Predators vs Blackhawks Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Keep Fading Tanking Hawks

There is a Central Division tilt on Wednesday evening with the last-place Chicago Blackhawks hosting the sixth-place Nashville Predators.

Chicago’s tank is going beautifully as of late, losing seven straight games and 15 of its last 16.

Will the Hawks continue to plummet or can they grab an upset as a large home underdog? Read our NHL picks and predictions below to find out. 

Predators vs Blackhawks best odds

Predators vs Blackhawks picks and predictions

As mentioned above, the Chicago Blackhawks have lost 15 of their last 16 games. Even more shocking than that trend is the fact that the Hawks have also failed to cover the puck line in 12 of those 15 losses.

The Blackhawks’ lineup is a disaster, which is a product of GM Kyle Davidson’s quest to tank for Connor Bedard. In this contest, the Nashville Predators boast the advantage in every category one could think of.

At 5-on-5, the Preds rank 19th in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) and 20th in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). Meanwhile, Chicago ranks 32nd and 29th, respectively, in those two categories.

Chicago’s offense has no depth outside of the top six, while the defense bleeds high-danger scoring chances at an extraordinarily high rate. Backing up this terrible defense is goaltender Petr Mrazek, who is the confirmed starter for this game.

To say the least, it has been a difficult season for Mrazek in his stint with the Hawks, which is both due to his play and the team in front of him. Through 11 starts, he is 2-7-1 with a .872 save percentage and 4.24 goals against average.

Based on his metrics, positive regression is unlikely for the veteran netminder. If he qualified, Mrazek would rank second-to-last among starting goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5.

Playing behind this defense has shattered Mrazek’s confidence, something that might be beyond repair given the current outlook of Chicago’s season. Across the ice, goaltender Juuse Saros is projected to get the start between the pipes for Nashville.

Building off the momentum of last season, Saros enters this contest with a .911 SV% and 2.84 GAA. Based on his metrics, regression should not be an issue as Saros ranks 12th among starting goaltenders in GSAx/60 at 5-on-5.

Saros enters this contest in particularly good form, which should be a problem for Chicago. Dominating the Hawks throughout his career, Saros is 8-2-2 against them with .930 SV% and 2.14 GAA.

In a game where the Preds boast the better offense, defense, and goaltending, they should be able to both win and cover the puck line.

My best bet: Predators -1.5 (+150 at bet365)

Predators vs Blackhawks moneyline analysis

Typically, I try to avoid taking the puck line for a favorite, as the value is rarely there. However, Chicago is an exception this season, as the organization is blatantly tanking.

There is an old saying that goes, “players don’t tank, organizations do.” While that statement is true — and the Blackhawks’ players are not purposefully tanking — the group has clearly given up on the year.

Over the last couple of weeks, their play has gotten sloppier, lazier, and the effort is practically non-existent. Not only are they losing games, but they're getting smoked every night.

Chicago has lost 12 of its last 15 games by two or more goals, and this matchup should not go any differently.

Predators vs Blackhawks Over/Under analysis

The Hawks are a tough team to gauge in regards to handicapping the O/U, as they are one of the few squads in the league that struggles to both score and shut down opposing offenses. They rank in the Bottom 4 of the league in both xGF/60 and xGA/60 at 5-on-5.

Their lack of scoring options offensively would suggest taking the Under, but their uninspired defense and lackluster goaltender is also capable of allowing teams to notch six goals. The offense should struggle mightily to score on Saros.

Meanwhile, their defense is likely to leave Mrazek out high and dry once again, which is bad news for a goaltender who has struggled in his own right. As is typically the case for Chicago this season, the total is too tough in this contest given the circumstances.

Predators vs Blackhawks betting trend to know

Chicago has lost by two or more goals in 12 of its last 15 games. Find more NHL betting trends for Predators vs Blackhawks.

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