NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Blackhawks vs. Penguins (Tuesday, October 10)

Blackhawks vs. Penguins Odds

All eyes will be on Pittsburgh for Blackhawks vs Penguins Tuesday night as the National Hockey League kicks off its 2023-24 regular season with a triple-header tonight.

No slight to the Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning, who will kick off the proceedings. Or to the Vegas Golden Knights, who will raise their Stanley Cup Banner at T-Mobile Arena before facing the Seattle Kraken.

But the 8 p.m. ET matchup (ESPN and ESPN+) between the Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks could be a game that goes down in history as Connor Bedard, the most highly-touted prospect in years, starts his NHL journey by facing off against his idol, Sidney Crosby.

Ultra-skilled, with high-end hockey sense and a humble air that seems to help him withstand pressure, Bedard's playing style brings fans out of their seats — often. And while the noise around him has become deafening, there's every reason to believe that he has the tools to live up to the enormous hype.

For a little longer, Bedard is unknown and unproven. That creates a very enticing betting landscape.

Here is my Blackhawks vs. Penguins pick.

Of course, we start with Bedard. The top pick from the draft last June has generated more excitement than any rookie since Connor McDavid. He teased his talent in preseason with five points in four games — though his only goal was an empty-netter.

Expected to slot in as Chicago's top center on Tuesday, will the 18-year-old falter, or rise to the occasion? He has shone in big moments in the past, like when he was named MVP of the 2023 World Junior Championship. Many NHL experts believe he's ready, and will come close to hitting a point per game in his rookie campaign.

The Blackhawks' lineup around Bedard is almost unrecognizable from last season. Veterans like Taylor Hall, Corey Perry and Nick Foligno have come in to help insulate the young star, and it looks like three more rookies will suit up on the blue line: Alex Vlasic, Kevin Korchinski and Wyatt Kaiser.

In net, Arvid Soderblom looks set to get the opening-night nod against Crosby and company. The 24-year-old finished with an .894 save percentage in 15 games last year but was strong in two preseason appearances this fall, giving up five goals for a .915 save percentage.

At first glance, it appears that the Penguins are running it back — led by Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, with Tristan Jarry in net and Mike Sullivan behind the bench.

But there has also been plenty of change in Pittsburgh this summer after their playoff miss, starting with the arrival of Kyle Dubas as president and GM and most spectacularly with the addition of Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson on defense.

Ryan Graves has also come over from New Jersey to shore up the blue line in a more defensive role, and there are a number of new faces in the forward group including Reilly Smith, Lars Eller, Jansen Harkins and Noel Acciari.

After undergoing ankle surgery in August, Jake Guentzel is ahead of schedule in his recovery. He was a full participant in Monday's practice in Pittsburgh and could slot into the top line on Tuesday. He'll be a game-time decision.

Jarry looked good in preseason, giving up seven goals in three games while posting a .918 save percentage.

It's never easy to get a read on a team by looking at preseason results when coaches are more interested in evaluating lesser-known talents and established stars aren't necessarily giving full efforts.

The Blackhawks and Penguins have made matters even more challenging by being exactly average during their exhibition schedules, both posting .500 records. The two sides are also both looking to come out of the gate by demonstrating that they're going to be better than last season, although it may take some time before chemistry fully develops on these overhauled rosters.

Not surprisingly, the oddsmakers are favoring the more proven home side in a big way, with the Penguins at around -225 on the moneyline at most books as of Monday afternoon. That creates some big value for bettors who choose to hop on the Bedard train early and back the Blackhawks for the upset.

The best lines available on Chicago's moneyline as of Monday afternoon are bet365 at +205 or FanDuel at +195.

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