Welcome to a weekend edition of NHL Predictions! 14 games are on the calendar for the NHL today. Our prediction today looks at a Central Division matchup. The St. Louis Blues are hosting the Chicago Blackhawks.
NHL Predictions
St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Time: 3:00 P.M. EDT
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, Chicago Sports Network
Head-to-Head: Blue Lead 2-0
The Blues and Blackhawks wrap up the season series on Saturday afternoon. The Blues won the first two games, a 6-2 win at Wrigley Field in the Winter Classic and a crazy 6-5 shootout win before the 4 Nations break. If the Blues win, they will sweep the season series with their rivals for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
In an interesting twist, no games between the two games are being played at the United Center this season. Two of the three games are in St. Louis, with the only one in Chicago at Wrigley Field. In addition, the preseason game between the rivals took place in Milwaukee.
Blues in 8th Seed; Seeking More Points
For the first time since early November, the Blues are in a playoff spot. They accomplished that in a dramatic overtime victory on Thursday. Now that the team controls its destiny, the next step is to keep winning to collect points.
The Blues have an opportunity to collect four more points this weekend. After hosting the Blackhawks on Saturday, the Blues will host the Nashville Predators on Sunday, who the Blues beat this past Tuesday. Furthermore, the Vancouver Canucks, who trail the Blues in the standings, are in action Saturday against the New York Rangers. The Blues must handle their business and grab four points against the Hawks and Preds. However, if they can do that and get help from the Rangers, there could be a six-point swing this weekend. The Blue Note could head into next week with a five-point lead.
However, as long as the Blues take care of their own business, they will at least exit the weekend with a three-point lead.
Six is a Serious Number
The Blackhawks enter Saturday’s game on a six-game losing streak. Furthermore, the Hawks scored two or fewer goals in these six games.
It has been another lost season for the rebuilding Blackhawks. The bright side is that Connor Bedard is continuing to grow as a player. He has a chance at another 60-point season following his Calder-winning rookie year last season. He is on pace to exceed his totals from last season. It may be a small silver lining, but Bedard is the team’s future. The day will come when the Blackhawks are ready to contend, and they will want Bedard leading the team. The growth he does now will help accomplish that.
Prediction
This is the textbook definition of a “trap game.” The Blackhawks are on a losing streak, while the Blues are red-hot and now in a playoff spot. This has the makings of being a game in which the Blues let their guard down, and the Blackhawks take advantage.
However, the Blues are likely not fully satisfied with how Thursday’s game concluded. They played a sloppy second period and allowed the game-tying goal on a defensive lapse in the final seconds. Head coach Jim Montgomery does not want the Blues to move on without addressing their weaknesses from Thursday. The Blue Note will walk into the arena on Saturday looking to improve on their last game and continue to take care of business.
Blues win, 7-3.
Prop Bets
The over/under is set at 5.5 goals. We are taking the over with eight total goals.
For prop bets, we are picking Jordan Kyrou to score his 30th goal of the season for the Blues. For the Blackhawks, we are going to pick Bedard.
Main Photo: Jeff Curry- Imagn Images
Please play responsibly. Check for your local rules and age restrictions. Some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Have a gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The post NHL Predictions: March 22nd St. Louis Blues Vs. Chicago Blackhawks appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.