fifth win in the past six outings. Since Oct. 24, the Predators are outscoring the opposition just 19-14.

The Blackhawks came close against the then-unbeaten Carolina Hurricanes Wednesday before falling 4-3 at home. Chicago then hit the road and was waffled by the Winnipeg Jets 5-1.

Predators at Blackhawks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:32 a.m. ET.

Money line: Predators -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Blackhawks -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Predators -1.5 (+190) | Blackhawks +1.5 (-270)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -122 | U: -102)

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Predators at Blackhawks projected goalies

Juuse Saros (5-4-0, 2.34 GAA, .923 SV%) vs. Marc-Andre Fleury (1-7-0, 4.11 GAA, .881 SV%)

Saros has won four consecutive starts, including Friday’s 3-2 win in Vancouver when he stopped 26 of 28 shots. He has allowed 2 or fewer goals in each of the four victories.

Fleury has had a disastrous start to his Chicago tenure, losing seven of his eight starts. He was pounded for 5 goals on 33 shots Friday in Winnipeg, and has allowed 4 or more goals in six of his eight starts.

Predators at Blackhawks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Predators 3, Blackhawks 2

Money line

The PREDATORS (-110) are the play in this road outing as the Blackhawks have been a disaster through the first 12 games. Nashville is playing its fourth game in the past six days, and it’s 9-2 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. For what it’s worth, Chicago has won each of its past seven appearances on Sundays.

Against the spread

The Blackhawks +1.5 (-270) are super expensive if you’re looking for a little bit of insurance and don’t quite trust the Predators -1.5 (+190). Each of Nashville’s past three victories have been one-goal games. Expect more of the same here.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (-102) is the way to go in this battle between Central Division rivals. The Under has cashed in four of the past five games for the Predators, while going 2-0-2 in the past four for the Blackhawks inside the division.

Plus, the Under is 7-2 in the past nine meetings in this series, including 4-1 in the past five meetings in Chitown.

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Carolina Hurricanes at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Carolina Hurricanes at Chicago Blackhawks odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Carolina Hurricanes (8-0-0) face the Chicago Blackhawks (1-7-2) Wednesday at United Center in Chicago. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Hurricanes vs. Blackhawks odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Hurricanes’ 4.1 goals per game rank third in the league, and they’ve hummed along with a fourth-ranked 28.1 power-play percentage. Carolina leads the league with just 1.5 goals allowed per game.

The Blackhawks posted the first win of their campaign when they topped the Ottawa Senators by a 5-1 count Monday. Carolina doubled up Chicago 6-3 in an Oct. 29 meeting in Raleigh.

Hurricanes at Blackhawks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:15 a.m. ET.

Money line: Hurricanes -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Blackhawks +133 (bet $100 to win $133)
Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes -1.5 (+150) | Blackhawks +1.5 (-200)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)

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Hurricanes at Blackhawks projected goalies

Frederik Andersen (7-0-0, 1.29 GAA, .956 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Marc-Andre Fleury (1-5-0, 3.92 GAA, .888 SV%)

It’s seven up and seven down for the Danish goalie who has made fans in the Triangle forget about last season’s breakout performer Alex Nedeljkovic. Andersen has allowed a total of 4 goals across his last five outings.

Fleury was horrible in October as he went 0-5-0 with a 4.63 GAA and .872 SV% in his first five outings. He stopped 29 of the 30 shots Monday against the Senators, but Ottawa is a much different animal than the high-octane Hurricanes.

Hurricanes at Blackhawks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Hurricanes 3, Blackhawks 2

Money line

As expected the HURRICANES (-165) are heavy road favorites. Carolina has been superb defensively, had terrific goaltending and hasn’t missed a beat offensively despite a flurry of moves to change the complexion of the team.

The Blackhawks have managed 2 or fewer goals in six of 10 games, and 3 or fewer in nine outings.

Against the spread

The Blackhawks +1.5 (-200) will cost you two times your potential return, and that’s a little bit too expensive — even playing the home side. Chicago just hasn’t shown many signs of life offensively.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (+105) is the play.

Carolina won 2-1 against the hapless Arizona Coyotes last time out Sunday, and the Under is 3-1 across its last four outings. While the lone Over was the first meeting with the Blackhawks, that’s also the only game backup goalie Antti Raanta started for the Hurricanes. Andersen will be back in there, and that means the Under is in play.

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Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Detroit Red Wings (2-2-1) and Chicago Blackhawks (0-4-1) renew their Original Six rivalry Sunday at 7 p.m. ET at United Center. Below, we look at the Red Wings vs. Blackhawks odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Red Wings are coming off back-to-back losses and are playing the back half of two games in as many days. Early-season returns have been mostly positive. Detroit ranks 13th in the league in scoring-chance percentage (50.8%)

The ‘Hawks are reeling. They’ve played over 300 minutes of hockey so far, and they’ve yet to have a lead.

To make matters worse, the Blackhawks had a COVID-19 outbreak. F Patrick Kane will miss the Red Wings game because of the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol, while F Ryan Carpenter and D Erik Gustafsson were removed from COVID-19 protocol, the ‘Hawks announced Sunday morning.

Red Wings at Blackhawks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 3:18 p.m. ET.

Money line: Red Wings +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Blackhawks -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Red Wings +1.5 (-200) | Blackhawks -1.5 (+150)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)

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Red Wings at Blackhawks projected goalies

Alex Nedeljkovic (0-1-1, 3.55 GAA, .890 SV%) vs. Kevin Lankinen (0-1-1, 2.91 GAA, .884 SV%)

Nedeljkovic has stopped 32 of the last 34 shots in his last two appearances. That includes stopping all six shots he faced in a relief performance at the Montreal Canadiens Saturday.

Lankinen draws a second start in a row with No. 1 Marc-Andre Fleury struggling at the outset of the season. The second-year netminder allowed 3 goals in Thursday’s 4-1 home loss to the Vancouver Canucks.

Red Wings at Blackhawks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Red Wings 4, Blackhawks 3

Money line

Detroit outshot its opponents in both recent losses (Thursday, Saturday), and its expected-goals metrics thus far are impressive. Chicago was already dealing with blue-line injuries, and has been just out of whack all the way around. Chicago has had trouble creating quality looks from the slot.

BACK THE RED WINGS (+135).

Against the spread

PASS. Shoot for the plus payout on the money line.

Over/Under

Detroit’s early-season metrics make it an Over green light for now. Coming off one goal in its last two games helps the price here.

Both power plays have looked capable in the early going. In 5-on-5 play, both sides rank in the NHL’s bottom 10 in shooting percentage. More twine-finders are out there for both.

TAKE THE OVER 5.5 (-130).

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Chicago Blackhawks at New Jersey Devils odds, picks, and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Chicago Blackhawks at New Jersey Devils odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Blackhawks (0-1) and New Jersey Devils (0-0) tangle Friday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Blackhawks vs. Devils odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Chicago is coming off a loss Wednesday at Colorado. The Blackhawks yielded three goals over a six-minute stretch in the opening period and played catch-up the rest of the evening against a strong Avalanche club. Shot and expected-goal analytics were in line with the 4-2 final.

The Devils – like the ‘Hawks – open the season as a prospective playoff bubble team and one with concerns on defense. New Jersey allowed the fourth-most goals in the NHL last season. The Devils got off to a decent start last season and then went 13-27-5 and yielded 3.64 goals per game over their last 45 contests.

Blackhawks at Devils odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3 p.m. ET.

Money line: Blackhawks +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Devils -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Blackhawks +1.5 (-230) | Devils -1.5 (+170)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Blackhawks at Devils projected goalies

Kevin Lankinen (last season: 17-14-5, 3.01 GAA, .909 SV%) vs. Jonathan Bernier (last season: 9-11-1 2.99 GAA, .914 SV%)

Lankinen is now in a defined No. 2 role and gets the start after G Marc-Andre Fleury was between the pipes Wednesday in Denver.

Bernier comes over from the Detroit Red Wings, where he recorded a 3.30 GAA and .893 SV% in four games against the Blackhawks last season. The 33-year-old veteran has a history as a somewhat slow starter and strong finisher.

Blackhawks at Devils odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Devils 5, Blackhawks 3

Money line

AVOID the big prices here, figuring the true odds-level pricing being sandwiched in an all-too-overflowing middle.

Against the spread

A few injuries on the blue lines at both ends, the lack of an elite goaltender and two teams further along offensively – it all spells a strong lean on the Over (see below).

The price on New Jersey getting by with a two-goal cushion is solid.

BACK THE DEVILS -1.5 (+170).

Over/Under

Peg some correction lean toward the Blackhawks getting at least a couple goals here. Chicago displayed plenty of clearing-its-own-zone issues in its opener.

The Devils aren’t the Avs, but enough quality looks make for enough New Jersey goals to edge the total to 7 or more.

TAKE THE OVER 6.5 (-107).

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Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Blackhawks and Colorado Avalanche drop the puck on their respective 2021-22 seasons Wednesday with a 10 p.m. ET game at Ball Arena in Denver. Below, we look at the Blackhawks vs. Avalanche odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Chicago’s youth movement has taken on some veteran presence in the offseason. How those newcomers — and some stars who were out last season — perform early on will go a long way to determining if the Blackhawks are contenders or pretenders for a playoff spot in the talented and parity-ridden Central Division.

The Avs look to be the class of that division, but they have an October hurdle to get over. Head coach Jared Bednar tested positive for COVID-19 last week and star C Nathan MacKinnon was put in the COVID protocol Tuesday after he tested positive. MacKinnon had 65 points in 48 games last season and his absence adds a betting wrinkle for this lid-lifter.

Blackhawks at Avalanche odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 11:55 a.m. ET.

Money line: Blackhawks +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Avalanche -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Blackhawks +1.5 (-150) | Avalanche -1.5 (+120)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)

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Blackhawks at Avalanche projected goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury (26-10-0, 1.98 GAA, .928 SV%) vs. Darcy Kuemper (10-11-3, 2.56 GAA, .907 SV%)

Fleury notched six shutouts for the Vegas Golden Knights en route to winning the Vezina Trophy last season. Two of those six shutouts were against these Avs and Fleury clocked a .932 SV% across seven games against Colorado last season. He has been a fast starter over his career with a .919 SV% in October games.

Kuemper comes to the Avs after being banged up through stretches last season while playing for the Arizona Coyotes. The 31-year-old also has a decent history of getting out of the gates fast: he owns an October SV% of .921.

Blackhawks at Avalanche odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 5, Blackhawks 3

Money line

Colorado went 24-4-2 at home last season. Look for the more settled roster — and one that tasted a bitter earlier-than-expected exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season — to hold serve in the opener.

A big price had an avoid tag Tuesday, but the money has poured in on the Blackhawks (and on the news of MacKinnon). Now, COLORADO (-200) is ripe for leverage coming back the other way.

Against the spread

The Avs’ plus-64 in goal differential was second-best in the NHL a year ago. Kuemper replaces G Philipp Grubaueras the main man between the pipes, and Colorado is once again a well-rounded group expected to win the Central and contend for the Cup.

Peg the new-look Blackhawks — with the returns of C Jonathan Toews and C Kirby Dach, and the additions of Fleury and D Seth Jones — as being an overrated public team. Last season, Chicago lost 14 games by 3-or-more goals; Colorado won 18 such games.

BACK THE AVALANCHE -1.5 (+120).

Over/Under

The ‘Hawks are coming off a high-scoring preseason. The Avs are the Avs, and are capable of getting most of the way to the total on a a fair number of nights.

A couple defensive injuries on both sides help open this one up. TAKE THE OVER 6.5 (+105) on what is the lightest lean of these three plays.

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Dallas Stars at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Dallas Stars at Chicago Blackhawks odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Dallas Stars (22-18-14) play the first of a two-game set on the road against the Chicago Blackhawks (23-25-6) Sunday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at United Center. Below, we analyze the Stars-Blackhawks odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Stars picked up an impressive 5-2 road win against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday, snapping a five-game slide. The Over has connected in three straight for Dallas, and the Over is 10-4-4 in the past 18 overall for the Stars.

The Blackhawks slapped the brakes on a six-game losing skid with a 2-1 overtime victory in Carolina over the Central Division champion Hurricanes last time out Thursday.

Stars at Blackhawks: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:25 a.m. ET.

Money line: Stars -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Blackhawks +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
Against the spread/ATS: Stars -1.5 (+145) | Blackhawks +1.5 (-175)
Over/Under: 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Stars at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Anton Khudobin (12-10-7, 2.49 GAA, .907 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Kevin Lankinen (16-14-5, 3.04 GAA, .908 SV%, 2 SO)

Khudobin was the backstop Friday in Tampa, allowing two goals on 27 shots to stop a three-game losing streak. He is 2-1-0 with a 2.25 GAA and .913 SV% in three starts against the Blackhawks this season.

Lankinen has hit the wall after an amazing season, dropping five starts in a row. He has posted a solid 3-1-0 record with a 2.48 GAA and .921 SV% in four starts this season against the Stars.

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Stars at Blackhawks: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Stars 4, Blackhawks 2

Money line (ML)

The STARS (-165) are a good play on the road in their penultimate game of the regular season.

There will be no repeat run to the Stanley Cup Finals this season, but they will finish up on a high note in the Windy City in the final two games.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The STARS -1.5 (+145) are worth a small-unit play at plus-money, mainly because Lankinen has really hit the wall and is struggling down the stretch.

Dallas has cashed in six of the past seven games as a favorite, and they’re 6-1 in the past seven against teams with a losing overall record, too.

Over/Under (O/U)

O/U 6 is a little risky, as I expect the total to be right on the number. The lean would be to the Over, and playing the alternate line of OVER 5.5 (-125) won’t cost you a bunch, but could be a moneymaker.

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