Devils vs Blackhawks Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Chicago Crowd Stays Quiet on Sunday

The Chicago Blackhawks host the New Jersey Devils to kick off Sunday’s mini two-game NHL odds slate.

These are two clubs with very different aspirations this season, with Chicago just looking to improve amidst its rebuild while New Jersey has its eyes on the Cup.

Will the visitors take care of business as road favorites, or can the Hawks defend their home ice? Find out in my free NHL picks for the Devils vs. Blackhawks on Sunday, November 5.

Devils vs Blackhawks odds

Devils vs Blackhawks predictions

The Chicago Blackhawks enter this contest on the second half of a back-to-back, which means we could see some tired legs on Sunday. That is going to be especially problematic for an offense that ranks 28th in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at 5-on-5.

This roster is still one that is amidst a heavy rebuild, and that has certainly shown thus far as the Hawks are currently in the basement of the Central Division. The one bright spot has been goaltending, and Arvid Soderblom will be taking the crease.

You may be thinking “How in the world is a guy with a .868 SV% and 4.19 GAA a good goaltender?” And, while that is a valid question, those stats are incredibly misleading for how he’s performed as a whole this season.

His numbers are being weighed down by his past two starts, allowing seven goals on 22 shots against the Coyotes and five on 24 shots to the Golden Knights. The game against the Coyotes went off the rails almost instantly, and both the blue line and Soderblom were mailing it in before that number started to balloon.

He also was not that bad against Vegas, just tough to go against the reigning Cup champions who went 40% on the power play in that contest. Before those two outings, Soderblom allowed two or fewer goals to both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins.

I expect a bounce-back performance from Soderblom here, who will be well rested.

Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils are regularly a team whose defense is overlooked. At 5-on-5, it ranks higher in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) than it does in xGF/60. While the Devils possess a very strong forward group as well, they will be thin with the likely absences of Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes.

My best bet: Under 6 (+102 at FanDuel)

Devils vs Blackhawks same-game parlay

Under 6.5

Devils ML

+165 at FanDuel

Even without Hughes and Hischier, the Devils are the better team all over the ice. They are better offensively, defensively, on special teams, in the faceoff circle, and behind the bench.

Add the fact New Jersey is in a bounce-back spot while the Hawks are on the second half of a back-to-back, there isn't much to like about Chicago in this game. Goaltender Vitek Vanecek is expected to take the crease for New Jersey and is now 4-1 over his past five starts.

The Devils have also won seven of the past 10 meetings between these two clubs.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Devils vs Blackhawks moneyline and Over/Under analysis

The Devils opened as a –210 favorite and remain at that price at the time of writing. I don't suspect there will be much movement before puck drop on Sunday evening from this number.

That brings us to the total, which opened at 6.5 and remains at that number. With that said, I like the Under 6 at +102 more than laying the juice at 6.5, although I think there is still value in that number if you wish to go that route.

Devils vs Blackhawks betting trend to know

The Devils have won seven of the past 10 meetings between these two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Devils vs. Blackhawks.

Devils vs Blackhawks game info

Devils vs Blackhawks latest injuries

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