[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
The Chicago Blackhawks and the Pittsburgh Penguins open the 2023-24 National Hockey League regular season Tuesday at PPG Paints Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Blackhawks vs. Penguins odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Blackhawks won the lottery after a dismal season, earning the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Chicago picked Connor Bedard, who is expected to be a generational talent to lead the Blackhawks back to championship form.
The Penguins suffered one of the biggest upsets at home last April 11, as the Blackhawks won 5-2 as +452 underdogs in the Steel City as the Over (6.5) just came in. The road team won both meetings in 2022-23, with the Over hitting in both matchups.
Stream the NHL all season on ESPN+, with your team’s out-of-market games, exclusive games, originals and more. Get ESPN+ now!
Blackhawks at Penguins odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:19 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Blackhawks +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | Penguins -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blackhawks +1.5 (-130) | Penguins -1.5 (+110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Blackhawks at Penguins projected goalies
Petr Mrazek (10-22-3, 3.66 GAA, .894 SV% – 2022-23) vs. Tristan Jarry (24-13-7, 2.90 GAA, .909 SV% , 2 SO)
Mrazek turned aside 38 of the 40 shots he faced in the 5-2 upset victory in Pittsburgh on April 11. Prior to that, he last met the Penguins on March 19, 2019, as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Jarry was on the short end of that stunning loss to the Blackhawks last April, allowing 3 goals on 25 shots in 57:32. He also lost his prior start against Chicago on Nov. 9, 2022, although he made 30 saves on 32 shots in a 3-2 shootout loss. His last win against Chicago was Oct. 16, 2021.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Blackhawks at Penguins picks and predictions
Prediction
Blackhawks 4, Penguins 3
Moneyline
The BLACKHAWKS (+195) are live ‘dogs in the Steel City, worth playing lightly for a chance to double up as the Bedard era begins.
The Penguins (-250) would cost you 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that is just a little too much risk. Jake Guentzel (ankle) was able to practice Monday, but he is still at risk of missing Tuesday’s opener.
Puck line/Against the spread
The BLACKHAWKS +1.5 (-130) are not priced out of line, if you would like a little insurance, and just cannot take Chicago straight up.
Chicago has won 2 of the past 3 meetings in this series, both as an underdog, and the Blackhawks are an impressive 7-3 in the past 10 meetings, with 6 of those victories as a ‘dog. Feeling better about Chicago, now?
Over/Under
OVER 6.5 (-120) is worth playing lightly, but it should be a close shave. Still, Mrazek and Jarry can be very giving. And the Over cashed in both meetings last season, while going 3-1 in the past 4 meetings, and 5-2 in the past 7 in the series. Roll high, but be careful.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]
