Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions! Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day’s games and provide in-depth analysis. We break down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out. Tonight, the Chicago Blackhawks continue their season-ending homestand against the St. Louis Blues. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season. 

NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs St. Louis Blues

Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Season Series: Chicago leads 2-1

How to Watch TV: ESPN+, CHSN, FDSNMW

Location: United Center

In both of Chicago’s wins against the Blues, the offence has exploded, scoring eight goals in the first matchup and seven in the most recent. The team has had a balanced attack, but superstar Connor Bedard has dominated, collecting five assists in the three matchups. Oliver Moore, Landon Slaggert and Louis Crevier each collected multiple points in January’s game, while the Hawks’ power play turned in a rare, efficient night, cashing in three times to provide some distance in the score. For the Blues, Jake Neighbours and Tyler Tucker have found success, with two of Tucker’s eight career goals coming against the Hawks. Robert Thomas has two assists of his own and is looking for a big night to lead the Blues to victory. The Hawks are hoping to keep their success against St. Louis rolling, while the Blues are looking to enact some revenge in the Windy City.

 

Blackhawks Seeking Bounceback Effort

The Hawks suffered a splattering at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night. The Canes won 7-2 and dominated every aspect of the game. The Hawks’ goaltending also did the team no favours, as Spencer Knight was between the pipes for all seven Carolina goals and made just 15 saves. The lone bright spot in the Hawks’ effort was youngster Anton Frondell. He netted both goals and continued to show his mature game against a good defensive opponent. Louis Crevier collected assists on both goals, while Alex Vlasic added a helper on the second marker. Overall, the Hawks will need a better all-around effort, and particularly from their top players.

With the playoffs out of the question, the focus has shifted to evaluating the roster for the long term, and the game in Carolina did not inspire confidence. In particular, the Connor Bedard, Teuvo Teravainen, and Nick Lardis line had a tough night, being on the ice for four Carolina goals. That group had played well in previous outings, so head coach Jeff Blashill is hoping Thursday was a blip on the radar. The Hawks should see more chances tonight, and are hoping that Frank Nazar and Tyler Bertuzzi, along with Bedard, can come through in a big way.

Blues Hoping to End Season on Positive Note

Thursday’s loss to the Winnipeg Jets may have been the nail in the Blues’ coffin. Dylan Holloway opened the scoring to give St. Louis the lead, but the Jets responded with three unanswered goals. Team Canada Olympian Colton Parayko got the Blues within one, but Connor Hellebuyck shut the door and handed the Blues the loss. Jordan Binnington played well and gave St. Louis a chance to stay in the game, making 31 saves, but it was not enough to come out victorious. Expect Joel Hofer back in the crease tonight, but as always, be sure to check social media for starting lineups and starting goaltender information.

The Blues once again put together a strong April to climb back into the Wild Card race, coming as close as three points of a playoff spot. However, the team has dropped their last two games and slipped to seven points back. However, neither Robert Thomas nor Dylan Holloway has been responsible for the losses, with Thomas chipping in nine points and Holloway earning eight points in the last five games. Additionally, Jimmy Snuggerud‘s rookie campaign has flown under the radar. He has 17 goals and 43 points for the team and has broken out since the Olympic break. If the Blues are going to pick up a win tonight, he will be at the middle of it.

Game Prediction

This should be a competitive Central Division matchup. Expect the Hawks to come out inspired on home ice and pick up the win.

Prediction: Chicago wins 4-2

Prop Bets

For the Blackhawks, we like them to win this game and their moneyline odds are set at a nice (+112). We’d lock that in for tonight.

As for the player prop bet, we like Tyler Bertuzzi to be an anytime goalscorer (+230)

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Main Photo: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images