NHL Betting Guide

The Chicago Blackhawks are leading the Central Division with a solid 44-19-6 record and currently sit second in the NHL Western Conference standings.  The Blackhawks really need to finish strong down the stretch to stay within the top four playoff spots.

While the number one team in the Western Conference, the San Jose Sharks, are better at home than on the road, the difference is even more demonstrative for the Blackhawks.  The Blackhawks have been nearly unbeatable at home, posting a 26-7-3 record, but they have been much weaker on the road, putting up an 18-12-3 record thus far on the season.

There is no secret to the Blackhawks success. They simply outwork their opponents on the offensive and defensive ends of the ice.  They have given up a mere 174 goals this season and have been able to cash in 224 goals on the offensive end.

They have not been fantastic offensively on the power play, converting 19.5 percent of the time, but have been solid defensively against the power play, only allowing conversion at a rate of 15.8 percent of the time.

The key to their success down the stretch and in the playoffs will be their ability to capitalize on the power play and to use that advantage to start scoring some goals.  Right Wing Patrick Kane (26 goals and 51 assists) has been a one man show for the Blackhawks, leading the team in scoring and assists. They’ll need him to continue to be dominant in order for this team to move up to the Sharks for the number one seed.

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