Although their level of play dipped for a stretch, there is no doubt that the Bruins remain a top tier NHL betting favorite. With some of the best all-around metrics in hockey Boston is a top choice to repeat as Eastern Conference champions. Counter to that is a Blackhawks team that remains in transition. When Joel Quenneville was fired has head coach early in 2018-19 it was the ultimate smoke signal. Chicago’s days as a Stanley Cup threat were over and a roster remake commenced. However, the star tandem of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews remains.
Boston Bruins vs. Chicago Blackhawks
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, February 5, 2020, 8 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | United Center, Chicago, Illinois |
| Bruins vs. Blackhawks TV Coverage: | NBCSN |
| NHL Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Boston Bruins vs. Chicago Blackhawks Overview
Chicago has the hot hand with six payouts in their last seven games. As a result, their offshore bookmaker record is 25-21-2-4 with 25-26 under the total. NHL metrics have the Hawks 18th for goal scoring, 27th for the power play, 19th for goals against, and seventh for penalty killing. Now all of a sudden Chicago is only three points out of the final Western Conference playoff spot.
In the same way, the Bruins are in good form with seven wins in their last 10 outings. Boston is now 31-10-5-7 with 23-27 under the total. Overall the Bruins rank ninth for goal scoring, second for power play, first for goals against and third for the penalty kill. The B’s are neck-and-neck with Washington for a top seed in the Eastern Conference. And they have the second-best goal differential in the Eastern Conference.
Key Bruins: RW David Pastrnak (38 G, 37 A, 75 PTS, +15, 17 PPG, 15 PPA, 18.4 SPCT), D Torey Krug (7 G, 30 A, 37 PTS, +4, 2 PPG, 20 PPA, 7.4 SPCT), G Tuukka Rask (18-4-6, 2.23 GAA, .927 SVPCT, 2 SO)
Key Blackhawks: RW Patrick Kane (25 G, 38 A, 63 PTS, +4, 6 PPG, 12 PPA, 13.0 SPCT), D Erik Gustafsson (6 G, 18 A, 24 PTS, -3, 2 PPG, 6 PPA, 7.2 SPCT) G Robin Lehner (15-8-4, 2.86 GAA, .922 SVPCT, 0 SO)
Boston and Chicago Against the Spread
The Bruins are:
- 5-4 vs. the line in their last nine away games
- 3-7-1 under the total on the road
- 3-2 in their last five games at Chicago
- 2-5-1 under the total in away games with the Blackhawks
- 6-2 in their last eight matchups as a chalk
- 1-5 under the total when laying points
The Blackhawks are:
- 6-10 in their last 16 games at United Center
- 8-3 over the total on home ice
- 7-3 on the board in their last 10 games as a dog
- 6-3 over the total when installing as the underdog
- 2-4 in their last six matchups with Boston
- 3-1-1 over the total against the Bruins
Boston Bruins vs. Chicago Blackhawks NHL Betting Picks
On this occasion, Boston races an improving Blackhawks team. Chicago’s power play remains an NHL betting weakness that could cost them and gamblers. Special teams remain a Bruins strength. The account of the Bruins deeper roster and better long-term results, they still rate the edge.
Bruins vs. Blackhawks NHL Betting Pick: Boston Bruins
Bruins vs. Blackhawks NHL Betting Score Prediction: Bruins 4, Blackhawks 2