Roster Rundown
Chicago Blackhawks' squad features some remarkable players, with Connor Bedard leading the charge. He’s racked up 72 points so far this season, lighting up the boards with 28 goals and 44 assists. The Blackhawks will also rely heavily on the experienced defenseman Seth Jones, who’s clocked 25 minutes per game and logged 35 points. Between the pipes, Petr Mrazek stands as a reliable force, sporting a save percentage of .913. On the wings, Taylor Hall continues to dazzle, contributing 60 points with his relentless forecheck and playmaking ability. Missing from action are Tyler Bertuzzi, dealing with a lingering injury, and Frank Nazar, who's still recovering from surgery.
Pittsburgh Penguins bring their own arsenal of talent, spearheaded by none other than Sidney Crosby. With 85 points, Sidney’s been a playmaker, weaving through defenses like a hot knife through butter. Evgeni Malkin, with 78 points, is another offensive powerhouse, known for his powerful slapper that finds the back of the net. On defense, Erik Karlsson has chipped in 55 points, quarterbacking the power play with poise. In goal, Tristan Jarry looks to maintain his .910 save percentage. Notably absent are Kris Letang, sidelined with an upper-body injury, and Alex Nedeljkovic, out due to personal reasons.
Head-to-Head
These teams have a storied rivalry, featuring a deadlocked record:
Chicago Blackhawks 3-2
Pittsburgh Penguins on April 3, 2024. Penguins 4-3 Blackhawks on December 15, 2024. Blackhawks 5-4 Penguins on January 10, 2025. A true neck-and-neck saga.
Recent Form
Chicago Blackhawks have struggled recently:
- Lost to Colorado Avalanche (2-3)
- Lost to Utah Hockey Club (2-5)
- Lost to Vegas Golden Knights (3-5)
- Lost to New Jersey Devils (3-5)
- Won against Philadelphia Flyers (7-4)
Pittsburgh Penguins' recent missteps:
- Lost to St. Louis Blues (5-4)
- Won against Ottawa Senators (1-0)
- Lost to Buffalo Sabres (7-3)
- Lost to Tampa Bay Lightning (6-1)
- Lost to Florida Panthers (4-3)
Wrap-Up
Both teams are coming off a string of losses, looking to regain their footing in the league's late stages. Chicago's offense, led by Bedard, needs to crash the net and capitalize on scoring chances. Their defensive lapses, however, have been costly. Pittsburgh, with their dynamic duo of Crosby and Malkin, can’t afford to be off their game, especially with Jarry under pressure between the pipes. The head-to-head history shows a fierce competition, with no clear dominator. Current form suggests resilience will be key, as both sides look to shake off recent defeats.
Summary
This matchup between
Chicago Blackhawks and
Pittsburgh Penguins shapes up to be a tightly contested battle, considering their equal head-to-head record and recent struggles. Blackhawks, with their potent offense led by Bedard, and Penguins’ relentless Crosby-Malkin combo, have the firepower to make this encounter memorable. Given the absence of key defensive players on both sides, expect a high-scoring affair, where taking advantage of defensive slip-ups could seal the deal. Penguins' slight edge in recent head-to-head may give them a psychological boost, but Blackhawks have shown flashes of brilliance that can't be ignored. Overall, the game promises to be a thrilling one, with neither side willing to budge easily.
Match Odds Chicago Blackhawks – Pittsburgh Penguins
Leon's odds are 2.5 on Chicago Blackhawks winning on their territory.
At this moment our odds are equal to 2.3 on Pittsburgh Penguins visiting team's winning.
Draw odds are 3.6.
