Can the Blackhawks Bounce Back Against the Predators?

As the NHL season began, the Chicago Blackhawks seemed like one of the best picks for fans’ bet on NHL futures. Especially when considering they were facing some of the best odds out of all 30 teams. The Blackhawks had a chance to open the season with a strong showing and show the nation that they are more than worthy of being one of this year’s favorites to win the Stanley Cup. Unfortunately for those who had high hopes for Chicago, the Blackhawks were unable to win their 2016-17 debut.

On Thursday the St. Louis Blues upset the Blackhawks 5-2 and gave Chicago a reality check about the level of competition in the NHL. It’s certainly not easy to win in this league, and teams need every win they can get. Chicago will get a chance on Friday to get their first win of their season and avenge their performance against St. Louis. Since they fell to 0-1, what kind of odds are the top sportsbooks giving the Blackhawks in their next contest?

Friday, October 14th (Early Odds Lines Are Subject to Change) 

Blackhawks +1½ (-260) 5 (-140) +115
Predators -1½ (+220) 5 (+120) -135 

The bookies have spoken and they’re convinced that the Predators are a better option for your bet on NHL money lines. Nashville is coming of a pretty successful season that saw them advance to the second round of the Western Conference finals. The San Jose sharks ultimately got the upper hand, but the Predators are ready to take their vengeance on the NHL this season.

If the Predators want to enjoy more success than they did last season, they better hope they’re able to put up better statistics. Last season, Nashville was 12th in scoring with a total of 228 goals scored, and they were also 12th for goals allowed with a total of 215. What’s surprising is how much success the Predators enjoyed, despite posting lackluster numbers. If the Predators can get more scoring out of James Neal and Filip Forsberg, then they should be able to build on last season’s success.

Defensively, Nashville should see an increase in their play considering the offseason addition of PK Subban. Subban was one of this offseason’s most coveted players and should help solidify the Predator’s blue line. Pekka Rinne returns at goalie for Nashville and if he is able to improve upon last year’s .908 save percentage, then Nashville should be a shoo-in for the postseason.

Despite the fact that they lost their opener, Chicago still has great odds of winning this year’s Stanley Cup. A large part of those odds has to do with Patrick Kane, who was the recipient of the Art Ross and Hart Trophy winner. Duncan Keith is the man responsible for beefing up the Blackhawks blue lines and if he misses time Chicago will need Brent Seabrook and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Corey Crawford is another big name player for the Blackhawks and he should be making plays from the first step he takes on the ice considering he represented Canada in the World Cup of Hockey. If the Blackhawks are unable to win Friday’s game then a good amount of bettors will stop picking them for their bets on NHL money lines.

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