As the NHL regular season approaches its finale, we have an intriguing matchup between the struggling Chicago Blackhawks and the Utah Hockey Club, formed recently on Tuesday. The Delta Center usually holds this match. As the Blackhawks look to stop their losing streak, this is their first matchup with the Utah team that hopes to build on their successes even in their first game in the regular season. It is such a crucial time for fans and bettors that they are looking for NHL no-cost picks at this early stage in the season.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Utah Hockey Club 10/8/24 Game Info |
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When: | Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 10:00 PM ET |
Where: | Delta Center |
TV: | ESPN |
Stream: | NHL.TV |
Chicago Blackhawks (1-4-1 Preseason) vs. Utah Hockey Club (5-2-0 Preseason)
The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to rehabilitate their image this time after a very disappointing preseason. Important players such as Connor Bedard and Philipp Kurashev should have a strong impact on the sum of Chicago’s offense. Bedard, who had 22 goals and 39 assists last season, has to find a way to pierce through Utah’s defences, but that is easier said than done. Since the current season of the Blackhawks has not been fruitful, one more time, the psychology of being outperformed in postseason performances is revealed, showing that the team is still having problems sustaining offensive pressure and sparks erratic play against stout defenses like the Seattle Kraken.
Conversely, Utah Hockey Club steps onto the ice with confidence and a roster boasting impressive stats from players like Clayton Keller, who tallied 33 goals and 43 assists last season. Their offensive lineup, vibrant and untested by regular-season pressures, will challenge a Blackhawks defense that has shown vulnerabilities. Utah’s fresh team dynamics, akin to the strategic surprises often seen from teams like the Florida Panthers, could set them up for a standout debut season or expose rookie weaknesses against seasoned opponents like Chicago.
Goaltender Petr Mrazek vs. Goaltender Connor Ingram
Petr Mrazek, with still a good save percentage of 0.908 from the previous season, has to deal with intense forwards from Utah which is quite a task. This season, Mrazek’s efforts will be critical for Chicago as his experience can be beneficial in reducing some defensive mistakes of the Blackhawks since Mrazek has been kind of a shadow. He was not that effective in handling shootouts last season, but it will be useful in tight games.
On the contrary, Connor Ingram has played for Utah and he has already put in a satisfactory season having a save percentage of 0.907. With Utah up against its first match in a known regular season, there are concerns as to how Ingram will fare in the match, particularly in one against the Blackhawks who even though they have their share of challenges, have the ability to take any opportunity that is presented to them. How he performs against the hungry Chicago forwards will have a major impact on the result of the match.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Utah Hockey Club -1.5 (+140), Total Odds: 6
The betting lines favor Utah to win courtesy of their better preseason form. The total under 6 goals speaks to the goalies being better than average and certainly is indicative of some early stage of the season fitness issues that should be affecting scoring. Those willing to bet on the match need to take note of such factors and avoid being buried on in-game adjustments and chemistry of the team especially for a newly brought-up Utah team.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Trends
Chicago has been on a rough patch recently as they have lost 6 consecutive games without a win. They are even worse on the road with a 3-17 record. Chicago has proven that it is hard for them to sustain offensive consistency and finish games, particularly against the Western Conference teams, which makes them a dangerous bet unless there are major tactical upgrades.
Utah Hockey Club Betting Trends
In this situation, it is the first season in Utah, and therefore it is impossible to follow the established trends, but such success in the preseason can mean a prepared team that is poised for an upset. How they manage to adapt and perform in their first few games is likely to be the defining factor of their season and is thus quite exciting for prospective punters.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Utah Hockey Club 10/8/24 Betting Picks
Looking at the current form and potential of both the teams, the obvious choice would be Utah as they will ride on the current momentum and Chicago’s defensive lapses. Still, the lack of a win might provoke the Blackhawks into an upset, which causes this to be very interesting from a betting perspective. More value can be found in prop betting- for instance, a bet on the point totals by Connor Bedard.
When it comes to the overall pick, it will be good to tilt the game strategy and not only identify the strong aspects but also the weak points of every team. The under on total goals is likely to make a good buck especially in sight of the proficient goaltending from both camps and the attacking rust from the early season. For those who are in search of Premium picks and parlays, look at live odds as this game will change with every period.