By: Kim Smith Published 01/27/2026, 07:05 AM ET 
The Chicago Blackhawks travel to Grand Casino Arena to take on the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, with puck drop scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. This Central Division matchup will be televised on ESPN+, Chicago Sports Network, FanDuel Sports Network North, and FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin Extra. Minnesota enters the game as a heavy home favorite with the Wild listed at -245 on the moneyline, while Chicago comes back at +200. The total is set at 6.5 goals with the over priced at +110 and the under at -130, and the puck line has Chicago +1.5 (-120) against Minnesota -1.5 at even money. For more daily betting insight and in-depth matchup analysis, be sure to check out our free NHL picks.
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Terms & Conditions Chicago Blackhawks: Competitive but Inconsistent on the Road
Chicago comes into this matchup with a 21-23-8 overall record and has been fairly average away from home at 10-10-3 on the road. The Blackhawks have shown an ability to compete with strong teams but have struggled to sustain momentum, particularly against playoff-caliber opponents. Over their last five games, Chicago has recently lost to Florida, Tampa Bay, and Boston, while also recently winning over Carolina in a shootout and shutting out Winnipeg. That stretch highlights a team capable of strong defensive efforts, but one that can be undone by offensive inconsistency.
Statistically, Chicago averages 2.65 goals per game while allowing 3.08, placing added pressure on their offense to capitalize on limited opportunities. The Blackhawks generate just 24.9 shots per game while allowing nearly 30 shots against, which often leads to extended defensive zone time. Despite that, Chicago has been effective on special teams, converting 20.5 percent of their power play chances and posting an excellent 85.5 percent penalty kill, one of the better marks in the league.
One area where Chicago deserves credit is discipline while short-handed. The Blackhawks have not allowed a single shorthanded goal against and have scored four of their own, showing aggressiveness when killing penalties. However, five-on-five play remains a concern, as Chicago can struggle to generate sustained offensive pressure. Against a Minnesota team that excels in transition and puck possession, those even-strength issues could be magnified.
Minnesota Wild: Home Ice and Offensive Depth
Minnesota enters Tuesday’s contest with a strong 29-14-10 overall record and has been particularly effective at home, posting a 14-6-7 mark at Grand Casino Arena. The Wild have been involved in several tight games recently, having recently won over Detroit, Toronto, and Buffalo, while also recently losing to Florida in overtime and Montreal in a one-goal contest. That stretch underscores Minnesota’s ability to compete in close games while still generating consistent offense.
From a statistical standpoint, Minnesota averages 3.17 goals per game while allowing 2.85, giving them a solid goal differential. The Wild generate 28.9 shots per game and are comfortable playing at a higher tempo, even if it occasionally leads to defensive exposure. Their power play has been productive at 24.2 percent with 43 goals on the season, providing a major edge against teams that struggle to stay disciplined.
Defensively, Minnesota relies on structure and depth rather than overwhelming physicality. While their penalty kill sits at a modest 76.3 percent, the Wild have not allowed a shorthanded goal against, which has helped them survive stretches where penalties pile up. At home, Minnesota tends to control pace and force opponents into mistakes, particularly late in games when protecting leads.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild PickChicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild Pick Pick: Minnesota Wild -1.5 (Puck Line)
Minnesota’s offensive depth and strong home play make them a solid puck line option in this matchup. Chicago’s struggles to generate shots at even strength create a difficult path to keeping this game close, especially if Minnesota scores first. The Wild’s ability to roll multiple scoring lines and capitalize on power play opportunities gives them a realistic chance to win by multiple goals on home ice.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Minnesota Wild Total Pick
I’m leaning toward the under in this matchup because Chicago tends to slow games down against stronger opponents and relies heavily on defensive structure and special teams. Minnesota is capable of scoring, but the Blackhawks’ strong penalty kill and willingness to grind out games could keep this contest from turning into a high-scoring affair. If Minnesota establishes an early lead, they are comfortable protecting it rather than pushing the pace.
Final Score Prediction: Minnesota Wild 4, Chicago Blackhawks 2
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Monday.
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