Ducks vs Blackhawks: NHL Preview, Odds & Prediction, 02/27/23

Odds

2021-2022 season stats

Preview

The Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks are set to face off in a game that may not be the most anticipated of the season, but still has the potential to be an exciting matchup. The game is scheduled for Monday, February 27, 2023, at 10 p.m. EST in Anaheim, California.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks have been in a slump lately, losing their last three games and struggling to find form on the road. With a poor 6-16-2 record away from home, they currently rank 8th in the Central division with an overall record of 16-32-5. It's been a season to forget for the Blackhawks, with their offense struggling immensely and averaging only 2.40 goals per game. In fact, they've managed to score just three goals in their last three games, which is a huge cause for concern.

Despite their offensive struggles, there have been some standout performers on this Blackhawks team. Patrick Kane, in particular, has been a bright spot with nine goals and 26 assists on the season. The star forward is still playing at an elite level, but he hasn't been able to lift his team out of their slump on his own.

One player who has been struggling to find his form recently is Max Domi. The forward has managed just one goal and five assists over the last 10 games, which is a disappointing return for a player who was expected to be a key contributor for the Blackhawks this season.

Looking at the Blackhawks' recent form, they've won just three of their last ten games and have been averaging 2.5 goals and 4.3 assists per game. However, they've also been taking a lot of penalties, averaging 3.5 penalties and 10.5 penalty minutes per game. On the defensive side, they've been giving up an average of 3.5 goals per game over this stretch, which is a worrying sign for a team that is already struggling to score.

INJURIES: To make matters worse, the Blackhawks have been dealing with a number of injuries. Jujhar Khaira is out with a back injury, MacKenzie Entwistle is day to day with an undisclosed issue, Jonathan Toews is still out due to an illness, Alex Stalock is out with a concussion, and Jarred Tinordi is out with a knee injury. With so many key players out of action, it's going to be a tough road ahead for the Blackhawks.

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks come into this game with a record of 19-34-7, putting them in eighth place in the Pacific Division. Like the Blackhawks, the Ducks are likely out of playoff contention, but they will be looking to finish the season strong and build momentum for next year.

The Ducks are having a difficult season, sitting in the last position of the Pacific Division and recording a mere 19 wins. Their offense has been a struggle all season long, averaging only 2.1 goals per game, which is the second-worst in the league.

Trevor Zegras has been a bright spot for the Ducks this season, leading the team in points with 50 (19 goals and 31 assists). However, after Zegras, the team has very little firepower, with no other player scoring more than nine goals.

Defensively, the Ducks have also been a weak team, allowing the most goals in the league (247) and having a league-worst -98 goal differential. However, they do have a strong goaltender in John Gibson, who has recorded a .912 save percentage this season. Despite Gibson's strong play, the Ducks have allowed a league-worst 36.3 shots per game, putting tremendous pressure on their goaltender.

Overall, the Ducks have struggled mightily this season and will be looking to end the season on a positive note. Although they have been playing better hockey lately, their struggles on both ends of the ice make them a difficult team to watch.

INJURIES: Adam Henrique: out (lower body), Urho Vaakanainen: out (lower-body), Jamie Drysdale: out (shoulder), John Moore: out (undisclosed), Anthony Stolarz: out (lower body).

BETTING TRENDS

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games.

Chicago are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games.

Chicago are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games against Anaheim.

The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road.

Chicago are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Anaheim.

The total has gone OVER in 14 of Anaheim's last 20 games.

Anaheim are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games.

The total has gone OVER in 7 of Anaheim's last 8 games at home.

Anaheim are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago.

Prediction

Both teams have struggled offensively and defensively this season, so it's tough to say which team has the edge.

The Blackhawks come into this game with a four-game win streak, but they have struggled on the road this season, with a record of just 8-16-2. Meanwhile, the Ducks have struggled at home, with a record of 9-16-1.

While the Ducks have struggled defensively this season, the Blackhawks have struggled offensively. This could make for a low-scoring game, with neither team scoring more than two or three goals.

In the end, the game could come down to which team's goaltender plays better. Both Kevin Lankinen and John Gibson have had their struggles this season

PICK: Blackhawks ML (+170)

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