NHL Pick: Chicago Blackhawks +2.5 PK Line (-130) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
This early puck drop sees the Chicago Blackhawks play their second of a three road game trip, having lost 4-3 to the Detroit Red Wings last time out on the ice. Florida is pushing to get themselves back into the playoffs and has gone 10-5 in their previous 15 games on home ice.
The sportsbooks have made the Panthers heavy favorites here at -400, while the Chicago Blackhawks are as high as +350. Check out why we believe the Chicago Blackhawks can cover the spread as underdogs.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Florida Panthers
Friday, March 10, 2023 – 07:00 PM EST at FLA Live Arena
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are in a tanking mode right now as they have rapidly made a decline to the bottom of the Western Conference and have gone 1-4 since trading away Patrick Kane to the N.Y. Rangers. Not only did the Blackhawks get rid of Kane, but they also traded some key players on deadline day and Jonathan Toews is unlikely to return anytime soon. This Chicago team is completely depleted.
Petr Mrazek is expected to start tonight as the Blackhawks are on the second of a back-to-back. Mrazek has been solid in recent games going 3-3-0 and allowing only 2.78 goals per game.
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers probably didn’t expect to be struggling to make the playoffs this season following the success of last year, but they upset the apple cart by trading away star man at the time Jonathan Huberdeau, and things haven’t been going as swimmingly since.
With that said they are in a late push to get back into the playoff race and have been in good form in recent games having won 61% of their games since the all-star break. The Panthers scored 24 goals against Anaheim in their previous five home matchups, averaging almost five goals per game, although their offense isn’t as powerful as it was under their previous coach.
Stats and Trends
Chicago Blackhawks
- The total has gone over in 4 of Chicago’s last 5 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference
- The total has gone over in 5 of Chicago’s last 7 games on the road
- Chicago is 6-12 in their last 18 games against an opponent in the Atlantic Division
Florida Panthers
- Florida is 1-4 in their last 5 games against an opponent in the Central Division
- The total has gone under in 5 of Florida’s last 5 games
- Florida is 5-0 in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
*When it comes to making your NHL picks, these stats and trends are merely guidelines and mostly irrelevant information but nonetheless can be interesting to read and might steer you in the right direction.
Blackhawks vs. Panthers Picks and Predictions
Although this Chicago team is depleted right now, it’s rare to see a team laying only -130 NHL odds on a +2.5 PK line and we are more than happy to bet the Blackhawks in this scenario to cover a plus +2.5 goals spread. The Panthers are nowhere near NHL elite right now and are more than susceptible to losing as heavy favorites, but the joy here is we can see the Panthers win by 2 goals and still cash a -130 winner.
Chicago is 6-4 ATS in their recent 10 NHL games while the Panthers are 4-6 ATS in their previous 10. It also might be worth noting the Blackhawks might have the 24th-worst ATS record in the NHL this season but tonight’s opponents Florida fare worse, they have the 32nd-worst record and have gone 25-40 overall.
In a sport like hockey where luck plays a part more than most other major sports, we are always going to bet on a team to cover a +2.5 spread at these current odds. Make sure to make your bets with these Illinois betting sites if you’re located in the Chicago area.
NHL Pick: Chicago Blackhawks +2.5 PK Line (-130) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
