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Game Preview Chicago Blackhawks @ Detroit Red Wings
The Chicago Blackhawks travel to Little Caesars Arena to take on the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, December 13, 2025. This Original Six showdown features two teams on vastly different paths — the Blackhawks deep into their rebuild with young talent in key roles, and the Red Wings pushing to establish themselves as a consistent playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.
Chicago enters the game with one of the NHL’s worst records and continues to rely on development minutes for its young core. Detroit, meanwhile, has hovered around a .500 record and is fighting for a Wild Card spot. The Red Wings have shown strong flashes at home this season, and this matchup offers betting value on both side and totals markets based on form, trends, and goaltending reports.
This rivalry may not have the playoff stakes it once did, but it brings intensity and familiarity, and bettors can find edge by studying trends, line movement, and injury status at the NHL scores and odds dashboard.
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Odds and Key Information
Detroit is expected to be favored in this matchup, with early moneyline odds placing them around -175 to -185. Chicago, on the road, opens between +150 and +160 depending on the book. The total sits at 6.0 goals, with light action leaning to the over based on recent scoring trends from both clubs.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Bettors can track market movement and public percentages at the live NHL odds hub throughout the day.
Chicago Blackhawks Outlook
Chicago continues its rebuild behind rookie sensation Connor Bedard, who has been the lone offensive bright spot. Bedard leads the team in scoring and has created consistent shot volume despite playing in a lineup short on veteran support. Beyond Bedard, the Hawks have struggled to generate offense — ranking near the bottom of the league in goals per game and power play percentage.
The Blackhawks’ defense has been a liability all season, giving up more than 3.7 goals per game and regularly allowing opponents to control the neutral zone. Their penalty kill ranks in the bottom five of the league, and discipline issues have led to extended defensive zone time against playoff-level teams.
Goaltending is another issue. With Petr Mrazek seeing a majority of starts, Chicago has seen respectable efforts in isolated games, but overall save percentage remains below league average. On the road, the Blackhawks are just 4-11-1 and have allowed four or more goals in eight of those contests.
The club’s focus remains on development and evaluating long-term pieces, so bettors should consider the volatility and defensive breakdowns common in their matchups. For broader context, explore how Chicago ranks in the Western Conference playoff landscape.
Detroit Red Wings Outlook
The Red Wings continue to flirt with postseason potential, but inconsistency has defined their 2025 campaign so far. Detroit enters with a record just above .500 and a strong showing on home ice, where they’ve gone 9-5-1. Offensively, Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin continue to pace the attack, and the Red Wings’ power play has improved into the middle tier of the NHL at 21.4 percent.
Defensively, the Red Wings have been streaky — shutting down lower-tier teams like Columbus and Anaheim, but struggling to contain top lines from contending opponents. Against teams with a bottom-10 offense, Detroit has held opponents to two goals or fewer in five of the last six.
Goaltending has been solid when Ville Husso starts, with a .912 save percentage and strong numbers at home. Detroit has a clear edge in 5-on-5 shot suppression and enters this game with a defensive structure that can frustrate Chicago’s already limited offensive creativity.
Detroit has also been reliable in games where they score first, going 12-1-2 when leading after the first period. For their updated standing within the Atlantic Division, visit the NHL Atlantic Division odds preview.
Key Matchup
The most pivotal matchup is Detroit’s puck movement and zone entries versus Chicago’s passive defensive structure. Detroit thrives when it gains clean entry and sets up in the offensive zone, using point shots and low-to-high passing to create chaos in front. Chicago allows a high number of high-danger chances and struggles to collapse effectively around the crease.
Special teams should play a major role as well. Chicago’s penalty kill has been ineffective, while Detroit has recently scored power play goals in four of their last six games. If the Red Wings earn three or more opportunities with the man advantage, they’re likely to capitalize.
Faceoffs could tilt slightly toward the Blackhawks, as they’ve shown improvements in draw percentage — but that alone likely won’t shift the game flow unless paired with better puck recovery.
For tactical insights on how these elements affect in-game wagers and props, visit the full NHL expert betting guide.
Betting Trends
Chicago has struggled in this matchup historically, going 2-8 in their last ten games against Detroit. On the puck line, the Blackhawks are 3-7 in their last ten road games and have been outscored by a 2.1 goal average in that span. The over has hit in six of their last eight due to their defensive breakdowns and inconsistent goaltending.
Detroit has been solid at home, covering the puck line in four of their last five as favorites. The under has hit in three straight home games due to improved goaltending and disciplined play in the neutral zone. When playing non-conference opponents with losing records, the Red Wings are 5-2 this season.
In head-to-head meetings, Detroit has averaged 3.8 goals per game over the last five against Chicago and has outshot them in each contest. For more historical betting patterns, visit the NHL picks and predictions section.
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Prediction
This game heavily favors Detroit across all major metrics — offense, defense, special teams, and goaltending. Chicago simply doesn’t have the depth or structure to contain the Red Wings for a full 60 minutes, especially in a hostile road environment.
Detroit should be able to score early, control pace through the middle frame, and build a multi-goal lead by the third period. Chicago’s best chance is through Bedard creating solo rush opportunities, but those will likely be limited by Detroit’s neutral zone discipline.
Final score prediction: Detroit Red Wings 4, Chicago Blackhawks 2
Top play: Red Wings puck line
Secondary lean: Over 6.0 goals due to late-game empty net risk
Why You Need Expert Picks
Games with wide moneylines like this offer hidden value in puck line angles, totals, and player props — but only with expert insight into goalie confirmations, line changes, and situational trends. Late scratches, fatigue, or special teams shifts can alter projections drastically.
Visit the full NHL picks section for best bets and capper insights. For futures and long-term angles, explore Stanley Cup predictions and track winning NHL experts on the Handicappers Leaderboard.
