We walk into a winter wonderland in Wrigley Field as the Chicago Blackhawks host the St. Louis Blues in the 16th annual NHL Winter Classic.
Both teams are coming into today’s spectacle fresh off a loss. The Blues fell to the lowly Sabres by the score of 4-2, but they look much better since hiring Jim Montgomery as their coach.
On the other hand, Chicago is dealing with a four-game losing streak, including a big loss to the Dallas Stars by the score of 5-1. Additionally, the Blackhawks hold the league’s worst record at 12-23-2 with 26 points.
Let’s dive into our Blues vs. Blackhawks predictions, odds, picks and same-game parlay for December 31.
Blues vs. Blackhawks Odds
| Blues Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +184 | 5.5 -102o / -120u | -140 |
| Blackhawks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -230 | 5.5 -102o / -120u | +116 |
- Puck line: Blues -1.5 (+184), Blackhawks +1.5 (-230)
- Over/Under: 5.5 (-102o / -120u)
- Moneyline: Blues -140, Blackhawks +116
NHL Winter Classic Predictions, Picks for Blues vs. Blackhawks
- Blues ML
- Under 5.5
- Jordan Kyrou Anytime Goalscorer
- Connor Bedard 2+ Shots on Goal
Parlay Odds: +1069 (FanDuel)
Please always remember to bet responsibly. SGPs are long shots for a reason.
Moneyline: Blues ML
St. Louis had a rough start to the season, but the Blues jumped on Jim Montgomery the second he was made available.
From playing as one of the worst teams in the league, Montgomery's presence has drastically helped this team on the defensive side of the puck.
Since he took over the bench on November 25th, the Blues are 13th in expected goals with a 51.18 xGF% and seventh defensively with a 2.21 xGA/60. Robert Thomas has greatly benefited, with 19 points in 16 games, while Jordan Kyrou has registered 13 points, including a six-game point streak.
However, I do have my doubts about Jordan Binnington, who I believe starts this game. He's regressed every year as his career has worn on, and I think Joel Hofer is the better option.
The difference about Binnington, who's playing to an .895 SV% and a 3.7 GSAx (goals saved above expected), is that he's rabidly inconsistent. In his past seven starts, he's played to an .856 SV%, but in the six games prior, he was on a tear with a .927 SV%. Perhaps the Winter Classic is where Binnington comes back to life.
Over/Under: Under 5.5
The weather could play a factor in this game. There's a chance for rain in the early day in Chicago, but it's expected to clear up by puck drop.
Additionally, Winter Classic unders are a real thing.
Out of the 15 that were played, 10 games have resulted in a total of five goals or less.
Given Chicago has been a terrible team all season (28th in expected goals, 22nd in xGA/60), I can't see the Blackhawks slipping through a St. Louis defense that has been a rock since its new coach came into town.
I'm predicting this game will finish with a lower score, similar to previous WCs.
Blues Player Prop: Jordan Kyrou Anytime Goalscorer
Kyrou is the star of this team, and it's shown as the Blues have worked their way into a rebuild.
Armed with silky mitts, speed like the wind, and a rocket for a shot, the 26-year-old has proven to dominate the Blackhawks any chance he gets.
In his past 11 games against Chicago, Kyrou has points in nine of them, including two consecutive two-goal games.
In case you didn't need any more incentive, he's St. Louis' most efficient player, leading in expected goals with an 11.5 xGF%, goals above expected, shots on goal per game and Corsi.
I think #25 lights the lamp at Wrigley for one of the few goals we see tonight.
Blackhawks Player Prop: Connor Bedard 2+ Shots on Goal
I can't do a Winter Classic story without mentioning the boy wonder, Connor Bedard.
Bedard has had an up-and-down season; you wouldn't think he averages close to a point per game. That's how you know he's legit.
At the beginning of the season, Bedard had only registered three goals and 12 assists in the first 22 games. However, now he's starting to pick things back up.
The Calder Trophy winner of last year now has points in four consecutive games, including 18 points since November 27. He also leads the Blackhawks with 2.5 shots on goal per game, so I don't think getting two shots against St. Louis should be a problem.
The Blues have a new mindset, but Bedard is as dynamic as it gets. I think he'll sneak a few in there and reach that two-shot threshold.
