Chicago Blackhawks vs Pittsburgh Penguins 10/10/2023 – The Chicago Blackhawks had a rough go last season, finishing 8th in the Central Division with a disappointing record of 26-49-7, failing to qualify for the postseason. However, the biggest buzz in the hockey world revolves around Windy City, as 18-year-old Connor Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, is set to make his highly anticipated NHL debut on Tuesday. Bedard is a prodigious talent and has been hailed as the most exciting NHL prospect since the debut of Connor McDavid for the Edmonton Oilers in 2015.
Chicago is pinning its hopes on Bedard to catalyze their rebuilding efforts, and his arrival has generated tremendous excitement among Blackhawks fans. The NHL regular season betting picks are up and running as these teams clash in this opening game.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Pittsburgh Penguins 10/10/2023
When: Tuesday, October 10, 2023 8:1 PM ET
Where: PPG Paints Arena
TV: TV
Stream: NHL.TV
Chicago Blackhawks vs Pittsburgh Penguins 10/10/2023 Betting Odds:
| Team | PUCKLINE | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackhawks | +1.5 -130 | o6.5 -120 | +210 |  |
| Penguins | -1.5 +110 | u6.5 +104 | -238 | |
| ||||
ready to go. pic.twitter.com/LmHiLrv6ap
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 9, 2023
Luke Richardson vs Mike Sullivan
To bolster their squad, Chicago also acquired some seasoned veterans. Forward Taylor Hall is expected to provide valuable support to Bedard in his debut season with the Blackhawks. Additionally, the team added Nick Foligno and Corey Perry, among others, to provide a strong veteran presence as they adapt to head coach Luke Richardson, who is entering his second season with the team. In the net, Petr Mrazek will assume the role of the No. 1 goalie, with Arvid Soderblom as the backup, hoping to bounce back after playing just 15 games last season due to injuries.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up for the new season after finishing 5th in the Metropolitan Division last year with a record of 40-31-11, missing out on the playoffs. In the off-season, Pittsburgh made a significant move to bolster their blue line by acquiring defenseman Erik Karlsson, the reigning Norris Trophy winner. Karlsson had an incredible season, racking up 101 points, including 25 goals and 76 assists. He joins forces with Kris Letang, who is widely regarded as one of the top 10 defensemen in the league.
On the offensive front, the Penguins boast an impressive lineup, led by Sidney Crosby, who accumulated 93 points last season. Evgeni Malkin, Jake Guentzel, and Rickard Rakell, who contributed 83, 73, and 60 points, respectively, are all back to form a formidable offensive unit. However, there are lingering questions about scoring depth beyond these four stars. Tristan Jarry returns as the starting goalie, aiming to rebound from a challenging season last year.
Connor Bedard’s NHL Debut Marks New Hope for Chicago Blackhawks Against Penguins
While much of the spotlight is on 18-year-old Connor Bedard, who is set to make his NHL debut for the Blackhawks, the Penguins have the home-ice advantage in the season opener. Pittsburgh possesses a potent scoring lineup led by Sidney Crosby, who is expected to guide the team to victory. With Tristan Jarry receiving a vote of confidence from the organization after the departure of backup Casey DeSmith, the Blackhawks will face a tough challenge when it comes to finding the back of the net in Tuesday’s matchup.
The Chicago Blackhawks faced a tumultuous season last year, managing just 26 wins and enduring their third consecutive playoff miss. As they head into their second season under the guidance of coach Luke Richardson, the Blackhawks find themselves a far cry from their glory days, marked by the presence of stars like Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Last season, they finished last in goals per game, and the franchise now looks to turn a new leaf with the arrival of 18-year-old Connor Bedard.
Connor Bedard is undoubtedly one of the most highly touted prospects in the history of the sport, carrying immense expectations on his young shoulders. While the Blackhawks are not expected to be among the league’s elite this year, Bedard’s potential and flashy style of play promise to make them a compelling team to watch. In goal, Petr Mrazek, despite two subpar seasons, brings a veteran presence with 145 starts and 13 career shutouts under his belt, offering stability between the pipes. Despite a lack of depth and proven talent, Bedard’s presence alone has rekindled hopes in the city of Chicago.
NFL Latest Odds: PIT -250 ; O/U 6.5
The Pittsburgh Penguins, in stark contrast, have a history of success and have not missed the playoffs in back-to-back years since the era of Eddie Olczyk. Now led by coach Mike Sullivan, who enters his eighth full season with the Penguins, the team aims to return to the grand stage of the playoffs. The addition of Erik Karlsson, a 5-time All-Star fresh off a 101-point season and a Norris Trophy win with the San Jose Sharks, bolsters Pittsburgh’s blue line significantly.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Predictions
Trends
Blackhawks Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chicago’s last 8 games.
Chicago is 2-12 SU in their last 14 games.
Chicago is 12-3 SU in their last 15 games against Pittsburgh.
Blackhawks are 3-11 SU in their last 14 games on the road.
Chicago is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago’s last 5 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago’s last 5 games against an opponent in the Metropolitan Division.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Penguins Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh’s last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh’s last 7 games against Chicago.
Pittsburgh are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games at home.
Pittsburgh are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Chicago.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh’s last 7 games against an opponent in the Western Conference.
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Pittsburgh’s last 11 games against an opponent in the Central Division.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Picks
Questions linger for the Penguins, particularly concerning their goaltending. They hope that Tristan Jarry can rebound and regain his form after enduring a challenging season last year. Furthermore, there are concerns about finding secondary scoring contributors beyond the likes of Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel, and Evgeni Malkin. Nevertheless, with their history of success, the Penguins are not a team to bet against for long, and they will be eager to prove their mettle in the upcoming season.
As the puck drops for Game One, the focus will undoubtedly be on 18-year-old sensation Connor Bedard as he makes his much-anticipated NHL debut for Chicago. The sportsbook odds and NHL betting picks today are in favor of the Penguins to win and cover the spread. Don’t miss this exciting moment in hockey history!
Score Prediction: Penguins 4, Blackhawks 2.
