{"id":441425,"date":"2026-02-02T13:28:21","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T13:28:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/441425\/"},"modified":"2026-02-02T13:28:21","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T13:28:21","slug":"battle-of-back-to-back-first-overall-picks-celebrini-and-bedard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/441425\/","title":{"rendered":"Battle of Back-to-Back First-Overall Picks, Celebrini and Bedard"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions! In this matchup, the Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> play at the United Center for the final time before the Olympic break against the San Jose Sharks<\/a>. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day\u2019s 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\u2019t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n

NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs San Jose Sharks<\/p>\n

Time:\u00a08:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n

Head-to-Head:\u00a0First Matchup of 2025-26 Season<\/p>\n

How to Watch<\/a> TV:\u00a0ESPN+, NBCSCA, CHSN<\/p>\n

Connor Bedard<\/a> and the Chicago Blackhawks battle young star Macklin Celebrini<\/a> and the San Jose Sharks.<\/p>\n

Hawks Aiming to Head into Olympic Break on High Note<\/p>\n

The Blackhawks come into this one 2-6-2 in their last ten games. While there have been stretches of good play, particularly from the top players, the team has slipped further down in the standings. The most recent game against the Blue Jackets was the team\u2019s fifth-straight loss and was a good summary of their recent play. The lone bright spot was the newly put-together line of Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar<\/a>, and Tyler Bertuzzi<\/a>. Bedard netted a goal and had an assist, while Bertuzzi collected two assists. Nazar scored the second Hawks\u2019 goal, which was the lone offence for the team. Spencer Knight<\/a> stopped 22 of 25 shots faced, ultimately collecting the loss. He should be back in goal against the Sharks.<\/p>\n

Artyom Levshunov<\/a> was a healthy scratch against the Blue Jackets, with Sam Rinzel<\/a> being recalled and taking his spot in the lineup. Levshunov needed it, as it has really been a battle in recent games. He does lead all Chicago defenders with 21 points, but he has not collected a point in his last nine games and has mightily struggled defensively. Head coach Jeff Blashill wanted to sit Levshunov for a game and give Rinzel another opportunity, who took advantage. He played 22 minutes and generated three shots and blocked four. He was all over the ice and has certainly earned more run before the Olympic break. As always, be sure to check social media before puck drop for lineups and starting goaltender information.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Blackhawks lines in practice. Foligno isn’t taking rushes.<\/p>\n

Nazar-Bedard-Bertuzzi
Teravainen-Greene-Burakovsky
Donato-Dickinson-Mikheyev
Slaggert-Moore-Dach
Lafferty<\/p>\n

Vlasic-Crevier
Kaiser-Rinzel
Grzelcyk-Murphy
Levshunov<\/p>\n

\u2014 Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) February 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Sharks Looking to Get Back into Win Column<\/p>\n

This game is the fourth of five stops on the Sharks\u2019 pre-Olympic break road trip. They\u2019ve dropped the last two one-goal games, but have played well enough to win. They led in both matchups, but ultimately surrendered them and collected losses. In their most recent game against the Flames, Will Smith<\/a> opened the scoring on the power play with a helper from Alexander Wennberg<\/a>. Adam Gaudette<\/a>, with assists from William Eklund<\/a> and Michael Misa<\/a>, got his 13th of the season in the second period. The Sharks could not cash in late, as Alex Nedeljkovic<\/a> stopped 39 of 42 shots faced, more than enough to give the team a lift. Expect Yaroslav Askarov<\/a> in the net against the Hawks.<\/p>\n

The catalyst for this team has been Macklin Celebrini. The 19-year-old and his 79 points were named to Team Canada\u2019s Olympic roster<\/a>, becoming the youngest player to do so. Collin Graf<\/a> has quietly had a nice season playing alongside Celebrini and Smith. He already has 15 goals and is a part of the team\u2019s penalty kill. Defensively, Dmitry Orlov<\/a> and John Klingberg<\/a> have given the team nice production from the backend, along with rookie Sam Dickinson<\/a>. The team\u2019s offensive prowess should cause problems for the Hawks.<\/p>\n

NHL Prediction<\/p>\n

As mentioned, the Sharks\u2019 offensive ability will likely cause problems for the Hawks\u2019 defensive group. Expect San Jose to pick up a win and stay right in the thick of the playoff hunt.<\/p>\n

Prediction: Sharks win 4-1<\/p>\n

Prop Bets<\/p>\n

The Sharks are +198 to cover the -1.5 spread. We like that value. We also like a pair of superstars to find the back of the net: Macklin Celebrini at +140 and Connor Bedard at +150.<\/p>\n

Main Photo Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER<\/p>\n

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