Welcome back to this edition of NHL Predictions! Tonight, the Chicago Blackhawks face the league-leading Colorado Avalanche. 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. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

Credit Image: © Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune via ZUMA Press Wire

NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs Colorado Avalanche

Time: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Season Series: Colorado leads 2-0

How to Watch TV: ESPN+, CHSN, ALT, KTVD

Location: United Center

Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks return home to take on Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche.

These two teams met twice before this season, with Colorado securing the win in both matchups. Cale Makar was the leading catalyst for the Avs success in both, netting the lone goal in the first game, and then he netted two goals in the second meeting. Gavin Brindley scored Colorado’s other goal in the team’s second win, after Connor Bedard opened the scoring. Both goaltenders earned convincing wins, with Scott Wedgewood securing a 22-save shutout and Mackenzie Blackwood stopping 14 Chicago shots. The Avs should give their netminder a bit more run support in this one.

Blackhawks Looking for Back-to-Back Sweep

The Hawks finally exercised their Minnesota demons on Thursday night. They knocked off the Wild by a score of 2-1 and finally were rewarded for strong play. Ilya Mikheyev opened the scoring off a nice play from new acquisition Andrew Mangiapane. Connor Bedard netted a breakaway goal in the second period to extend the lead, while Spencer Knight shut the door. He stopped 28 shots, only being beaten by Nico Sturm late in the second. The team has put together great performances against good teams, so it was nice to see two points on the board for their efforts.

The Avs pose a tall task for the young Hawks. They have not fared as well against Colorado as they have against Minnesota and Dallas, and are going to need an all-hands-on-deck effort. Bedard, along with Frank Nazar, is going to have to play a key role. Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen each have two assists in their last five games against the Avs. Between the pipes, Arvid Soderblom is going to have to stand tall. While it has been a tough season for the netminder, he is capable of finding a groove and stealing a game. The Hawks will need everything Soderblom can give them. While not the biggest game in terms of the standings, this one is enormous for the young Hawks to build confidence.

Avalanche Looking to Ward Off Stars in Central Division

The Avalanche dropped Wednesday’s contest against the Dallas Stars after controlling much of the play. If not for Jake Oettinger, Colorado should have earned that crucial second point. Instead, Cale Makar’s first-period marker was the lone Avs goal. Trade deadline acquisition and Stanley Cup winner Nazem Kadri, along with Nathan MacKinnon, collected assists on the goal. Colorado’s top players came to play but were unable to light the lamp. Between the pipes, Scott Wedgewood collected the loss but deserved a better fate. Expect Mackenzie Blackwood between the pipes tonight, but as always, be sure to check social media before puck drop for lineups and starting goaltender information. 

The Avs have hit an uncharacteristic dry spell offensively of late. They have not scored more than two goals in three straight games, despite continuing to get production from MacKinnon and Martin Necas. Now, some of their struggles can be attributed to key injuries. Captain Gabriel Landeskog, along with Artturi Lehkonen and Logan O’Connor, has been out for an extended period of time. Additionally, Ross Colton did not play against Dallas and is questionable to play tonight. The team has to continue finding ways to overcome their absences.

Game Prediction

There is a real opportunity for Chicago to keep building their momentum. Expect the Hawks to pull out another close one on home ice.

Prediction: Hawks win 3-1

Prop Bets

Blackhawks Moneyline (+240)

Connor Bedard Over 0.5 Goals (+180)

Main Photo: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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