With the 2022-23 NHL season finally underway, we have a Central Division tilt between the Chicago Blackhawks and Colorado Avalanche. These two teams enter the season with polar-opposite expectations, as the Avalanche will see their banner raised before the game while the Blackhawks are actively tanking for Connor Bedard.
Will Colorado take care of business as massive home favorites, or can Chicago keep this game close? Find out in our free NHL picks and predictions for Blackhawks vs. Avalanche on Wednesday, October 12.
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Blackhawks vs Avalanche best odds
Blackhawks vs Avalanche picks and predictions
The Blackhawks are actively tanking for a shot at Connor Bedard in next year’s draft. Over the offseason, they got rid of Alex DeBrincat, Kirby Dach, Dylan Strome, and Dominik Kubalik.
That is the vast majority of their scoring output outside of Patrick Kane, who will also likely be gone by the trade deadline. This offense was already among the league’s worst last season, finishing 31st in goals for and 30th in even-strength expected goals.
They are now even worse and are tasked with going against one of the strongest defenses in hockey. Last season, the Avs ranked 10th in goals against and fourth in even-strength expected goals against.
Their defense is led by the best defensive pairing in the world, Devon Toews and Cale Makar. These two guys, along with a strong supporting cast of blueliners, should have no problems shutting down a horrible Chicago squad.
This line of thinking aligns with the current price of this game as Colorado is laying over four dollars in its opening game. That is unheard of in hockey, regardless of the matchup.
While the Blackhawks’ entire offense will struggle, we are specifically fading Jonathan Toews. The captain’s best days are long behind him, and the reports from camp are very concerning.
Appearing disinterested both mentally and physically, Toews and his agent have made it clear to the organization that he does not want to be a part of a rebuild in the limited amount of time he has left in this league. His body is starting to fail him in regard to the high level of physical demand that this sport requires, which has caused him to miss an extended period of time over the last several years.
He is not getting any younger, and he does not want to be a part of a sinking ship. To end last season, he failed to record a point in nine of his last 15 games and in two of his three matchups against the Avalanche.
My best bet: Jonathan Toews Under 0.5 points (-138 at FanDuel)
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Blackhawks vs Avalanche moneyline analysis
I think Colorado will both win and cover, but no way am I paying the egregious price that is listed. At the time of writing, the Avs are laying four-and-a-half dollars on the moneyline and are now listed as -2.5 on the puck line.
Quite frankly, there is way more value in Chicago at +2.5. I absolutely do not think it will cover that, but no team in this league should ever be getting 2.5 goals regardless of any circumstances.
There is no good angle to attack in terms of picking a side. Picking the Hawks is just asking for disappointment, and on the other side, you should never lay this sort of juice on an NHL game.
Blackhawks vs Avalanche Over/Under analysis
I would lean towards the Under in this game, but I could see Colorado putting up 5-6 goals by itself. Across their four games against Chicago last season, the Avs went 4-0 with a combined score of 16-9.
This year, Chicago is going to be even worse. The lineup it’s putting on the ice to start the year is almost laughable, but GM Kyle Davidson has a rebuilding plan that is clearly centered around drafting a generational talent like Bedard in the upcoming draft.
The O/U likely will depend on Chicago’s scoring output. If it puts up 2-3 goals, then I would say this game is definitely going Over. If it scores one or fewer, it is likely going Under.
We know what we will get from Colorado, but the uncertainty of how this new-look Chicago offense will perform is the reason I am staying away.
Blackhawks vs Avalanche betting trend to know
Jonathan Toews ended last season by failing to record a point in nine of his last 15 games. Find more NHL betting trends for Blackhawks vs Avalanche.
Blackhawks vs Avalanche game info
| Location: | Ball Arena, Denver CO |
| Date: | Wednesday, October 12, 2022 |
| Puck drop: | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TNT |
