The race for first place in the Central Division gets more and more intriguing each day and with the two top teams in the division squaring off Friday night, the intrigue is sure to get kicked up a notch. The Chicago Blackhawks and Dallas Stars are even on points, but one team will leave the American Airlines Center as the Central leaders after the final horn.
Online shop Sportsbook is presently offering both the Blackhawks and Stars at -115 in moneyline markets. The total is tabbed at 5.5 with OVER priced at -110 and UNDER presently -120.
Both teams enter Friday’s schedule coming off a loss with the Hawks losing 3-2 to another division contender, the St. Louis Blues, while the Stars found themselves on the wrong end of a 4-3 decision to the Montreal Canadiens.
The loss to the Habs was Dallas’ eighth in its last 11 games but it has had success versus the Hawks recently. The Stars won the last meeting with the Blackhawks by a score of 4-2 back on February 11 and have won four of the previous five. They have lit the lamp at a frenetic pace in meetings withe Chicago, averaging just under 4 goals scored per game against their division foes.
The Hawks haven’t played much better of late as the loss to the Blues was their seventh in the past 12 games. In fact, of the three teams at the top of the division, Chicago has the worst record versus teams from within the group. The Hawks enter Friday’s tilt with Dallas 11-9-2 versus Central opponents this season while Dallas is 14-7-2 and St. Louis is 15-7-3.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The visiting Chicago Blackhawks opened as 104 moneyline underdogs in this one at most online sportsbooks tracked at Odds Shark, including Sportsbook. The total opened at 5.5 for those preferring over under betting, watch for the line updates during the day at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer score prediction models pick a possible 2.9-2.6 win for the Blackhawks on Friday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Dallas Stars Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
40-20-8 Dallas battles the Blackhawks, currently with a 41-21-6 mark. The OVER/UNDER records, important for totals bettors, are 37-30-1 for the Stars and 24-29-15 for the Blackhawks. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Dallas vs Chicago injuries news.
The Blackhawks - Stars odds would favor the Blackhawks if the lines were set according to our power ranks. Dallas is rated No. 11 in the current Odds Shark poll, while Chicago is at No. 8.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Dallas's No. 2-ranked offense, averaging 3.21 goals per game, against a Blackhawks defense that ranks No. 5 at 2.4 goals allowed. The Stars power play is averaging 21.96% while the Blackhawks defense kills off 78.65% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Chicago lost its last outing, a 3-2 result against the Blues on March 09. Bettors who backed the Blues at -105 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (5) sent PUSH bettors to the payout window.
Dallas was a 4-3 loser in its last match on the road against the Canadiens. They lost as -149 underdogs, while the total score of 7 made Sportsbooks of OVER bettors.
Next Betting Matchups
Chicago home to Los Angeles, Monday, March 14th
Dallas home to St. Louis, Saturday, March 12th