For this one we will travel to the world of ice hockey and the magic kingdom of NHL. On Dec 31st at 22:00 GMT, at Wrigley Field, there’s a match between the local Blackhawks and the Blues of St. Louis. The incentive for the win lies heavily on the shoulders of the visitors, as it represents their last chance for a spot that the postseason playoffs. Unfortunately, the hosts have already been eliminated from that stage, so for them it is only a matter of professional pride.
Similar records but failing seasons
The Blues have 15 wins, 19 losses and 3 OTLs (overtime and shootout losses) to show for their efforts this season, with the differential showing -19. The same numbers for the Blackhawks read 12 victories, 21 defeats, 2 OTLs and -18. Looking at these stats from a distance, one would assume that the two sides would be close competitors.
However, this is not so. St Louis stands at 33 points and can still get within the top 8 being only 2 points behind Urah and 4 behind Calgary. For Chicago it’s second to last (15th) having gathered only 26 points). And that has been achieved only after the three consecutive wins that they managed to make during their last 5.
Interestingly, this is the first of the three confrontations that the two teams will have this season. The reverse fixture is scheduled for Feb 09, while the 3rd is due on Mar 22.
Surprisingly similar odds
At this time the prices for both sides stand at @1.833 each. In all likelihood, the bookmakers think that the winning streak plus the home field advantage for the hosts, will balance up the difference in performance with the visitors. Probably, they will change next week when we come back for the final prediction on this one as both sides have two matches to play and they will probably be a completely different situation. Chicago goes away for games against the Flames and Wild. So do the Blues having to play at Panthers and Red Wings.
The season is coming to an end and it’s the time for both to give their best to achieve the last objectives that they might have.
Update
Both teams lost their recent games. The Blakchawks lost to the Calgary Flames by 6-4, while the Blues lost to the Florida Panthers marginally, as the score was 2-1. Now, the hosts are second to last on the table, while the visitors are placed 11th. Therefore, they both feel the pressure of not managing to accomplish their objectives.
It can get a lot better for both
Before they meet, Chicago goes to Minnesota to play against the Wild, while St Louis goes to Detroit to face the Red Wings. Then, there are matches to play against the Sabres and the Predators, respectively. Considering that the team with a worse record than the Blackhawks are the Sabres, the Predators are just one spot above and the Red Wings are 28th, the expectation is that both teams in question will win both matches.
Should that be the case indeed, then Chicago will have moved up the ladder quite a few spots, while St Louis could find themselves within the top 16. Therefore, they would have the motivation required to make it a close fight for a much-needed victory.
The most lucrative market available at this time is the Over/Under one. Payouts are at @1.833 for under a total of 6 goals scored, while the price for over is a quite good @2.00. And this will be our final recommendation for this one. Now that you have it, you know what you need to do. Open an account at the best betting platform and invest a small portion of your bankroll.