Certainly, the era of glory is over for the Chicago Blackhawks. Indeed, the Blackhawks franchise has utterly collapsed. Even the gimmick of an early season coaching change has proven to be fraudulent. Chicago is among the worst bets on the NHL betting online board. Meanwhile Pittsburgh has been up and down as a wagering value. Defense and goaltending remains a concern for the Penguins. While still considered a Cup contender Pittsburgh has not shown it so far. In fact, the Pens have been a bankroll busting overlay. Starting with their being a public team that commands expansive prices.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 12, 2018, 8 p.m. ET
Location: United Center Chicago, Illinois
NHL Betting Online Odds at SBG: Click Here
Penguins vs. Blackhawks TV Coverage: NBCSN
Chicago Blackhawks
Disappointing Chicago has an NHL betting online record of 9-16-4-1 with 15-12-3 over the total. As a result, the Blackhawks are fighting with St. Louis to avoid the Central Division basement. Late on the Hawks have lost eight of their last ten games with just one of those matchups going under the total. Along the same lines Chicago’s metrics reveal all. The Blackhawks rank 26th in the NHL for goal scoring, 31st for the power play, 30th for goals against, and 29th for penalty killing. New head coach Jeremy Colliton is not likely sleeping to well.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh has a sportsbook record of 12-10-4-2 with 12-12-4 on totals. Hence the Penguins have paid in four of their last seven games with four of their last six clearing the total. In view of their up and down play the Pens are in fifth place in the Metropolitan Division. Pittsburgh ranks a solid eighth in the NHL for goal scoring and the power play. Counter to that is a rank of 22nd for goals against.
Stats to Consider
Pittsburgh has drowned gamblers in red ink when skating on enemy ice. For example, the Penguins have lost six of their last seven matchups on the road. Just one of their last four away tilts have stayed under the number. Counter to that is Chicago’s subpar betting result at United Center. To show the Blackhawks have paid in just six of their last 19 games on home ice. Seven of their last nine home tilts have gone over under the total.
Team vs. Team
Head to head Chicago has paid out in eight straight games with Pittsburgh. Just one of the last nine games between these teams have gone over the total. Additionally, the Blackhawks have won six straight home games against the Pens. Three of the last four in this series at the Windy City have gone under the total.
Matchup to Watch
Certainly, the Penguins have the NHL betting online matchup advantage with their scoring depth. Likewise Pens captain Sidney Crosby leads with 15 goals, 17 assists and a plus 10. Account of Crosby does Pittsburgh boast the best player on the ice. While the Pens record at Chicago is bad those were much better Blackhawks teams.
Penguins vs. Blackhawks NHL Betting Online Picks
As mentioned earlier Pittsburgh has vastly more firepower than Chicago does.
Penguins vs. Blackhawks NHL Betting Online Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins
Penguins vs. Blackhawks NHL Betting Online Series Prediction: Penguins 3, Blackhawks 1