The Chicago Blackhawks (22-27-9) and Utah Mammoth (31-24-4) meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 4:00 p.m. EST at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
The Mammoth are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 6.5 (+105o / -125u). The Mammoth are a -244 favorite to win outright, while the Blackhawks are +195 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Blackhawks vs. Mammoth predictions and NHL picks.
Blackhawks vs. Mammoth Odds, Pick
| Blackhawks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -105 | 6 -115o / -105u | +245 |
| Utah Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -115 | 6 -115o / -105u | -305 |
- Blackhawks vs. Mammoth Puck Line: Mammoth -1.5 (-115), Blackhawks +1.5 (-105)
- Blackhawks vs. Mammoth Over/Under: 6.5 (-115o / -105u)
- Blackhawks vs. Mammoth Moneyline: Blackhawks +245, Mammoth -305
Blackhawks vs. Mammoth Preview
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are in free fall as they inch closer to another top pick in this year’s NHL Draft. They have lost five of their past six games, with each of those five defeats coming by at least two goals.
Those struggles are likely to continue Sunday, especially considering Chicago enters this contest on the second half of a back-to-back. Even if they were rested, however, it is difficult to overlook how poorly this team has played over the past few months.
Entering this matchup, the Blackhawks rank 31st in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60), 22nd in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) and last in expected goal share.
The only bright spots have been Connor Bedard and Spencer Knight. However, Knight started Saturday and is not expected to play in this game.
Backup goaltender Arvid Soderblom is slated to start, which further disadvantages Chicago. Through 17 appearances this season, Soderblom is 5-9-2 with an .874 save percentage and a 3.76 goals-against average.
Utah Mammoth
Across the ice, Karel Vejmelka is expected to start for the Utah Mammoth. He has been a workhorse this season and holds the edge over Soderblom in wins, save percentage and goals-against average.
Goaltending is just one of Utah’s many advantages in this matchup. The Mammoth are the stronger team on both ends of the ice, outranking Chicago in xGF/60, xGA/60 and expected goal share.
Utah also benefits from home ice. At the Delta Center, the Mammoth own a stronger winning percentage than Chicago does on the road.
Blackhawks vs. Mammoth Prediction
Utah holds advantages across the board. Home ice, goaltending and overall team play all go to the Mammoth.
Additionally, Chicago is on the second half of a back-to-back, while Utah had Saturday off. Finally, each of the Mammoth’s past three wins has come by at least two goals.
Pick: Mammoth -1.5 (-115 at bet365)
