Chicago Blackhawks (14-30-2) vs. Edmonton Oilers (26-15-1)
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Edmonton Oilers 1/25/24 – As the NHL regular season unfolds, the matchup between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Edmonton Oilers on January 25, 2024, presents a fascinating contrast in team fortunes. The Blackhawks, struggling with a 14-30-2 record, face off against the high-flying Oilers, boasting a strong 26-15-1 performance. Set in the dynamic atmosphere of Rogers Place, this game not only brings excitement to hockey fans but also poses intriguing considerations for those looking for winning hockey picks today.
The Blackhawks have shown glimpses of potential with their offensive capabilities, though not top-tier. Nick Foligno brings experience and leadership on the ice. Additionally, center duo Jason Dickinson and Philipp Kurashev have combined for 23 goals and 24 assists despite an overall negative rating which limits their impact. Against an Oilers defense which has proven fairly solid thus far, the Blackhawks will need to capitalize on any offensive outbursts by exploiting any holes left by Oilers defenders.
Conversely, the Edmonton Oilers’ offense led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl has been nothing short of formidable this season. McDavid led with 59 points including 16 goals and 43 assists for an exceptional season; Draisaitl chipped in 50 points including 22 goals; Zach Hyman added 28 goals further strengthening this lineup; this trio’s ability to break down defenses will pose significant problems for a Blackhawks defense that has struggled mightily this year.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Edmonton Oilers 1/25/24 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Rogers Place |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Petr Mrazek vs. Goaltender Stuart Skinner
Petr Mrazek has struggled in his first season with Chicago, posting a 3.04 goals against average along with a mediocre .906 save percentage over 31 games played. He has managed just 12 wins compared to 16 losses and 1 overtime defeat. Mrazek has faced a heavy workload, playing over 1,700 minutes while making 852 saves on 940 total shots. However, he has still allowed 88 goals to get past him. Mrazek has also not been great in the shootout, stopping just 8 of 9 attempts for a poor .889 shootout save percentage. He could have trouble against an Oilers offense that has game-breaking talent in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Mrazek must bring his A-game if Chicago has any chance of stealing a road victory.
On the other side, Stuart Skinner has exceeded expectations in his first full NHL season with the Oilers. Over 32 games played, Skinner has compiled an impressive 21-9-1 record with a 2.53 goals against average and a .906 save percentage. He has made a respectable 752 saves while allowing 78 goals on 830 total shots faced. Like Mrazek, Skinner has endured a heavy workload with over 1,800 minutes played. He has also been solid in shootouts, posting a .666 save percentage by stopping 4 of 6 attempts. Skinner faces a struggling Chicago offense that has scored the second-fewest goals in the league. If he can turn aside some early chances, Skinner should settle into a groove and give his team a big edge in net. Considering the team playing in front of him, Skinner has a decided advantage over Mrazek in this goaltending matchup.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this matchup are yet to be determined, but it’s likely that the Oilers will be the favorites given their superior record and home-ice advantage. The total odds will also be an interesting aspect to watch, considering the contrasting offensive and defensive records of both teams.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Trends
The Chicago Blackhawks’ 2-3 record over their last five games shows a squad stuck in a serious slump presently. Their awful 8-16 road record against the spread this year spotlights a team that has massively struggled away from home all season. The recent overs hitting does signal Chicago’s offense could finally wake up.
Edmonton Oilers Betting Trends
Despite Edmonton Oilers’ 8 wins in their last 10 contests, they have not covered large spreads well on home ice. This indicates they sometimes fail to deliver the knockout punch to weaker foes. However, the current home overs trends suggest this could be an outbreak night for McDavid and Draisaitl at Rogers Place.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Edmonton Oilers 1/25/24 Betting Picks
Given the analysis, the Oilers appear to be the stronger team, especially when playing at home. Their offensive firepower, combined with Skinner’s solid goaltending, gives them a distinct advantage over the struggling Blackhawks. The key for bettors will be to assess how much the Oilers are favored by and whether the Blackhawks can cover the spread, given their recent form.
For those looking at prop bets, considering players like McDavid and Draisaitl for point totals could be profitable. The over/under will largely depend on the Blackhawks’ ability to contribute to the scoring and Mrazek’s performance in the net. In terms of handpicked favorites, the Oilers seem to be the more reliable pick.
Free Pick and Prediction: Edmonton Oilers 4, Chicago Blackhawks 1