Chicago vs San Jose: Blackhawks need to win more than the Sharks

Chicago has significantly improved since firing Jeremy Colliton. The Blackhawks will play their next game on home ice against the San Jose Sharks. Will the Blackhawks be able to outplay the Sharks? Let's choose several options to bet on. 

Chicago will improve

A team with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews simply cannot help but be dangerous for any opponent. Plus, the Blackhawks have had far fewer problems this season at the last corner, where Marc-Andre Fleury now works. After the change of coach, the team finally began to unlock the potential. While the Chicago Texans are still a long way from the playoff zone, in 7th place in the Central Division, but there is little doubt that they will add to the mix and get into the race for the postseason.

Once again, the Blackhawks' high class was confirmed in the previous game, handling a very strong St. Louis on their home ice. Alex DeBrincat scored the winning goal in overtime on an assist from Patrick Kane.

San Jose finished the home stretch

Prior to their game in Chicago, the Sharks played four games in a row on their home ice. There's no clear-cut way to characterize the outcome of that stretch. On the one hand, Bob Boughner’s team had 2 wins, including one over Carolina. On the other hand, they lost twice in regulation time: 0-4 to Washington and 1-4 to Toronto. In total, San Jose now has 10 wins in 20 games. The Sharks are currently fifth in the Pacific Division, three points away from the playoff zone.

Injuries

• Chicago: Tyler Johnson, Riley Stillman, MacKenzie Entwistle – not playing;
• San Jose: Jonathan Dahlen, Nikolai Knyzhov, Lane Pederson – not playing.

Expert Betting Tips

Chicago lost a lot at the start of the league and now has to fight for a result in every game. San Jose is a tough team, but one that can hardly be called undefeated. The Blackhawks have a good chance to win here, although they may have to play more than 60 minutes to get it.

Prediction: Chicago will be closer to victory.

Betting options

• Chicago Not To Lose + Total Under (7.5) for 1.85;
• Correct Score 2-2 for 11.78.