The Vegas Golden Knights (42-31-7) travel to meet the Chicago Blackhawks (27-42-11) at United Center Wednesday. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we look at the Golden Knights vs. Blackhawks odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Golden Knights are still technically alive for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, but after a 3-2 overtime loss in Dallas, they’re on serious life support. They’re four points back of the Stars with two to go, and Dallas needs just one point in the remaining games to eliminate VGK.
The Blackhawks have long since been eliminated from playoff contention. Chicago picked up a victory Monday against Philadelphia, its first win in regulation since March 23 in Anaheim. The home crowd hasn’t seen a regulation victory since March 8, also against the Ducks oddly enough.
Golden Knights at Blackhawks odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:10 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Golden Knights -220 (bet $220 to win $100) | Blackhawks +175 ($100 to win $175)
- Against the spread (ATS): Golden Knights -1.5 (+120) | Blackhawks +1.5 (-150)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -102 | U: -122)
Golden Knights at Blackhawks projected goalies
Logan Thompson (9-5-1, 2.64 GAA, .917 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Kevin Lankinen (7-15-6, 3.53 GAA, .890 SV%)
Thompson appeared to be shaken up after a third-period collision Tuesday, but he stayed in to finish up in Dallas. He is the top option with Robin Lehner and Laurent Brossoit each done, so he’ll have to start with the quick turnaround. Jiri Patera is the backup, and likely to start the finale if VGK is eliminated.
Lankinen was in between the pipes for the win over Philadelphia Monday, turning aside 33 of the 34 shots he faced for his second win in the past four starts. He allowed five goals on 36 shots in a wild 5-4 OT loss in Vegas on March 26, his only appearance vs. VGK this season.
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Golden Knights at Blackhawks odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Blackhawks 4, Golden Knights 3
Money line
The BLACKHAWKS (+170) are worth playing as heavy home ‘dogs.
The Golden Knights (-210) would cost you more than two times your potential return, and that’s too much given their uncertain goaltending situation. They’ll be keeping an eye on the scoreboard, too, as Dallas plays at home against lowly Arizona, also at 8:30 p.m. ET. If the Stars go up big, VGK could pack it in.
Against the spread
The BLACKHAWKS +1.5 (-150) aren’t priced out of line if you don’t trust them straight up and would like a little insurance.
OVER 6.5 (-102) is play here.
Thompson is bushed, and he has the unenviable task of going back-to-back with travel. That’s tough for any NHL player, but especially for a goalie. He’ll be tired, and the Blackhawks could get to him. Chicago might also see Patera in his first NHL action if Vegas gets behind early and throws in the towel.
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