Nashville shocked everyone, oddsmakers included, by shutting out the Blackhawks in Game 1 of their Sportsbook-round series on Thursday evening and will once again be tabbed the betting underdog when the puck is dropped at the United Center tonight. Pekka Rinne, who stopped all of Chicago’s 29 attempts on net in the opener, had a .926 save percentage in the regular season when he had exactly one day of rest so expect the Finn to be back on his game in the second contest of this Central Division matchup.
- The Predators are 2-9 SU in their last 11 games as underdogs against the Blackhawks.
- The Blackhawks are 0-4 SU in their last 4 games after a loss.
- The Predators are now the -115 favorites to win the series.
Chicago’s chances to score in Game 1 came early often but they were unable to solve the puzzle of Pekka Rinne. The 34-year-old netminder is known to steal a game every now and then and if he gets on a hot streak, there’s no telling how far it could take this talented hockey team. The ‘Hawks would be wise to come out firing tonight and try to beat Rinne with an ugly one early.
Allowing just 20 shots to reach Corey Crawford in Game 1, the ‘Hawks’ defense was just fine in the opener and should continue to be if Duncan Keith keeps pacing the team in ice time.
In regards to the total, that’s been bumped down to 5 after the steep total of 5.5 never came close to being breached in the first game of a possible seven, bettors should consider an OVER Saturday. These combatants were two of the best OVER teams in the West all season and I definitely do not expect Chicago to go two games without a goal.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
NHL Hockey odds makers at Sportsbook had the Chicago Blackhawks as -172 moneyline favorites in this betting matchup. Those over under betting saw the line open at 5 at Sportsbook.
Prediction-scoring formulas run on this game pick a potential 3.8-1.8 result in favor of the Predators. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Nashville Predators vs Chicago Blackhawks Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Nashville Predators will look to vanquish their hosts on Saturday, as they are 42-29-12 this season, while the Blackhawks are 50-24-9. Nashville is 41-36-6 against the total, while Chicago is 37-33-13 versus the number. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Chicago vs Nashville injuries news.
The Predators - Blackhawks odds would favor the Predators if the lines were set according to our power ranks. Chicago is rated No. 23 in the current Odds Shark poll, while Nashville is at No. 22.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Chicago's No. 9-ranked offense, averaging 2.94 goals per game, against a Predators defense that ranks No. 15 at 2.7 goals allowed. The Blackhawks power play is averaging 17.87% while the Predators defense kills off 81.4% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Nashville was a 1-0 Sportsbook in its last match on the road against the Blackhawks. They won as +143 underdogs, while the total score of 1 made Sportsbooks of UNDER bettors.
- Nashville is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Nashville's last 9 games
- Nashville is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games on the road
- Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
- Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games
- Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Nashville home to Chicago, Monday, April 17th
