Two clubs that are facing each other for the final time this year, the Ottawa Senators and the Chicago Blackhawks meet at the United Center in an East-West matchup. The opening face-off is at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 21, and it can be viewed live on Sportsnet.
Ottawa Senators vs. Chicago Blackhawks Odds
Ottawa (+155) is entering this one as the underdog to Chicago (-175) and the Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 6 goals. The line for betting the total stands at -115 for the over and -105 for the under.
Chicago is 25-35 straight up (SU) and has lost 15.3 units for moneyline bettors this year. That early-season winning percentage is a regression from the 50-32 record that the team posted during the 2016-17 season campaign. Of the teams 60 regular season contests, 31 have gone under the total, while 26 have gone over and just three have pushed. The teams 13-17 SU at home this season.
The Blackhawks have converted on just 16.1 percent of their power play chances this year, a mark that places them in the bottom- overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 11th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 82.2 percent of all penalties.
As a team, the Blackhawks have been called for penalties 3.6 times per game overall this season, and 4.6 per game over their last five outings. The team has had to stave off opposition power plays for just 8.0 minutes per game over their last 10 outings, overall.
With a .929 save percentage and 27.9 saves per game, Corey Crawford (16 wins, 12 losses, and two OT losses) has been the best goalkeeper for Chicago this year. If Chicago chooses to give him a breather, however, the team could roll with Anton Forsberg (7-17-17 record, .908 save percentage, 2.96 goals against average).
The Hawks will continue to lean on the offensive production from Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Kane (55 points) is up to 22 goals and 33 assists and has recorded multiple points 15 times this year. Toews has 16 goals and 24 assists to his name and has recorded at least one point in 29 contests.
Ottawa is 21-37 straight up (SU) and has lost 16.3 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 58 regular season contests, 31 of its games have gone over the total, while 27 have gone under and none have pushed. As the road team so far, the Senators are 7-21 SU.
The Senators have converted on just 16.3 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that’s ranked 28th in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 30th overall and it’s successfully killed off 74.1 percent of all penalties.
Ottawa’s skaters have been called for penalties 3.7 times per game in total this season, 3.4 per game over their last five outings total, and 4.2 per game over their last five games as the visiting team. The team has been forced to defend opponent power plays just 8.7 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Craig Anderson (27.5 saves per game) has been the main choice in the net for Ottawa. Anderson owns an 18-26-5 record, and has registered a .903 save percentage and 3.21 goals against average this year.
Mark Stone (19 goals, 31 assists) has been one of the top playmaking threats for the visiting Senators.
Ottawa Senators at Chicago Blackhawks Betting Predictions
Free NHL Pick: SU Winner – Blackhawks, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
- Ottawa (2-5 in shootouts) has more shootout experience coming into this one. Chicago fell short in its lone shootout this season.
- The over has hit in three of Chicago’s last five games.
- Ottawa has managed 30.2 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while Chicago is averaging 38.2 shots per game over its last five at home.
- Six of Ottawa’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 2-4 in those games.
- Ottawa skaters have given out the eighth-most hits in the league (23.9 per game).
