Penguins vs. Blackhawks NHL Odds, Prediction and Picks: Bedard Could Return Against Pittsburgh
Despite it being early in the season, the Penguins find themselves in what looks like a very competitive, crowded Eastern Conference once again. This veteran group knows the importance of early season points, and that not letting them slip away becomes big come spring.
Meanwhile, the Blackhawks just need something positive to build on. They are 1-5-0 to begin the season with a -14 goal differential. There is belief that Connor Bedard may make his season debut in this game, which will bring a jolt to this Chicago team. Regardless, they will have an uphill battle against the Penguins.
Penguins vs. Blackhawks NHL Betting Odds
Money Line: Penguins (-143), Blackhawks (+120)
Puck Line: Penguins -1.5 (+165), Blackhawks +1.5 (-200)
Run Total: Over 6.5 (-105)/Under 6.5 (-115)
The Penguins are the favourite in this game, to no surprise. Until or unless the Blackhawks turn things around, just about any team in the NHL will be favourites against them. The same was true in two head to head matchups played between these teams last year, and the Penguins took care of business.
They validated the lines by winning by scores of 7-3 and then 6-2. Of course, these are different teams a season later. But there has not been enough turnover between these rosters to have closed the gap in a meaningful way.
Pittsburgh Penguins
It has been a tale of two games at a time for the Penguins early on this year. They had a couple great wins to start the season, followed by a couple of regulation losses, then most recently a shootout loss and shootout win. This team has shown a little bit of good and bad to start the year.
Early on, the Penguins are getting contributions from some unexpected sources. Through six games, their mail carriers have been Tommy Novak, Ben Kindel, Nick Robertson, and Evgeni Malkin. Malkin is no surprise, but the others are. If Pittsburgh’s star players begin to contribute more, they could be a dangerous team.
Chicago Blackhawks
As rough of a start as it has been, there really is optimism around Connor Bedard returning. Bedard had his first full-contact practice of the season, and the indication is he will be suited up for Chicago.
Last year, Bedard had his first 30-goal season in the NHL, tallying 75 points in 69 games played. At 21 years old, this is a superstar. The whole team will be lifted by his presence in the lineup. So far, they have had sparse production, and have struggled with goal prevention. Getting their superstar back should help.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Penguins vs. Blackhawks?
The Blackhawks are just too tough of a click right now. This is not a ringing endorsement of the Penguins. There are questions around Pittsburgh as well. But in this game, they are the more reliable play.
Through six games, the Blackhawks have allowed 26 goals for 4.33 goals allowed per game. That is third most in the NHL this young season. Even if they improve that number, they do not look to have the depth to keep up with their leaky defence and goaltending. Until they show signs indicating otherwise, Chicago looks like a good fade.
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