In this article we will formulate a Blackhawks vs Flames prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, January 15th at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks are 19-20-7 this season after they lost to Edmonton by a score of 4-1 in their last game. Chicago cut the deficit to 2-1 in the third period, but they allowed two late goals to seal the loss. The Blackhawks were out shot by a total of 37-30, won 51.9% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Chicago got their lone goal from Bertuzzi, while Knight stopped 33 out of 36 shots, which was a .917 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Chicago defeated the Predators by a score of 3-0, but lost to the Capitals by a score of 5-1 before that. The Blackhawks have lost two of their last three games and they are currently sixth in the Central standings with 45 points. Chicago has scored 2.78 goals per game and they have allowed 3.11 goals against per game, while also going 22.9% on the power play and 85.2% on the penalty kill this season. Connor Bedard has led Chicago with 19 goals and 27 assists, while Tyler Bertuzzi has added 24 goals and 13 assists. The projected starting goalie for Chicago is Spencer Knight, who is 13-12-6 with a 2.63 goals against average and a .910 save percentage this season.
Calgary Flames Betting Preview
The Calgary Flames are 19-23-4 this year after they lost to Columbus by a score of 5-3 in their last game. Calgary tied the game at two in the second and at three in the third, but they allowed two goals in the last 1:34 for the loss. The Flames were out shot by a total of 43-32, won 44.6% of the face-offs, and went 3-3 on the power play in the game. Calgary got goals from Backlund, Frost, and Andersson, while Wolf stopped 38 out of 42 shots, which was a .905 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Calgary defeated the Penguins by a score of 2-1, but lost to the Bruins by a score of 4-1 before that. The Flames have lost five of their last six games and they are currently seventh in the Pacific standings with 42 points. Calgary has scored 2.54 goals per game and they have allowed 3.00 goals against per game, while also going 15.4% on the power play and 82.0% on the penalty kill this season. Nazem Kadri has led Calgary with eight goals and 24 assists, while Mikael Backlund has added 11 goals and 18 assists. The projected starting goalie for Calgary is Dustin Wolf, who is 14-19-2 with a 3.01 goals against average and an .899 save percentage this year.
Why the Chicago Blackhawks will win
- The Flames have lost each of their last eight road games against Central Division opponents.
- The Blackhawks have won five of their last six games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Blackhawks have covered the puck line in each of their last 10 home games following a home loss.
- The Flames have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight road games against Central Division opponents.
- The Flames have lost the third period in each of their last five games as underdogs against Central Division opponents when leading after the second period.
Why the Calgary Flames will win
- The Blackhawks have lost each of their last five games as favorites.
- The underdogs have won four of the Flames’ last five games at United Center.
- The Blackhawks have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five games as favorites.
- The Flames have covered the puck line in eight of their last 10 games as underdogs against Western Conference opponents.
- The Blackhawks have lost the second period in each of their last four games against Pacific Division opponents.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Blackhawks’ last four home games against the Flames following a loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Five of the Flames’ last six night games at United Center have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in 18 of the Blackhawks’ last 19 games following a home loss.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in six of the Flames’ last seven road games against the Blackhawks.
Chicago Blackhawks Player Prop Facts
- Connor Bedard has scored at least one goal in each of the Blackhawks’ last four games against the Flames.
- Teuvo Teravainen has recorded at least one assist in each of his last five appearances with his team as a home favorite against Pacific Division opponents.
Calgary Flames Player Prop Facts
- Matthew Coronato has scored a goal in four of the Flames’ last five games as underdogs against Central Division opponents.
- Mikael Backlund has recorded an assist in four of the Flames’ last five games against Western Conference opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 2nd in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (85.23%).
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 7th in the league in power play percentage this season (22.90%).
- The Calgary Flames rank 31st in the league for goals per game this season (2.54).
- The Calgary Flames rank 30th in the league in power play percentage this season (15.38%).
Blackhawks vs Flames Prediction
Calgary comes into this contest after losing five of their last six games and they have scored two goals or fewer in four of their last five. The Flames are 7-16-2 on the road this year, while the Blackhawks are 10-10-4 at home. Chicago has played decently well over the last two weeks, but they have scored two regulation goals or fewer in three of their last five. Neither team is great offensively and I think we are going to see a lower scoring game, so I like the under in this one.