{"id":536816,"date":"2026-04-02T16:13:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T16:13:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/536816\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T16:13:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T16:13:12","slug":"hawks-and-oilers-bring-the-heat-tonight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/536816\/","title":{"rendered":"Hawks and Oilers Bring the Heat Tonight"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome back to NHL Predictions! In this matchup, the Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> hit the road to take on the Edmonton Oilers<\/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 Edmonton Oilers<\/p>\n

Time:\u00a09:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n

Season Series:\u00a0Edmonton leads 2-0<\/p>\n

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

Location:\u00a0Rogers Place<\/p>\n

Connor Bedard<\/a> and the Chicago Blackhawks take on Connor McDavid<\/a> and the Edmonton Oilers<\/p>\n

The Oilers have handled each of the first two matchups between these two teams. The first meeting in November was a tough and tight contest the entire way, with an Evan Bouchard<\/a> overtime winner being the difference. Connor McDavid collected three assists, while Leon Draisaitl<\/a> earned two points. The most recent meeting in January was controlled by Edmonton from start to finish. Bouchard was once again the difference, netting two goals. Zach Hyman<\/a> and Draisaitl netted the other Oilers\u2019 goals, while Tyler Bertuzzi<\/a> netted the lone Chicago marker. Connor Ingram<\/a> stopped 29 of 30 Blackhawks shots and is looking for a repeat tonight.<\/p>\n

Credit Image: \u00a9 Federico Manoni\/ZUMA Press Wire<\/p>\n

Blackhawks Hoping to Start Road Trip on the Right Foot<\/p>\n

The Hawks dropped yet another tight game in the extra frame Tuesday night to the Winnipeg Jets. Youngster Anton Frondell<\/a> netted his first career goal to open the scoring, before the Hawks allowed three straight Winnipeg goals. However, the team battled back once again. Tyler Bertuzzi netted his 30th and 31st goals of the season to even the score, but ultimately, the Hawks failed to cross the finish line as the Jets won it in overtime. Spencer Knight<\/a> made 20 saves in the losing effort and is looking for a bounce-back tonight. As always, be sure to check social media for starting lineups and starting goaltender information.<\/p>\n

Tonight, the Hawks are hoping that a road trip out West could spell better fortunes. Though they have had trouble finishing games, the Oilers present an interesting opportunity for the young Hawks. There should be chances for the team to score, and the Blackhawks\u2019 top players need to take advantage. Connor Bedard, in particular, is going to have to step up after a shocking zero-shot performance against the Jets. Bertuzzi has held up his end of the bargain, with three goals and five points in the last five games. On the injury front, things are less encouraging. Oliver Moore<\/a> continues to miss significant time, while head coach Jeff Blashill announced that Artyom Levshunov<\/a> and Matt Grzelcyk<\/a> will miss the remainder of the regular season. Kevin Korchinski<\/a> should continue to see ice time in their place. Look for an inspired effort tonight.<\/p>\n

Chicago head coach Jeff Blashill said Matt Grzelcyk will miss the rest of the season, and Artyom Levshunov likely will too. #Blackhawks<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 31, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Oilers Looking to Chase Down Top Spot in Pacific Division<\/p>\n

The Oilers picked up a massive win Tuesday night against the Kraken. Connor Ingram put together a great performance in the net, securing a 27-save shutout. On the offensive end, Max Jones<\/a> and Kasperi Kapanen<\/a> netted first-period markers to give Edmonton a 2-0 cushion. Connor McDavid extended his goal streak to five games with a third-period marker to give the Oilers a 3-0 lead. The game was one of the Oilers\u2019 more impressive performances, as despite registering just three shots in the third period, the team stifled the Kraken attack.<\/p>\n

As expected, there has been a ton of noise around the Oilers, particularly their goaltending situation. The club dealt Stuart Skinner<\/a> to the Penguins and received Tristan Jarry<\/a> in return, who has not answered the bell. Jarry has a staggering .856 save percentage, which led to head coach Kris Knoblauch naming Ingram the starter moving forward. That being said, it is hard to discount a team with McDavid on it, as the superstar leads the league with 125 points. Most impressively, however, has been McDavid and his team putting strong play together without Leon Draisaitl. He was placed on long-term injury reserve, but should be good to go for the postseason. Also on the injury front, Trent Frederic<\/a> is expected to return to the lineup tonight. Hopefully, Frederic can provide a nice spark for the Oilers.<\/p>\n

Kris Knoblauch says Trent Frederic will be back in the lineup tomorrow.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Jack Michaels (@EdmontonJack) April 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Game Prediction<\/p>\n

With all of the Oilers goaltending struggles, there should be plenty of goals. We like the Hawks to find a way to collect a win on the road.<\/p>\n

Prediction: Chicago wins 5-4<\/p>\n

Prop Bets<\/p>\n

Connor Bedard Anytime Goalscorer\u00a0(+190)<\/p>\n

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins<\/a> Anytime Goalscorer\u00a0(+230)<\/p>\n

Main Photo: Daniel Bartel-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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