[8:30 PM] Avalanche @ Blackhawks

Who will WIN this matchup?

Colorado Avalanche (4-4-0)

@ Chicago Blackhawks (6-3-1)

 

Starting Goalies:

Semyon Varlamov (COL): Confirmed

Corey Crawford (CHI): Confirmed

 

Current odds:

Colorado Avalanche: (TBD)

Chicago Blackhawks: (TBD)

 

A potent power play has proven to be pivotal for the Chicago Blackhawks, who have posted a 6-1-1 mark since starting the season with a pair of losses. The Blackhawks look to continue that trend as they vie for their fourth straight victory in Thursday’s conclusion of a three-game homestand versus the Central Division-rival Colorado Avalanche.

The Avalanche found themselves on the wrong end of a 5-1 decision to Nashville on Tuesday for their third loss in four outings.

Gabriel Landeskog has notched an assist in back-to-back contests and has 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) in 21 career meetings with Chicago. Matt Duchene, who has 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 25 encounters with the Blackhawks, joined Landeskog by setting up veteran Jarome Iginla’s goal for his team-leading eighth point on Tuesday.

Corey Crawford sputtered out of the blocks before getting his legs under him to send Chicago racing up the standings. The 31-year-old Montreal native has stopped 124 of the last 129 shots he’s faced, including 33 of 34 versus Calgary on Tuesday.

Chicago has thwarted its last nine short-handed situations after yielding 13 power-play goals on 27 chances.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Chicago Blackhawks

Confidence: 6/10

Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick