Chicago Blackhawks at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Detroit Red Wings NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Chicago Blackhawks (7-5-4) visit the Detroit Red Wings (4-10-2) for a Monday night Original Six battle at Little Caesars Arena. Puck drop will be shortly after 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Blackhawks-Red Wings NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Blackhawks at Red Wings: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:50 a.m. ET.

Money line: Blackhawks -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Red Wings +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Against the spread/ATS: Blackhawks -1.5 (+185) | Red Wings +1.5 (-230)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Blackhawks at Red Wings: Projected starting goalies

Kevin Lankinen (6-2-3, .925 SV%, 2.49 GAA) vs. Thomas Greiss (1-9-2, .901 SV%, 2.91 GAA)

Lankinen owns a .935 SV% over three road starts. The Chicago rookie is coming off a nice bounce-back effort; he allowed 6 goals against the Columbus Blue Jackets Feb. 11 but then stopped 29 of 31 shots in a win two nights later. Lankinen stopped 55 of 58 shots in back-to-back wins against Detroit Jan. 22 and 24.

Greiss has won just once this winter, but he has been solid in four games since getting pulled six minutes into a Feb. 3 start at the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 35-year-old vet owns a .929 SV% in four games since. Greiss has been touched up on the power play (.766 SV%), and that figures to be an area of concern against a Chicago team that has cranked out a 34.69% success rate with the extra man (second in NHL).

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Blackhawks at Red Wings: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Blackhawks 3, Red Wings 2

Money line (ML)

STEER CLEAR. The Chicago power play may not loom large in this one. Detroit has been disciplined of late, and when the Wings have been in the box, the Detroit penalty kill has made stops in 13 of its last-15 chances.

The value odds on either end are likely bracketed by these prices.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Four of the ‘Hawks’ seven wins have been by multi-goal margins. Half of the Wings’ 10 regulation losses were by 3 or more goals. Two of those five came against this Chicago team; the Blackhawks outscored the Red Wings 10-3 over two games at United Center in late-January.

Chicago is likely overvalued by its 4-1-1 mark since Feb. 1. That performance certainly isn’t backed up by a 43.21% Fenwick-for over the same stretch.

Detroit is at home for the first time since Jan. 31 and figures to be buttoned up after being beaten up by the Blackhawks last time around. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is a combined 20-12 with Chicago and Detroit this season and the best value in this one is indeed on the Under.

The goalies figure to hold sway in a lot of 5-on-5 action. Lankinen is the more likable of the two, but the Wings’ defense of late (27.3 shots on goal allowed per game over their last six) evens the scales.

BACK THE UNDER 5.5 (-115).

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Chicago Blackhawks at Dallas Stars odds, picks and prediction

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

The Chicago Blackhawks (4-4-4) and Dallas Stars (5-2-1) take to the ice Sunday for the first of two meetings at American Airlines Center. The Blackhawks’ and Stars’ first meeting of the 2021 season is slated for a 3:08 p.m. ET puck drop. Below, we analyze the Blackhawks-Stars NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Blackhawks at Stars: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11 a.m. ET.

Money line: Blackhawks +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Stars -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Blackhawks +1.5 (-200) | Stars -1.5 (+165)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Blackhawks at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Kevin Lankinen (4-1-3, .928 SV%, 2.32 GAA) vs. Jake Oettinger (2-0-0-, .898 SV%, 2.42 GAA)

Lankinen may or may not be a long-term No. 1, but he’s certainly playing like one over the first few weeks of the season. The 25-year-old Finn is coming off a bit of a shaky effort (30 saves on 34 shots in a win over the Carolina Hurricanes Thursday), but he has a .931 SV% in even-strength play on the year and should still be pegged as a Chicago plus in wager considerations.

Oettinger made 23 stops in a 6-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets Tuesday. The 6-foot-5 22-year-old is making just his third career start.

Blackhawks at Stars: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Blackhawks 3, Stars 2

Money line (ML)

The Stars own the more responsible defense, one yielding far few scoring chances than the ‘Hawks. Dallas has allowed just 2.50 goals per game (sixth NHL), and the Stars rate highly in expected goals allowed and being stingy in yielding scoring chances.

A resilient Blackhawks bunch is coming off an impressive showing against a strong Carolina squad (a 4-3 shootout loss and a 6-4 win), and Chicago has given some game efforts for 60 minutes in most of its games. They’ve been in many of those games due to Lankinen’s proficiency in keeping a lid on the ‘Hawks goal.

Dallas is the better team but Lankinen is likely the better netminder in this game and Chicago is tagged with the better price.

BACK THE BLACKHAWKS +135.

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Against the spread (ATS)

PASS: The Under is likeable, but one would have to get a better number on Chicago to make that side worth an investment.

Over/Under (O/U)

Chicago’s power play has been dangerous (37.84%, third in NHL), but Dallas has an average penalty-killing unit and doesn’t get itself into many short-handed situations.

BACK THE UNDER 5.5 (+100).

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Columbus Blue Jackets at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at Chicago Blackhawks NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (3-2-3) and Chicago Blackhawks (2-3-3) drop the puck on the front half of a two-game weekend set Friday night. The Jackets and ‘Hawks will get underway at 8 p.m. ET at United Center. Below, we analyze the Blue Jackets-Blackhawks NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Blue Jackets 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: Blue Jackets -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Blackhawks +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
Against the spread/ATS: Blue Jackets -1.5 (+200) | Blackhawks +1.5 (-250)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Blue Jackets at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Joonas Korpisalo (1-1-2, .928 SV%, 2.45 GAA) vs. Kevin Lankinen (2-0-2, .931 SV%, 2.18 GAA)

Korpisalo stopped 28 of 31 shots Tuesday vs. the Florida Panthers. He stopped 28 of 30 shots in one start against the Blackhawks last season. Korpisalo owns a .944 SV% over two road turns this winter and has a history as being a solid option in road games.

Lankinen has the hot hand in a three-goalie competition for Chicago, although G Malcolm Subban was solid in an overtime loss at the Nashville Predators Tuesday. Lankinen has a sparkling .944 SV% in even-strength play, and he’s been sharp against shots from the doorstep and on second chances off rebounds.

Blue Jackets at Blackhawks: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Chicago 3, Columbus 2

Money line (ML)

Puck-possession and shot analytics peg the Blackhawks as being a better unit in their own zone this season. That’s on the heels of coughing up the most shots in the league last year, so that’s not to say the ‘Hawks are suddenly a top-third group.

C Jonathan Toews (undisclosed(, F Kirby Dach (wrist) and W Alex Debrincat (COVID-19 protocol) are out of the lineup, and that fact showed up in Chicago generating just two even-strength goals and 40 even-strength shots in two games in Nashville. The Blackhawks’ expected-goals percentages are impressive, and they’re getting decent goaltending.

These two teams have thus far played similar schedules in 2021. The transitive results favor Chicago’s efforts in those games. Columbus played a home game Thursday and the Jackets are 1-2-1 in four road games. They struggled mightily on the road down the homestretch in last year’s shortened season (0-3-4 last seven road games).

There is solid value in the BLACKHAWKS (+105).

Against the spread (ATS)

Three of Chicago’s last five games have been one-goal affairs. Five of Columbus’ last six fit that bill.

STEER CLEAR of a juice-filled puck line.

Over/Under (O/U)

TAKE THE UNDER 5.5 (+100). Peg this matchup with some respect for the goaltending (albeit in a small sample for the Chicago end).

With the Jackets on the back half of two-in-two-days and the ‘Hawks showing some recent slow-tempo tendency, projecting a 3-2 or 4-1 outcome is worth the +100 proposition.

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Chicago Blackhawks at Nashville Predators odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Nashville Predators NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions

The Chicago Blackhawks (2-3-2) and Nashville Predators (3-3-0) meet Wednesday night for a 7:38 p.m. ET puck drop to close out a two-game set at Bridgestone Arena. Below, we analyze the Blackhawks-Predators NHL odds and lines, with 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 11:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Blackhawks +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Predators -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Blackhawks +1.5 (-175) | Predators -1.5 (+145)
Over/Under: 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Blackhawks at Predators: Projected starting goalies

Kevin Lankinen (2-0-1, .909 SV%, 2.63 GAA) vs. Juuse Saros (2-2-0, .905 SV%, 3.02 GAA)

Lankinen has looked unflappable through three NHL starts, stopping 56 of 60 pucks in even-strength play. The 25-year-old figures to have a light hold on what is a three-headed job for rebuilding Chicago. Lankinen has yet to defeat anyone but the Detroit Red Wings, but he has looked sharp against in-traffic rebound put-backs.

Saros should return to the net after Pekka Rinne started the first half of the back-to-back. The 25-year-old started with back-to-back wins, but he has allowed a total of 8 goals on a modest 42 shots in back-to-back losses to the Dallas Stars.

Blackhawks at Predators: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Blackhawks 3, Predators 2

Money line (ML)

Scoring has been an issue for the Predators, who have tallied just 13 regulation goals through six games. Puck-possession and shot analytics are lukewarm on Chicago, which is to say bullish compared to preseason expectations for a defense that ranked last in shots allowed last season.

For a second straight game, Chicago continues on without W Alex Debrincat and D Adam Boqvist, who are both out due to COVID-19 protocols. The Blackhawks have been a surprise with the man advantage (9-for-21), but they were outplayed in even-strength situations Tuesday.

With Lankinen back in net and with the ‘Hawks trying to recapture some mojo from their weekend sweep of the Red Wings, look for a bit more from Chicago Wednesday. Tag this contest as a line watch and pull the trigger on the Blackhawks if you can get a price above +160.

Against the spread (ATS)

PASS. Tuesday’s gameplay would appear to peg this contest in a lower-scoring single-goal affair. The price on Chicago is too steep.

Over/Under (O/U)

Consider a partial-unit play on UNDER 6 (-105). Nashville was so-so offensively Tuesday (and drew iron on a few looks), but the Preds figure as a bottom-third offense and the ‘Hawks might be a tad overvalued early.

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Chicago Blackhawks at Nashville Predators odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Nashville Predators NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Chicago Blackhawks (2-3-1) visit the Nashville Predators (2-3-0) Tuesday night for an 8 p.m. ET puck drop at Bridgestone Arena. Below, we analyze the Blackhawks-Predators NHL odds and lines, with 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 1:10 p.m. ET.

Money line: Blackhawks +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Predators -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Blackhawks +1.5 (-175) | Predators -1.5 (+145)
Over/Under: 6 (O: -125 | U: +105)

Blackhawks at Predators: Projected starting goalies

Kevin Lankinen (2-0-1, .909 SV%, 2.63 GAA) vs. Pekka Rinne (0-1-0, .839 SV%, 3.78 GAA)

Rinne has stopped 26 of 31 shots in one start and a relief appearance. Three of his five goals allowed came on the power play.

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Blackhawks at Predators: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Predators 4, Blackhawks 2

Money line (ML)

Scoring has been an issue for the Predators, who have tallied just 12 goals through five games. Nashville has also converted on only 10% of its power-play opportunities, which ranks 26th in the NHL. The Blackhawks have been a surprise with the man advantage (8-for-19), but Chicago heads into this game without W Alex Debrincat and D Adam Boqvist, who are both out due to COVID protocols.

Tuesday’s contest is the first of back-to-back games in this abbreviated Central Division series. Look for the Preds to be flying around as the more desperate bunch and one with some gravity due in shooting and save percentages.

PASS on Nashville at -185, but look to pull the trigger on a price closer to -175.

Against the spread (ATS)

The risk/reward play in this one is NASHVILLE -1.5 (+145). Peg the public as being inflated on the ‘Hawks.

Over/Under (O/U)

The lean is on the Under, but it’s a slight lean. STEER CLEAR.

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Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and prediction

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

The Detroit Red Wings (2-3-0) visit the Chicago Blackhawks (1-3-1) Sunday at United Center for a 12:30 p.m. ET puck drop. Below, we analyze the Red Wings-Blackhawks odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Red Wings at Blackhawks: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 10:14 p.m. ET.

Money line: Red Wings +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Blackhawks -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Red Wings +1.5 (-250) | Blackhawks -1.5 (+195)
Over/Under: 6 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Red Wings at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Jonathan Bernier (2-0-0, 2.00 GAA, .927 SV%) at Kevin Lankinen (1-0-1, 2.94 GAA, .902 SV%)

G Thomas Greiss was on the short end of Friday’s 4-1 loss at the Blackhawks, allowing three goals on 27 shots, so it’s likely head coach Jeff Blashill goes back to Bernier for Sunday’s afternoon affair. In two starts so far this season, Bernier has wins against the Columbus Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes, turning aside 51 of 55 shots.

Lankinen picked up his first NHL win in Friday’s opening game against the Wings, stopping 30 of 31 shots to earn first star honors. It’s likely he will make a third consecutive start, as the 25-year-old Finnish backstop has given the Blackhawks their best chance to win lately.

Red Wings at Blackhawks: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Blackhawks 4, Red Wings 2

Money line (ML)

The BLACKHAWKS (-135) looked good Friday against the fellow Original Six Red Wings, and they should be able to get it done on home ice again Sunday afternoon in front of a national audience. I wouldn’t go crazy and bet the kid’s college tuition, but a one-unit bet is certainly in order.

Against the spread (ATS)

The BLACKHAWKS -1.5 (+195) is very tempting, as you can nearly double up. Yes, Chicago has won just one game, but that was against these same Red Wings. Not only did the Blackhawks win, but they covered the puck line, too. Like the money line bet, don’t hit it terribly hard, but a small-unit play is a good idea.

Over/Under (O/U)

I do not like totals of a flat 6, and I think this one comes in right on the nose. AVOID.

If someone put a gun to my head, the lean would be the Under, which is 12-3-6 in the previous 21 head-to-head meetings in the Windy City.

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Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Chicago Blackhawks (0-3-0) play the second game a two-game set with the Florida Panthers (1-0-0) at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla., Tuesday. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Blackhawks-Panthers NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The Panthers beat the ‘Hawks 5-2 Sunday with goals from five different players. G Chris Driedger stopped 25 of 27 shots in the victory.

Blackhawks at Panthers: Betting 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 +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Panthers -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Blackhawks +1.5 (-185) | Flyers -1.5 (+150)
Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -11 | U: -110)

Blackhawks at Panthers: Projected starting goalies

Malcolm Subban (0-1-0, .848 SV%, 5.03 GAA) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (2019-20 stats: 23-19-6, .900 SV%, 3.23 GAA)

Subban will come in for Game 2 after Collin Delia allowed 5 goals on 29 shots Sunday. Subban, the presumed No. 1 goaltender in Chicago allowed 5 goals on 33 shots in a loss to the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning in the season opener, but he has been off since.

Bobrovsky will make his delayed season debut for the Panthers after being deemed unfit to play coming out of training camp. The former Vezina Trophy winner’s record and stats from last season look better than his play suggested in his first year after signing a 7-year, $70-million contract.

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Blackhawks at Panthers: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Panthers 5, Blackhawks 0

Money line (ML)

The PANTHERS (-175) are worth the high price against the miserable Blackhawks. Chicago has given up 5 goals in all three games and has been outscored 15-6. Injuries have played a role, but this is a team in the very early stages of what will be a long rebuild after a decade of immense success. Goaltending is the biggest concern for the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, the Panthers started well with Sunday’s win after having their first two games of the season postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Dallas Stars organization. LW Jonathan Huberdeau notched 3 points Sunday and will lead the offense all season.

I’m also expecting the best from Bobrovsky as he tries to write off the lost 2019-20 campaign. The two-time Vezina Trophy winner with the Columbus Blue Jackets is a dark horse for the award in this shortened 2020-21 season.

Against the spread (ATS)

Continue to hammer the puck line against the Blackhawks until they prove able to cover on a consistent basis. The PANTHERS -1.5 (+150) are the play to win by at least 2 goals. I’d also play a partial-unit wager on the alternate line of -2.5 (+260) for a win by 3 or more goals.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 6.5 (-110) is a bit of a contrarian play but leans on the expectation of a strong performance by the well-rested Bobrovsky. There’s no reason to expect any defensive improvement from the Blackhawks this early in the season, and the offense is relying much too heavily on LW Alex DeBrincat.

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Chicago Blackhawks at Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Tampa Bay Lightning NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Chicago Blackhawks (0-1-0) and Tampa Bay Lightning (1-0-0) close out a season-opening two-game set Friday night at Amalie Arena. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Blackhawks-Lightning NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Blackhawks at Lightning: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:25 p.m. ET.

Money line: Blackhawks +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Lightning -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Blackhawks +1.5 (-115) | Lightning -1.5 (-105)
Over/Under: 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Blackhawks at Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Collin Delia (Career: 7-5-3, .906 SV%, 3.65 GAA) vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy (2021: 1-0-0, .957 SV%, 1.01 GAA)

Delia is in as part of a two- or even three-headed rotation now that Corey Crawford (retired) and Robin Lehner (traded to Vegas) are gone. The 26-year-old is making his first NHL start since the 2018-19 season. Last year, Delia logged a .912 SV% at AHL Rockford.

Vasilevskiy was sharp, although not tested with a lot of dangerous scoring chances, in Wednesday’s season opener. A year ago, the 26-year-old was a bit better away from home, both in the regular season and in the summer playoffs, and that fits a career trend going back a few years.

Blackhawks at Lightning: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Tampa Bay 4, Chicago 3

Money line (ML)

The Bolts are 10-6-1 over their last 17 regular-season games dating back to last February. The Blackhawks are certainly the underdogs in Game 2 of this series but with a straight-up tag of +230, the price is attractive enough to warrant a play.

Consider CHICAGO (+230) as complementary action to the puck line below.

Against the spread (ATS)

After unveiling their 2019-20 Stanley Cup banner and displaying said trophy at center ice, the Lightning jolted the Blackhawks 5-1 Wednesday. Tampa Bay dominated in 5-on-5 scoring and high-danger chances. A banged-up and youthful Chicago team was never in the game, and that figures to be a common narrative for the ‘Hawks as this season unfolds, especially against top opponents.

All of that is overcompensated in the puck line for Game 2. Look for enough of a goaltending/defense bounceback to warrant a play on the BLACKHAWKS +1.5 (-115).

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS. An Over is the lean in principle, but the new-look Chicago lines and the short training camp make for too much gray area.

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Chicago Blackhawks at Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Tampa Bay Lightning NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Chicago Blackhawks visit the Tampa Bay Lightning Wednesday night in a season-opening battle at Amalie Arena. Puck drop will be at 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Blackhawks-Lightning NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Blackhawks at Lightning: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Blackhawks +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Lightning -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Blackhawks +1.5 (-145) | Lightning -1.5 (+120)
Over/Under: 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Blackhawks at Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Malcolm Subban (9-7-3-0, .890 SV%, 3.17 GAA) vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy (35-14-3-3, .917 SV%, 2.56 GAA)

Subban has the inside track on being a No. 1 in Chicago, but he could end up in a hot-hand exchange all season with G Collin Delia. Both are behind a Blackhawks defense that yielded more shots on goal (35.1) than any other team a year ago.

Vasilevskiy was solid in the regular season and then tremendous in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. The 26-year-old was a bit better away from home, both in the regular season and in the summer playoffs, and that fits a career trend going back a few years.

Blackhawks at Lightning: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Tampa Bay 3, Chicago 2

Money line (ML)

The Blackhawks are entering a prospect tryout season of sorts. Captain Jonathan Toews is out with an undisclosed illness. Top-six F Kirby Dach will miss 4-5 months due to a fractured wrist. F Alex Nylander (knee) and F Carl Soderberg (travel visa issues) would be decent veterans to fill in with, but they are also out to start the season. What’s left are Ws Patrick Kane, Dominik Kubalik, Alex Debrincat and a slew of question marks.

F Nikita Kucherov (hip) will be sidelined the entire regular season, and that’s a big loss for the Lightning. The deeper, more seasoned Bolts can more easily absorb big injuries to veteran talent than can the ‘Hawks. Vasilevskiy has a history as a fast starter with sharp early-season efforts.

On a night when the Bolts lift a banner to the rafters of Amalie Arena, TAKE TAMPA BAY (-225).

Against the spread (ATS)

The Lightning (-1.5, +120) are the lean but without much value. A PASS is recommended.

Over/Under (O/U)

Tampa Bay is capable enough at both ends to create too much gray area here but tag the UNDER 6.5 (-120) with a slight lean.

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