Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks Prediction, NHL Odds
The Blackhawks snapped a five-game slide with Friday’s 2-0 home victory over Arizona, but have failed to win back-to-back games during a dismal 5-23-4 run that began back on October 27. The Flames are coming off a 4-1 home victory over the New York Islanders 4-1 on Friday night, and open a five-game road trip in the Windy City looking to pick up at least a point for the seventh time in eight away contests.
The Flames have rocketed to -311 road favourites on the NHL odds since opening as a -275 bet, and command the backing of 89 per cent of sports bettors. The Blackhawks have faded to +256 home underdogs, while the total has held steady at 6.0, with the UNDER emerging as -115 chalk.
Flames vs. Blackhawks NHL Betting Odds
Sunday night’s matchup at United Center marks the first of three regular season meetings between these clubs. The Flames swept three dates with the Blackhawks last season, outscoring Chicago by a wide 15-5 margin. Overall, the Flames have taken home the win in 10 of 12 clashes since 2017, and are undefeated in six visits to Chicago over that stretch while limiting the Blackhawks to just 1.83 goals per game. The Flames’ high-scoring ways have helped fuel a steady 6-1 run for the OVER in head-to-head action.
Calgary Flames
The Flames enjoyed a much-needed fast start in Friday’s victory over the Islanders, seizing a 3-0 first period lead on their way to a 4-1 win. The club’s early-game outburst marks a turnaround after the club mustered just one total goal in the opening frame over their previous four contests, and just seven total even-strength goals over that stretch. However, the Flames’ offensive woes have not come from a lack of opportunities. While Calgary recorded just 21 shots on goal in Friday’s win, the teams averaged an impressive 37.5 shots per game over their previous 11 outings. Veteran centre Mikael Backlund has been particularly snake bitten, potting just three goals since the beginning of December despite averaging 3.6 shots per game over that stretch, and recording 16 total shots over the past three games. Jonathan Huberdeau has also seen his season-long offensive woes continue, with just two points in his past five overall appearances, but has racked up three goals and six helpers over his past eight away outings.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks enjoyed a rare victory in Friday’s visit from the Coyotes, with steady performances at both ends of the ice. With the Hawks dictating the pace, they outshot Arizona by a wide 32-22 margin, equalling the lowest shot total they have allowed this season. However, finding the back of the net remains a massive challenge for the Blackhawks, who have potted just seven total goals during their current 1-5-0 run. Not surprisingly, the Blackhawks are in firm control of last place in the overall NHL standings. They also rank dead last with 2.16 goals scored per game, and have seen each of their 13 losses over their past 15 games come by multi-goal margins. One big positive for Chicago has been the recent steady play of journeyman netminder Alex Stalock. The 35-year-old earned the shutout in Friday’s win, and has now allowed just 10 total goals and compiled a sparkling .931 save percentage while going 2-3-0 in five starts since December 23.
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