Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions! In this matchup, the Chicago Blackhawks take on the red-hot Pittsburgh Penguins. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day’s games and provide in-depth analysis. We break down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Head-to-Head: PIT leads 1-0
How to Watch TV: ESPN+, CHSN, SN-PIT, SNE, SNO, SNP, TVAS
Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks battle with Sidney Crosby and the red-hot Pittsburgh Penguins.
In the first matchup, the Penguins completely dominated from start to finish. Both teams finished with 24 shots, but the Pens won 7-3, highlighted by Justin Brazeau‘s first career hat trick. Bryan Rust netted two goals, while a multitude of Penguins had multi-point efforts. Anthony Mantha had a goal and an assist, while Blake Lizotte collected two assists. Ryan Shea had three assists, and Jack St. Ivany collected two. Arturs Silovs stopped 21 of 24 shots en route to the victory. Nick Foligno, Wyatt Kaiser and Tyler Bertuzzi scored for the Hawks, which was the extent of the offence. Spencer Knight was pulled after surrendering four goals, leaving Arvid Soderblom in the net for the remaining three goals.
Blackhawks Seeking Revenge on Penguins
The Hawks were embarrassed in the first matchup between these teams. Since then, these teams have been going in different directions. The Hawks are not out of the Stanley Cup Playoff picture, but they are barely treading water. The bright spot is that, despite not playing their best hockey of late, they have picked up points in four of their last five games. In that stretch, the line of Ilya Mikheyev, Ryan Donato and Jason Dickinson has seemingly come to life. Mikheyev and Donato both netted goals in the last game against the Wild, a game in which the Hawks should have closed out. On the bright side, Connor Bedard picked up an assist after going without points in his last three games.
As mentioned, the Hawks have not played their best hockey in recent games, but are still staying alive in the playoff race. There is good news on the injury front, as everyone is back healthy. Frank Nazar has not scored since his return, but he, Bedard and Teuvo Teravainen looked dynamite against the Wild. That line generated 14 shots between the three and really controlled play. However, Chicago’s power play continued to be an issue, as the units went 0-5. Spencer Knight stopped 20 shots but collected the loss. The Hawks have shown glimpses of good play, but finally putting everything together may be enough to squeak out an upset win.
Penguins Going for Fifth-Straight Win
Frankly, the Penguins have continued one of the most surprising seasons in the entire league. They come into this one having won four straight games out west and are riding high. As expected, Sidney Crosby has been the catalyst for the team’s offence. He leads the team with 57 points and has six points in his last five. However, the production goes so much deeper than just Crobsy. Evgeni Malkin has returned from injury and is riding a three-game goal streak. Egor Chinakhov has been a revelation for the Pens. He has seven points in 13 games since the Pens acquired him and has emerged as a legitimate scoring threat. Additionally, rookie Ben Kindel has burst onto the scene and has ten goals and 22 points.
Defensively, Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang have continued to play well on the right side. However, the acquisition of Brett Kulak has stabilized the group. He was acquired with Stuart Skinner, who has been the best goaltender in the league since the deal. In his last eight starts, he has seven wins and a staggering .934 save percentage. He has taken the reins as the starter with Arturs Silovs as the backup. However, Rust was served a three-game suspension that starts with this game, while Malkin appeared to injure his shoulder at the end of their game against the Canucks. His status is undetermined, so as always, check social media before puck drop for lineups and starting goaltender information.
NHL Prediction
Rust’s absence is a big loss. Combined with the Hawks showing some promise in recent games, we think the Hawks find a way to pull off the upset victory and enact some revenge.
Prediction: Hawks win 4-3
Prop Bets
If you’d like to take the Hawks money line, the odds are at +155. We also like a pair of long-shot goalscorers. Frank Nazar is +350 to get his first since his return, while Egor Chinakhov is +320 to light the lamp.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER