It?s an Original Six matchup in Detroit on Saturday as Chicago heads to Detroit as the Blackhawks continue to try and catch Nashville for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central Division.
Chicago has won three of their last four and looks to continue its dominance of the Red Wings this season. The Blackhawks have won five of six games against Detroit this year.
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Game: Chicago Blackhawks (20-18-5, 24-19 ATS) at Detroit Red Wings (15-23-6, 27-17 ATS)
When: 7:00 PM ET, Saturday, April 17, 2021
Where: LIttle Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Current Line: OFF Total: OFF
TV Coverage: FOX Sports Detroit
It?s no secret that the Red Wings are one of the worst teams in the NHL. They are battling Columbus for the bottom spot in the Central Division. At the trade deadline, Detroit traded Anthony Mantha to Washington as GM Steve Yzerman continues to accumulate draft picks to rebuild the franchise.
Despite their shortcomings, the Red Wings somehow managed to beat Central Division leaders Carolina not once, but twice in a row. Detroit won 5-4 in a shootout as a +288 underdog and then won 3-1 two nights later as a +309 underdog.
We nailed our last NHL free pick when we took the UNDER in our Rangers at Islanders free pick. Go take a look.
The Blackhawks have owned the Red Wings this season. Chicago is 5-1 against Detroit and there has only been one game decided by one goal. The Blackhawks won 3-2 in overtime back on Feb. 15. Chicago has beaten Detroit 4-1, 6-2, 3-2, 2-0, and 7-2 this season.
Looking at totals, there have been three Overs and three Unders in the six games the two teams have played. The total was set at 6 for the first two games and then moved down to 5.5 for the last four games. Expect a 5.5 or 6 for Saturday?s game.
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The Red Wings trend more to the Under - 25-16 for the season - while Chicago is just about even (21-20 O/U). With the six games between the two teams having split 3-3 Over/Under, the better play in this matchup is on the puck line.
Chicago has won three of its last four games. They did win two of those - both against Columbus - by a single goal winning 4-3 in both games. The third win was a 4-2 victory over Dallas.
Detroit has won its last two straight and three of five.
The last time the Red Wings faced the Blackhawks at home, the results were the 3-2 overtime loss and a 2-0 shutout defeat. Detroit got its only cover against Chicago this season at home.
Detroit actually does a solid job of covering the spread this season. The Red Wings are a very impressive 27-17 ATS in 2021. Detroit is 16-6 ATS at home at Little Caesars Arena this season.
The Red Wings don?t have that many wins this season, but after a win Detroit is 6-2 at home. With two wins over Carolina, Detroit has proven it can play with the best in the league. The Red Wings will keep Saturday?s game with Chicago close and cover.
NHL Free Pick: DETROIT +1.5
