Will the improving Chicago Blackhawks catch the established Tampa Bay Lightning in a mini-funk and prevail as an underdog?
That’s one question surrounding the intriguing matchup between the host Blackhawks and the Lightning at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and Hulu.
Here’s a look at the Blackhawks vs Lightning odds, picks, and predictions.
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Lightning vs Blackhawks Odds: Puck Line, Moneyline, Total
This is a rematch.
The Blackhawks at +154 on the DraftKings moneyline tonight defeated the Lightning 5-3 in Tampa last week.
The Lightning have hit a scoring drought, being blanked by the Carolina Hurricanes (4-0) and St. Louis Blues (5-0). This team has too many weapons to stay quiet. The question is whether tonight’s the night it breaks out.
Before making your Lightning vs Blackhawks betting pick, we advise you to check out the odds and lines from our top-rated sports betting apps. Doing this will ensure that you get the best numbers for your wager.
Chicago Blackhawks (5-8, 7-6 ATS)
This is turning out to be an excellent rebound year for the Blackhawks, who drafted Connor Bedard with the first selection of the NHL Draft after notching just 59 points last year. That prompted books to bump their expected point total above 70 points this season.
Bedard has been the breath of fresh air advertised with nine goals and 13 points in 13 games. He is the face of a franchise that is going to get good sooner than later. He has a natural presence around the net. He tallied two goals against Tampa Bay last week.
The ‘Hawks are playing everybody tough. They have delivered road victories against the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Knights and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
They come off a competitive Florida swing, in which they lost to the Florida Panthers 4-3 after the win over the Lightning.
Bedard, Corey Perry, and Tyler Johnson are the big scoring threats for Chicago.
The team has a limited home sample at 1-3 and this is an opportunity to start showing fans that the turnaround is in full swing.
The Blackhawks give up a high number of shots. Petr Mrazek faced 33, making 30 saves in Chicago’s 5-3 triumph over Tampa Bay last week.
Arvid Soderblom faced 31 shots, making 27 saves in the 4-3 loss to the Florida Panthers on Sunday night.
Mrazek has won three straight games for Chicago. Bettors can assess that after the starting goalies are named. Mrazek is 4-3 with a .284 GAA and a .921 save percentage. Given that he sat the last game, it could be his turn to start.
Blackhawks opponents have outshot them in 11 of the 13 games. Chicago is 4-7 over that stretch, not bad considering that statistic.
Tampa Bay Lightning (6-6-4, 8-8 ATS)
Nikita Kucherov is a sniper and the key to this offense. He has one of the league’s highest point totals with 23. Kucherov also has one of the NHL’s highest shot totals of 67 in 15 games, roughly 4.5 per game.
There are times when bettors might find a soft spot with a shots on goal total of 3.5 and a price for him. That didn’t happen tonight. He’s -150 for Over 3.5. Thanks, but no thanks.
Anthony Cirelli and Steven Stamkos are also good for a potential high shot volume each game. No good shot prop deals for them either. Bettors will have to take them to score a goal or assist.
Jonas Johansson has been the goaltender. His stats have been nothing special, but a save total in the 25 range will make for an excellent consideration.
Lightning vs Blackhawks Betting Trends
- Both teams give up more than 3 goals per game. That plays into the total of 6.5 for the Over/Under. The Over demands juice of -125. There’s an implied view that this game could be high-scoring.
- A total this high is a good signal to see if the big players on both teams can go off and direct prop attention to them. The total itself looks to have no built-in edge.
- The Blackhawks have lost 9 of their last 10 at the United Center.
- The Over 2.5 goals for the first-period market has come in for the last six Chicago games.
- The Blackhawks have won 5 of their last 6 as home dogs vs. the Atlantic Division.
- Five of the last six Chicago games have gone over.
Lightning vs Blackhawks Prediction
Chicago ML at +154 (Best Live Odds: ). This would normally be a good spot for the Blackhawks. Books must not feel they are ready to win big games at home, but this is a good price.
Other Considerations (Game-Time Calls)
- Connor Bedard to score (+160)
- Bedard power-play point (+240)
- Either Chicago goaltender OVER save total, up to 25.5. The market is not established for this yet.
How To Watch Lightning vs Blackhawks
Date: Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023
Puck Drop: 8 p.m. ET
Location: United Center – Chicago, IL
Where to Watch: ESPN+, Hulu
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