NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Blackhawks vs Senators (Thursday, March 28)
(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) Pictured: Connor Bedard
Blackhawks vs. Senators Odds
| Blackhawks Odds | +150 |
| Senators Odds | -180 |
| Over / Under | 6.5 -105 / -115 |
Here's everything you need to know about the Chicago Blackhawks vs. Ottawa Senators on Thursday, March 28 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
The Blackhawks have gone 6-4 in their past 10 games, including a win at home against Calgary. Meanwhile, Ottawa has won three in a row. After brutalizing the Sabres in Buffalo, the Senators are set to travel back home, where they’ve been successful all season.
Connor Bedard continues to set the hockey world on fire as the rookie has 13 points in his past eight games. I’ve also loved what I’ve seen out of Philipp Kurashev, who is having a career year. The Blackhawks don't have much else, though Jason Dickinson is fresh off a two-goal game on Tuesday.
Despite Chicago winning games, the 5-on-5 play hasn’t been great over the past two weeks. The Blackhawks are ranked 22nd in expected goals with a 47.14 xGF% and are 16th defensively with a 3.11 xGA/60.
What’s astounding is how dominant the Blackhawks’ power play has been over the past 10 games. They’ve scored at a league-leading 34% clip, but struggle on the penalty kill (76%).
For a goaltender that’s on the Blackhawks, Petr Mrazek’s stats are quite impressive. He’s been fairly consistent (.906 SV%) and is fresh off a 39-save performance against the Flames. Additionally, he’s playing to an average -0.4 goals saved above expected (GSAx).
For a team that’s out of the playoff race, the Senators are highly skilled. Shane Pinto has provided a major spark, especially with his four-point night last night, and captain Brady Tkachuk is playing lights out with six points in his past three games. Additionally, Drake Batherson and Tim Stutzle are each performing at high levels this season.
Ottawa’s 5-on-5 play hasn’t been anything special, despite the dominating win last night. The Senators have played to a 48.31 xGF% (20th) and are 25th with a 3.56 xGA/60.
Similarly to their opponents, the Senators’ power play has been strong at 27%. However, the penalty kill has been abysmal (64%).
Joonas Korpisalo started last night, so we should expect Anton Forsberg to take the crease tonight. Forsberg has played extremely poorly this season, especially in his past six starts. Over those six start he has a terrible .827 SV%, and for the season, he has a -9.9 GSAx.
Blackhawks vs. Senators
Betting Pick & Prediction
Ottawa just came off a major high as it destroyed Buffalo in front of the Sabres’ home fans. However, the Senators then had to travel, go through customs and ultimately get home early in the morning.
Chicago isn't a great team on the road as it's 6-28-1 this season and two of those wins came this month. However, this is a different team, without much to play for, and those teams are usually dangerous late in the season.
What’s eye-popping to me, is that the Senators are 1-6 on the backend of a back-to-back this year. With that kind of record, you have to think the Blackhawks are licking their chops and looking for their third straight win.
Pick: Chicago Blackhawks Moneyline at +164
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