Golden Knights vs. Blackhawks Odds
| Golden Knights Odds | -200 |
| Blackhawks Odds | +170 |
| Over/Under | 6.5 (-115/-105) |
| Time | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
| Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
The Vegas Golden Knights are nearly completely eliminated from playoff contention last night after losing to the Dallas Stars. Tonight, they will be playing the second half of a back-to-back with little to play for.
The Chicago Blackhawks haven't had playoff hopes for quite some time, but they're still playing for pride, as this could be the end of an era for the core group of players on the Blackhawks.
Will Vegas Bring Energy?
It is a shame the Golden Knights won't make the playoffs after trading for Jack Eichel. Once again, the NHL superstar will more than likely miss out on the postseason. If the Knights indeed miss the postseason, this will mark first time in franchise history they will not be participating in the playoffs.
Vegas has now had back-to-back soul-crushing shootout losses, and it may have used every ounce of emotion it had left in last night's contest against the Stars. The Knights have now lost four out of their last five contests, and there's no other way to say it — they choked down the stretch.
In this five-game span, they've scored only 12 goals and have allowed 16 goals against.
Goaltending was a major concern for them this season, and Logan Thompson is expected to be in goal once again in this contest. Thompson has started the last two games, losing both and allowing six goals against on 59 shots.
It's going to be very interesting to see what kind of energy Vegas comes out with.
Blackhawks Looking to End Season Strong
The Blackhawks are coming off of a strong win at home over the Flyers and are hoping to end their lackluster season on a strong note.
Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat are continuing to produce offensively. Kane is having one of his better seasons despite the team's results, and DeBrincat has quietly posted another 40-goal season.
The Blackhawks are 2-1-0 in their last three home games. This will be their final game at the United Center this season, so they will definitely bring a strong effort.
Collin Delia is expected to get the start in goal. He hasn't had the best season, going 1-4-0 with a .896 save percentage and a 4.06 GAA.
Golden Knights vs. Blackhawks Pick
If you look at the numbers on the season, it's clear the Golden Knights have been the overall better team, but something that can't be measured on any stat sheet is the feeling of dejection when a team's season essentially ends.
It's going to be insanely hard for the Vegas Golden Knights to find the energy to win a hockey game tonight, while the Blackhawks just want to give their home crowd one last show before the offseason.
The Blackhawks have shown they can compete with Vegas this year, as they've taken three out of a possible four points in the two prior meetings. The Hawks are 1-0-1 against Vegas this year, and I think they will pull off the home upset tonight to send their fans home happy.
Pick: Blackhawks ML +170
