Welcome to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. Today we’re looking at the Calgary Flames against the Chicago Blackhawks. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions every day there’s hockey this 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
Calgary Flames (20-14-7) vs Chicago Blackhawks (14-27-2)
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: ESPN+; CHSN; Prime Video
Season series: Calgary leads 2-0
Both Chicago and Calgary came into this season in rebuild mode. The Flames had traded away nearly all of their veteran players on expiring contracts and were starting a youth movement. Chicago was heading into year two with one of the most exciting and highly touted prospects ever in Connor Bedard. Prior to the season starting most experts picked both the Flames and Blackhawks to be near the bottom of the Western Conference. However, Calgary has been extremely competitive and find themselves just one point out of the playoffs. On the other hand, Chicago is failing to reach even the low expectations they had coming into the season and currently sit last in the NHL. Let’s dive into the latest trends and storylines for both Calgary and Chicago heading into tonight’s game.
Calgary Continues To Defy Obvious Flaws
The Calgary Flames have been one of the best surprises of the 2024-2025 season. With the outside predictions of being headed for the draft lottery, the Flames have instead been firmly in the playoff picture. Calgary’s done an incredible job of winning games and picking up points despite their flaws. Calgary has three major flaws for a playoff-hopeful team. Calgary doesn’t score nearly enough goals for a team in their position. The Flames sit 30th in the league in goals for and have only scored more than three goals in a game five times. Calgary also has the 30th-worst penalty kill in the league, while taking the 6th most penalties per game. This combination is sure to cost the Flames. Finally, the Flames have struggled on the road compared to playing at home. Tonight’s game against Chicago is their first of six road games in the next seven.
Despite their flaws, Calgary has found a way to win more than lose this season. This is in part due to their good team defence that has them sitting 12th in the league in goals against. Calgary is also getting solid goaltending from rookie Dustin Wolf, who has played himself into the Calder Trophy conversation. The Flames are also getting good contributions from the newfound chemistry between veterans Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau. Huberdeau leads the Flames with 18 goals and these two seem to find the scoresheet nearly every night for the Flames. Lastly, Calgary has been getting some good contributions from young players taking on larger roles. Connor Zary was one of the Flames best forwards before they lost him to a knee injury last week, while Matthew Coronato has proven he belongs in the NHL.
Chicago Already Looking to Next Season
Nothing has gone according to plan in Chicago this season. Although most expected the Blackhawks to be near the bottom of the league come season’s end, this season has gone worse than expected. The Blackhawks were hoping to be more competitive this year after adding free agents Tyler Bertuzzi, and Teuvo Teräväinen, among others. Unfortunately, Chicago got off to a rough start and eventually fired head coach Luke Richardson on December 5th, in his third season with the team. Chicago sits near the bottom of the league in both goals for and goals against.
Rock bottom for Chicago came on New Year’s Eve at the Winter Classic. In what should have been the biggest game of the year for the Blackhawks, they were embarrassed in a 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues. The worst part for Chicago is that for a team that has no chance of making the playoffs, they don’t have much to look forward to the rest of the way. Chicago has a few pending UFAs like Taylor Hall and Ryan Donato, but a return for either in a trade won’t bring back much. The only good news for Chicago is they still have a franchise player in Connor Bedard who leads the team with 38 points in 43 games.
Prediction
Chicago has lost eight of their last ten games but did have a better performance in a one-goal loss to Edmonton in their last game. The advantage for Chicago is that their power play has been surprisingly good at 12th best in the league. In tonight’s matchup, they’ll face the Flames poor penalty kill and should be able to boost scoring on special teams. However, when you’re the last-place team in the league it’s hard to predict a win.
Calgary has struggled on the road and doesn’t create much offence. The good news for Calgary is that in their last matchup, they tied their highest goal total with six against the Blackhawks before the Christmas break. Calgary is coming off a big win against the Los Angeles Kings and should be motivated to bring their best effort on the road. For this round of NHL Predictions, give the edge to the Flames in the contest, but expect it to be close.
Prediction: Calgary wins 4-2
Prop Bets of The Night
With the Flames poor penalty kill we like taking Connor Bedard to go over 0.5 power play points at +430 on BET365.
With the injury to Connor Zary expect Yegor Sharangovich to get more opportunity. We like taking Sharangovich to go over 2.5 shots on goal at +228 and to over 0.5 points at +210.
Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, and check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
The post NHL Predictions: January 13 Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.