The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to pick up two big points against the Calgary Flames. Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions! 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 Calgary Flames
Time: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch TV: ESPN+, CHSN, SNW
Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks welcome Nazem Kadri and the Calgary Flames.
Blackhawks Seeking Season Sweep of Flames
In the seven contests since the new year, the Hawks have five wins and have climbed back up the standings in the Western Conference. They sit three points out of a Stanley Cup Playoff Wild Card spot and are looking to bounce back after falling to the Edmonton Oilers. Connor Bedard was a late scratch as the team continues to battle an illness that is spreading through the locker room. Since Bedard has been one of the main catalysts of the Hawks’ offensive production, his absence was felt. After trailing 2-0, Tyler Bertuzzi picked up his 24th goal of the season. Wyatt Kaiser picked up an assist, his tenth point of the year, but that was all the scoring Chicago could generate.
The Hawks are clearly a much better and more confident team when Bedard is in the lineup. Bertuzzi, along with Andre Burakovsky and Teuvo Teravainen, are looked to as producers. Both Burakovsky and Teravainen have over 20 points and see time on the power play, a group that is in the top ten in the NHL. Additionally, Ryan Greene sees ice time towards the top of the depth chart, and while he has had trouble finishing, he is able to be effective. Defensively, Artyom Levshunov‘s 21 points and Louis Crevier‘s surprise 14 points have also helped supplement some missing offence with Bedard and Frank Nazar out of the lineup. Spencer Knight was between the pipes against the Oilers and surrendered three goals on 36 shots faced. Expect Knight back in the net as the Hawks look to finish 3-0-0 against Calgary this season.
Flames Clinging to Life in Western Conference Race
It has been a battle for the Flames as of late. Since the calendar flipped to 2026, the team is 1-5-0 and has fallen almost completely out of contention for the playoffs. The most recent defeat was at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday. Calgary netted five goals, a part of the game that has been a real struggle, and had production from some of their top players. Captain Mikael Backlund and Morgan Frost each had a goal and an assist, while Yegor Sharangovich and Connor Zary had two helpers themselves. Rasmus Andersson, in the midst of extensive trade speculation, netted the third goal for the Flames. All of the team’s goals came with the man advantage, but the defensive effort was not up to par. Columbus was able to generate 43 shots and net five goals, all of which Dustin Wolf was between the pipes for.
Calgary has really struggled to find the back of the net. The absences of Blake Coleman, Martin Pospisil and Zayne Parekh do not help the team’s case, either, as Coleman, in particular, leads the team in scoring. One of the team’s offensive bright spots has been 23-year-old Matthew Coronato. His 12 goals and 25 points have been a welcome sight for Flames fans. In the net, Wolf is the team’s starting goaltender, but Devin Cooley has done a nice job behind him. While Wolf’s save percentage sits below .900, Cooley’s is just under .920. His most recent game against the Penguins 27-save victory. Cooley may see some increased time between the pipes as we approach the Olympic break.
NHL Prediction
The Hawks have had the Flames’ number all season long. Expect another Hawks win, but no without an inspired effort from Calgary.
Prediction: Hawks win 4-2
Prop Bets
To support our score prediction, how about a couple anytime scorers. Take Tyler Bertuzzi for the Hawks. Meanwhile, Connor Zary is a decent choice for Calgary.
Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski – Imagn Images
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