The Central Division’s Chicago Blackhawks host the Metropolitan Division’s Pittsburgh Penguins this evening. These clubs split the two meetings between them last season.
Will Pittsburgh take care of business as a large NHL odds favorite, or can Chicago pull off the upset on home ice? Find out in our free NHL betting picks and predictions for the Penguins vs Blackhawks on Sunday, November 20.
Penguins vs Blackhawks best odds
Penguins vs Blackhawks picks and predictions
These two teams are trending in opposite directions as Pittsburgh has won four of its last six games while Chicago has lost five of six. Slow starts have been an issue for the Hawks with opposing teams scoring the first goal in four straight contests.
Meanwhile, the Penguins have scored the opening goal in seven of their last 10 games. These trends should continue in this contest as the Blackhawks’ offense has been terrible.
At 5v5 this season, Chicago ranks second last in the league in expected goals per 60 minutes (xGF/60). Its roster is constructed like that of a tanking organization — precisely what it is attempting in an effort to get Connor Bedard in next year’s draft.
That is the reason it traded every valuable piece over the offseason outside of Patrick Kane, who is likely to get dealt prior to this season’s trade deadline. It has now scored three or fewer goals in 10 straight games, a trend that is likely to continue as goaltender Casey DeSmith is projected to take the crease for Pittsburgh.
Through seven starts this season, DeSmith boasts a .910 SV% and 2.86 GAA. The Penguins have scored the first goal in three of his last five starts.
Playing in front of DeSmith is a team far superior than their 8-7-3 record indicates. At 5v5, Pittsburgh ranks fifth in the league in xGF/60 and 13th in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60).
Both those rankings are much higher than Chicago’s, who ranks 31st and 25th respectively. Back the trends and take the far superior team to light the lamp first.
My best bet: Penguins to score first (-150 at DraftKings)
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Penguins vs Blackhawks moneyline analysis
Pittsburgh’s moneyline or puck line would also be great plays to make in this contest, however, I am just backing the trends and taking it to score first. Chicago’s offense has been terrible and extremely lethargic at the beginning of games, so the Penguins should not have to worry about allowing the first goal unless they take a bad penalty and give the Hawks a chance on the power play.
That being said, Pittsburgh ranks sixth in the league this season in penalty minutes. In this game, the Penguins will have the better offense and defense, with the only toss-up being the goaltending matchup.
DeSmith has been a serviceable backup for Pittsburgh while goaltender Arvid Soderblom has been surprisingly good this year for Chicago. I have concerns about whether he can keep up his solid play as the season progresses, but he has done a good job despite the lack of talent in front of him.
Penguins vs Blackhawks Over/Under analysis
The Hawks are a tough team to take totals on because they are one of the few squads in the league that struggle to both score and play defense. Their lack of scoring options offensively would suggest taking the Under, but their uninspired defense is also capable of allowing teams to score six goals.
Soderblom has shown this season that he is capable of hanging in there against quality offenses, but he did allow five goals in his last start against the St. Louis Blues, and I would not be shocked if this game goes similarly to that contest. It is worth noting that the Hawks lost that game 5-2, so the Over did hit and could also cash in this matchup if there is an empty-net goal late.
Penguins vs Blackhawks betting trend to know
Opposing teams have scored the first goal in four straight games against the Blackhawks. Find more NHL betting trends for Penguins vs Blackhawks.
Penguins vs Blackhawks game info
| Location: | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Sunday, November 20, 2022 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ATTSN-PIT, NBCS-CHI, Sportsnet |
