NHL Original Six Showdown

If you’re looking for an NHL game to bet online Wednesday night, there’s a pretty clear option. The Chicago Blackhawks travel to Detroit to take on the Red Wings in one of the best rivalries in any sport.

It has been another rough season for Chicago, while things haven’t gone that well for Detroit of late either. There’s nothing quite as appealing as two hated teams opposing one another when both are desperate for a victory.

Detroit lost seven of 10 games since the calendar changed. Chicago lost four, won four and now lost four.

The NHL betting lines have made this a pick ’em affair.

Game: Chicago Blackhawks (15-20-7) at Detroit Red Wings (18-18-6)
Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Day/Time: Wednesday, Jan. 26th, 7:30 p.m. ET
Television: TNT

Chicago Blackhawks at Detroit Red Wings

Blackhawks Can’t Find Offense

The Chicago Blackhawks have plenty of solid offensive players, but that hasn’t led to great offensive numbers this season. Chicago is scoring just 2.29 goals per game, and that just isn’t sufficient production to win games consistently.

Patrick Kane leads the way for Chicago with 36 points this season, scoring just nine goals. This has been a pretty disappointing season for Kane, but he’s always a threat.

The Blackhawks are allowing over 3.2 goals per game, and that’s been an issue over the last few seasons as well. Chicago isn’t facing a great offense in the Wings, but the ‘Hawks have to get some stops and control the puck.

Special Teams Sinking the Red Wings

Detroit has scored on less than 15 percent of its power-play attempts, an anemic figure. The Red Wings have done a decent job killing penalties, but poor special teams continues to be a big problem for this team.

Head coach Jeff Blashill said of the most recent game (4-1 loss at Nashville), “I still think we’ve got to have a better shot mentality.” The Red Wings simply have to find a way to generate more man-advantage offense if they are going to make a push for a playoff berth.

Center Dylan Larkin is leading this team with 19 goals and 37 points on the season, and he has to play well if the Red Wings have a chance to win. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic has been pretty solid as well, and this could be a Chicago team he’s able to handle.

Red Wings Defeat Long-time Foe

Toss the records and stats out the window when these teams square off. Chicago clearly has been struggling throughout the season, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t stun their bitterest of rivals.

Detroit has been the better offensive team, and that should come into play this evening. Chicago will give the Red Wings a tough challenge, but the visitors don’t have the manpower to get the job done and win this game.

The Red Wings could use a big win to get back into the playoff race, and beating the Blackhawks would be an added bonus. Head to BetUS sportsbook and take the Detroit Red Wings (-110) over the Chicago Blackhawks.