Anaheim At Chicago Free Pick, Lines & TV Info

It getting to be crunch time in the NHL, as each of the teams in the league are now down to the final 20 games or so on their schedule. It has long since been proven, especially in this league, that how a team finishes is more important than how they begin. The 82-game regular season grind is tough to manage, and the final few weeks are when the cream begins to rise to the top. The Chicago Blackhawks have been one of the best teams in the league over the last few years, winning the Stanley Cup a couple of times in that stretch. They have been a little up and down for some parts of this season, but it looks as though they are beginning to round into playoff form, as they have closed the gap at the top of the Central Division to a single point. They will have a great test on Thursday night against an Anaheim Ducks team that once again looks to be playoff bound. Find the latest NHL betting odds here.

A Closer Look At The Anaheim Ducks At Chicago Blackhawks Free Pick, Lines & TV Info

When: Thursday, March 9 at 8:30 PM EST Where: United Center, Chicago TV: CSNC Radio: AM 830 and WGN Live Stream: NHL TV NHL Odds: TBA    

Why bet on the Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks (34-22-10) are in a playoff spot right now, but if truth be told, it’s a bit of a precarious one. They have the suddenly hot Calgary Flames breathing down their necks in the Pacific Division, and being leapfrogged would mean falling back into one of the Wild Card spots. The Ducks still have a healthy lead over the chasing pack, but things could get a little nervy if they fall into that Wild Card battle. The Ducks have been a little inconsistent of late, and are just 5-5-0 in their last 10 games, although they are coming off an SO win over the Predators in their last outing. Perhaps more alarming is the fact that they are just 1-5 in their last 6 meetings with the Blackhawks.

Why bet on the Chicago Blackhawks

There are few teams as hot as the Chicago Blackhawks (42-18-5) are right now. Hey are coming into this game on a 7-game winning streak that has taken them to within a point of the lead in the Central Division. With a 22-8-4 record on home ice, Chicago are always a team that are tough to take down in their own building. This is an offense that is on fire right now, as they have scored at least 4 goals in 6 of their last 7 games. In fairness, though, they have needed those goals, as the defense has been a little leakier that it has been all year. Chicago has won 5 of their last 6 meetings with Anaheim, and are favorites to get another win here.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Each of the last 3 meetings between these two teams has ended with the same 3-2 finish. Why break the trend? I like the Blackhawks to win by that exact same score.

Anaheim Ducks 2 Chicago Blackhawks 3