Blackhawks vs Flames Prediction, Preview, Odds, Picks, Jan. 26
Flames Searching for Revenge Against Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks had won six of their last seven games, but that hot streak has since ended with a thud. They’ve lost two straight.
However, their positive stretch included a 4-3 overtime win over the Calgary Flames, a team they’ll once again square off with on Thursday.
The Flames have won four out of their last six, including the last two, as they have a little bit of wind in their sails. Can they cash as a big favorite on the NHL betting odds, or will they fall short to the Blackhawks again?
Let’s check the latest NHL news, stats, injury reports, and NHL lines for Blackhawks vs Flames. We’ve got plenty of NHL picks for you to consider.
Chicago Lacking Offensive Firepower
It’s been hard for the Blackhawks to remain competitive throughout the season, as their offense isn’t doing enough. They rank dead-last in goals scored per game at just 2.39, slightly behind the Anaheim Ducks at 2.40.
Looking at their skaters’ numbers, you can see their offensive inefficiencies. Their most productive player has been Max Domi, who has just 33 points on the year. Only one other player on the roster has surpassed the 30-point mark.
However, Chicago’s recent hot streak saw it drastically improve its scoring, so we’ll have to see if it can continue to find answers.
The Blackhawks scored an average of 3.66 goals per game in their last six wins, but in their back-to-back losses, they’ve mustered just three tallies in total. The offensive end has been their biggest deciding factor in whether they’re competitive.
Flames: Middle of the Pack
The Flames have mostly been a middling outfit this season, but they are 10-4-3 in their last 17 games. That’s not a great mark for those who bet online, but bettors are almost breaking even with this team over that span. That’s better than their 13-12-6 start.
Calgary doesn’t really stand out anywhere on the ice. It is near the middle of the league in both goals scored per game and goals allowed per game.
The Flames have recently turned away from Jacob Markstrom as their starter in net as he’s been lousy. His .895 save percentage is tied for 40th in the NHL. Dan Vladar has been given the reigns, but he’s only been slightly better.
He has a .902 save percentage this month and has allowed at least three goals in three straight starts. He’s also allowed at least three goals in six of his last eight starts, so the over might be a good option for your NHL picks.
Blackhawks vs Flames Game Injuries
Blackhawks vs Flames Head-to-Head
The Blackhawks and Flames have met up once this season, with Chicago picking up a 4-3 win.
Blackhawks vs Flames Game Information
- Game: Blackhawks (14-28-4) vs Flames (23-16-9)
- Location: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB
- Day/Time: Thursday, Jan. 26th, 9:00 p.m. ET
- Blackhawks vs Flames Live Stream:NHL.TV
Blackhawks vs Flames Betting Lines
Blackhawks vs Flames Picks & Prediction
The Blackhawks did get the win over the Flames in their previous matchup on Jan. 8. Why not trust them to do it again? The Flames aren’t exactly a juggernaut, so do you really want to lay this price in the sportsbook?
At any rate, the over looks like it should hit, given the terrible goaltending on each side. Go over the number in this spot and take a flier with the Blackhawks outright.
Calgary is listed at -420 in our Las Vegas NBA lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Flames, you have a chance to win $24. Chicago is +340, offering a chance to win $340 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives the Blackhawks an 80.77% chance to win, with the Flames at 22.73%.
