This will be the second matchup between Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers this year, which will also conclude the season series. Florida beat Chicago 3-2 to start a current 3-1-0 run. Inversely, Chicago is 1-3-0 entering this game, including their loss to Florida.

This is a lopsided game no matter how you slice it. If the Panthers bring a weak effort or let the Blackhawks stay in the game like they did last time, Chicago can sneak up on them.

The Panthers are set as -275 favourites on the NHL odds board tonight.

Blackhawks vs. Panthers NHL Betting Odds

The Blackhawks would be underdogs to just about every team in hockey. The Panthers are no exception and carry heavy odds as the favourite in this game. That is not much of a surprise given this Blackhawks team’s overall struggles.

Chicago is 4-10-1 on the season, including 0-5-1 on the road and 7-8-0 against the spread. Florida hasn’t been a world-beater, as was widely expected in hockey circles.

The Panthers have three wins in their last six games. Two of those wins were over a struggling Jets team and the other was against the Blackhawks. Otherwise, the Panthers have lost to decent teams lately.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks looked like they took a big step forward last year. This year, things have not been so encouraging. Connor Bedard has been great again and Patrick Kane has been good back in the sweater. They have solid veteran and young pieces, but the production just hasn’t been there.

Among 32 NHL teams, the Blackhawks rank 31st in goals scored per game, goals allowed per game, and power play. They have to play a near-perfect game to beat a team like the Panthers.

Not that they can’t. They nearly did already. But if this team is going to take the next step, they need to compete more regularly with winning teams. This game is another opportunity to show something and build.

Florida Panthers

The Blackhawks present a bit of a get-right spot for the Panthers.

Florida are not exactly sounding the alarms. But as mentioned, they are not getting the job done lately against competent teams. Florida needs points to keep up in, or hopefully lead, a competitive Eastern Conference.

In 15 games, Florida has three players above a point per game, and two more players with double-digit points. With a couple of injury exceptions, this is still largely the same Panthers team that has had rampant success this decade. If they can stay healthy, they should beat up on bad teams and make good teams earn it. They should only get better as the year progresses.

NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Blackhawks vs. Panthers?

It is too difficult to fade the Panthers in this spot, even on the puck line. It has as much to do with the Blackhawks’ lack of prowess as it does the Panthers’ skill. Chicago just hasn’t instilled enough confidence as a team to compete with good teams.

The Panthers have averaged four goals per game in their last four matchups. If they hold even close to their recent averages, it will get to a point where the Blackhawks just cannot keep up. This has the makings of a multi-goal Panthers win.

BLACKHAWKS

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