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Oilers vs Blackhawks Picks and Predictions – Monday January 12, 2026
Edmonton walks into Chicago with the better playoff posture, but not the one thing they want most right now: a real roll. The Oilers have been stuck in neutral all season when a third straight win is on the table, and Saturday’s shootout loss to Los Angeles was another reminder that their “A” game hasn’t stayed on the ice for long stretches.
Chicago, meanwhile, is bringing actual momentum back to the United Center. The Blackhawks have won four straight and five of six, and they’re getting contributions from everywhere while their crease sorts itself out. If you’re betting this game, you’re really betting the collision between Edmonton’s elite top-end and Chicago’s current confidence, plus the goaltending uncertainty on the home side.
Edmonton Oilers vs Chicago Blackhawks Odds
These are the current lines. Because goalie announcements can swing price and total quickly, bettors should keep monitoring the latest NHL odds up to puck drop.
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | -173 | -1.5 (+142) | 6.5 (O -103 / U -119) |
| Chicago Blackhawks | +144 | +1.5 (-174) | 6.5 (O -103 / U -119) |
Edmonton Oilers Betting Form
Edmonton’s floor is still high because Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can flip a game in two shifts, and the Oilers’ power play is always a threat to turn a tight matchup into a two-goal swing. The issue lately has been game-to-game consistency. They keep finding spots where one bad segment drags the whole night down, and that’s why they’re not stacking wins like a true contender.
From a betting standpoint, this number asks you to pay a tax for Edmonton’s ceiling while accepting their “even-keel” results. If you like the Oilers here, you want a clean first period with Edmonton playing in Chicago’s zone, not trading rushes. When Edmonton is loose with the puck, the back door opens for the dog and for higher-event totals.
For matchup splits and recent results, check the Edmonton Oilers team page. Also keep an eye on the Edmonton Oilers injury report because any late availability swing at forward or on the blue line can change the way this prices out.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Form
Chicago’s current surge is real, but it’s also fragile if the goaltending situation stays unsettled. Drew Commesso just posted a shutout, but the bigger point is that the Blackhawks have been defending with more urgency and playing with better pace through the neutral zone. That matters against Edmonton because you cannot spend the whole night in your end waiting for the next wave.
Connor Bedard is also trending in the right direction after returning from injury. Even if he’s not fully back to peak timing, his presence changes the way Edmonton has to match lines, and it gives Chicago more ways to create offense without forcing low-percentage plays. Tyler Bertuzzi’s recent production helps too, because it reduces the “one-line team” feel.
For home splits and form, see the Chicago Blackhawks team page. And since Chicago’s lineup has had illness impact lately, check the Chicago Blackhawks injury report before you bet side or total.
Edmonton Oilers vs Chicago Blackhawks Matchup Breakdown
The first handicap question is goaltending. Chicago’s starter is not something you should assume right now, and Edmonton’s crease matters too when you’re laying a road price in a 6.5 total environment. If Chicago gets steady goaltending again, the value shifts toward taking the goal and a half. If the Blackhawks are forced into a less stable option, this can break open quickly.
At 5v5, Edmonton’s best path is controlled entries and sustained zone time. Chicago has been playing with confidence, but if they start gifting Edmonton odd-man looks and power plays, the game can get away from them fast. The Oilers do not need many chances to score in bunches, and that’s especially true if McDavid’s line is getting speed through the middle.
The total is where the market is making a statement. A 6.5 reflects Edmonton’s finishing talent and the possibility Chicago’s crease volatility reappears. But Chicago’s current form also hints at a tighter defensive effort than their season-long perception. If you’re playing the under, you’re betting Chicago can keep this structured and that Edmonton doesn’t get a special teams avalanche. If you’re playing the over, you’re betting Edmonton creates enough chaos to force Chicago into a track meet.
Edmonton Oilers vs Chicago Blackhawks Predictions and Best Bets
I lean to Chicago +1.5 because the price and game script line up. Edmonton is the better team, but they’ve struggled to put together the kind of streak that justifies laying margin on the road, and Chicago is playing with a level of belief that tends to keep games inside one goal even when the matchup says otherwise.
I’m not in love with the Blackhawks moneyline because Edmonton’s top-end can erase a good Chicago game in a hurry. The safer angle is taking the cushion and letting the Blackhawks’ current structure do the work. If the game is tight late, you’re in a good spot. If Edmonton wins a one-goal game, you still cash.
On the total, I’m cautious. If Chicago’s starter is confirmed as a strong option again, the under becomes more attractive. If the Blackhawks’ net situation is still shaky, 6.5 can get threatened early. I’d rather anchor the card to the puck line than force a total without full goalie clarity.
Best Bet: Chicago Blackhawks +1.5 (-174)
NHL Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
If you’re betting a full NHL slate, you want to compare numbers and angles quickly, then decide whether you’re fading steam or following it. The NHL picks page is a good scan tool for that.
For tracking who’s actually producing, I’d work from the best handicappers and then check the leaderboard for recent performance and volume. If you prefer a packaged approach instead of piecing together plays, you can also look at buy picks. For more game-by-game writeups across the schedule, the NHL previews hub keeps everything organized, and the NHL betting guide plus the Stanley Cup betting guide help with process when you’re weighing form, special teams, and price versus projection.
