The Chicago Blackhawks opened the season 4-3-2. Tonight, they face the 4-4-1 Ottawa Senators at home as +115 underdogs, per FanDuel Sportsbook’s NHL odds.
A five-game point streak ended Sunday with a 3-1 loss to the Kings. Still, I like the Hawks’ chances as home underdogs tonight. Here’s why.
Bedard on the Brink
Connor Bedard is the franchise. If the Blackhawks are to reach the heights of the 2010s, Bedard will be the biggest reason.
Bedard has just three goals this month, but he scored Chicago’s only goal Sunday versus LA.
Bedard is getting the looks, though. He’s attempting 14.25 shots per 60 minutes, and gets 7.58 of those shots on net. With his soft hands and quick release, it’s only a matter of time until those shots start going in.
Ottawa in a Back-to-Back
Last night, the Ottawa Senators played a tough game against the Boston Bruins in Ottawa, winning 7-2. They made the trek to Chicago and are likely playing on tired legs.
Teams in a back-to-back schedule slot don’t perform well on the second night, holding a .507 winning percentage in the second game.
Ottawa played backup goalie Leevi Merilainen last night, so they’ll draw the normally stingy Linus Ullmark tonight. The former Vezina Trophy winner isn’t playing to his elite level so far, posting a 3.11 GAA through eight games.
The Senators recalled Hunter Shepard from their AHL affiliate to back up Merilainen last night, giving Ullmark a rest after five consecutive starts. Though Ullmark isn’t injured, his stats no doubt provide the Senators pause.
I like the Hawks to get a few past Ullmark tonight.
Blackhawks Defensive Calling Card
The Chicago Blackhawks are playing fantastic team defense. Head coach Jeff Blashill is an experienced coach who spent the three previous seasons under Jon Cooper in Tampa Bay, so he knows what it takes to win games.
With the Blackhawks’ current roster, a structured, defense-first style is the most effective way to win games.
The Hawks surrender only 2.44 goals per game, fourth-best in the NHL. A big part of Chicago’s defensive success is goaltender Spencer Knight, whose 1.97 GAA and .937% SVV are both in the top ten among NHL goalies.
While the Senators are one of the league’s most offensively productive teams, averaging 3.70 goals per game, I think the Hawks will slow them down enough tonight.
NHL Odds: Play the Blackhawks Tonight
I’ll almost always bet against a team on the second leg of a back-to-back. The NHL game is too grueling, especially when travel is involved, like it is tonight.
The Chicago Blackhawks are an early surprise, and the team is playing a sound brand of hockey. They’re also getting fantastic goaltending, and young stars like Connor Bedard appear ready to break out.
I’ll happily take the Chicago Blackhawks as the home underdog, +120, tonight against the Ottawa Senators.