The Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night on NBCSN in what could be a high scoring contest. The Maple Leafs are 7th in the league in goals per game, while the Blackhawks are 9th. These teams met early in the season in Toronto and it was the Maple Leafs winning by a score of 4-3. Normally the Blackhawks would be listed as a home favorite in this contest, but Chicago is not playing well and they could be a home dog in this game.
This war on the ice will go down Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at 8 p.m. ET at the United Center. The game will be televised live on NBCSN.
We'll have NHL odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NHL Wednesday schedule.
Odds Analysis
The Maple Leafs played at home on Monday night, as they hosted Colorado, while the Blackhawks hosted Tampa Bay. Toronto has been okay on the road this season, as they are 13-13 away from home, with 13 games going over, 11 going under, with two pushes. They are scoring 3.1 goals per game and allowing 2.9 per contest.
The Blackhawks are a mess right now without goaltender Corey Crawford. It is more evident than ever that Crawford covered up a lot of problems for Chicago. The Blackhawks are last in the Central Division and currently out of a playoff spot. Chicago was really bad on Saturday at home, losing 7-3 to the Islanders. Patrick Kane said to the Chicago Tribune that the team is thinking too much about the standings. “It’s almost like maybe we’re thinking too much about it, to be honest with you,” Kane said, “If we just focus on … the next shift rather than the big picture, we’ll probably have better success.”
Chicago has made the playoffs in each of the last nine seasons but unless they figure things out that streak is going to end. “Your actions are getting it done,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “That’s the only way. We can talk all we want. That doesn’t solve anything.” Chicago can talk all they want but without Crawford they are not going to turn the corner for long. The Blackhawks may need to make a trade for a goalie, as Crawford could be out for a long time.
The Blackhawks were just 12-11 in their first 23 home games, with 11 games going over, 10 going under, with two pushes. They are scoring 3 goals per game and giving up 2.8 per contest.
Special Teams
The Maple Leafs are solid on special teams, as the rank 10th on the power play at just over 20% and they are 4th in penalty killing at just about 84%. Chicago is just 28th in the league on the power play at just over 15%. They are 10th in penalty killing at just over 82%.
Key Stat
Toronto broke a five-game losing streak in the series with their 4-3 win earlier this season. Three of the last four have gone over the total. It has been misery for Toronto on the road in Chicago of late, as they have lost the last seven. Toronto has not won in Chicago since 2003.
Free NHL Picks
I am tempted to take the Maple Leafs in this game but their lack of success in Chicago has me a bit leery and it is not like the Maple Leafs are a great team this season. I think the better option is the total. Both of these teams are scoring about three goals per game and neither team plays much defense. It also helps the cause that the Blackhawks have no answer in goal with Crawford out of the lineup. I will take this game over the total on Wednesday night.
NHL Odds: Maple Leafs 4, Blackhawks 3
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