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Pittsburgh Penguins vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks and Predictions – Sunday December 28, 2025
The Pittsburgh Penguins head to Chicago on Sunday night to face the Blackhawks at United Center, with puck drop set for 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Pittsburgh has been stuck in a rough December stretch, going 1-5-4 over the last 10, while Chicago is trying to build a little momentum after snapping a losing skid with a shootout win in Dallas.
The Blackhawks are still dealing with the same problem that has defined their last couple weeks: no Connor Bedard and no Frank Nazar. They found some offense anyway in that Dallas win, but it’s still a thinner lineup than usual, and that shapes how you look at both the side and the total.
Pittsburgh comes in priced as the better team, but the form says this isn’t a comfortable favorite spot. If the Penguins clean up the odd-man looks and get stable goaltending, they should control most of the game. If not, Chicago’s energy and home ice can keep it tight into the third.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Chicago Blackhawks Odds
These are the current betting lines, and bettors should always monitor updated NHL odds leading into puck drop. Keep checking the latest NHL odds for any late movement tied to confirmed starters and lineup updates.
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Penguins | -166 | -1.5 (+154) | O 5.5 (-134) |
| Chicago Blackhawks | +140 | +1.5 (-190) | U 5.5 (+110) |
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Form
Pittsburgh’s recent slide has been a mix of defensive details and game state. They’ve been giving up too many odd-man rushes, and when that happens, even decent stretches at five-on-five don’t matter because one bad pinch turns into a goal against. The offense has still had moments, and Sidney Crosby has stayed productive, but the Penguins haven’t been able to string together full games where the puck stays in safer areas.
Goaltending is the other piece. Stuart Skinner has been in the mix since joining Pittsburgh, but the results have been shaky, and Sunday’s starter isn’t something I’m assuming. If Skinner goes again, Pittsburgh’s ceiling is fine, but the floor stays a little uncomfortable. If they pivot to a different option, the handicap changes, especially for totals.
For recent trends and team context, check Pittsburgh Penguins stats and results. Availability matters here, so monitor the Pittsburgh Penguins injury report before puck drop.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Form
Chicago is trying to survive without its main drivers, and that usually means the offense has to be more committee-based. The line shuffle worked in Dallas, with Tyler Bertuzzi producing and the group finding enough scoring to get the win. That matters, because the Blackhawks don’t need to become a high-powered team overnight. They just need to avoid dead periods where nothing happens for 10 minutes at a time.
The bigger betting takeaway is that Chicago’s wins without Bedard are likely to be lower-event. More dump-and-chase, more grinding shifts, and more reliance on goaltending and structure. At home, that approach can be annoying for opponents, especially teams that are already struggling to manage risk.
For the full season profile and recent results, use Chicago Blackhawks schedule and stats. Also keep tabs on the Chicago Blackhawks injury report before you bet, because Chicago’s scoring outlook changes sharply depending on who is available around the top six.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Chicago Blackhawks Matchup Breakdown
This game is about whether Pittsburgh can keep its defensive shape and avoid feeding Chicago confidence. The Penguins have the higher-end skill, but right now they’re giving opponents too many clean looks off transition. Chicago doesn’t need a ton of chances to stay alive if the Penguins keep handing them rushes and power plays.
Special teams could decide it. Chicago’s lineup is thinner, so they don’t want penalties. Pittsburgh, with better talent, should want the same thing because their biggest recent problem has been gifting chances off mistakes. If this stays mostly five-on-five, I lean toward a tighter, lower-scoring game where one bounce decides it.
A few matchup edges I’m watching:
- Pittsburgh’s transition defense versus Chicago’s energy lines
- Which team controls the penalty count
- Goalie confirmation, because it can swing both side and total quickly
If you want a cleaner way to weigh moneyline versus puck line when goaltending is unsettled, the NHL betting guide is a useful reference point.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Chicago Blackhawks Predictions and Best Bets
I lean Pittsburgh on the moneyline, but not strongly enough to call it a must-play at -166. The price assumes Pittsburgh brings a cleaner version of itself out of the break, and that’s a bet you can make, but it’s still a team that has been leaking odd-man rushes for weeks. If the Penguins play loose again, Chicago can absolutely hang around and make this a one-goal game late.
The puck line is interesting at plus money, but I’m not there. Chicago’s path is to grind, defend, and drag the game into the final 10 minutes. That script is exactly how underdogs cover +1.5, even if they lose.
The total is where I see the best value. With Bedard and Nazar out, Chicago’s offense is more limited, and Pittsburgh’s best correction is to tighten up defensively and simplify. If the Penguins are serious about stopping the slide, it probably shows up first in how they manage the middle of the ice, not in a 6-4 type of win.
Best Bet: Under 5.5 (+110).
NHL Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
If you’re betting NHL consistently, it helps to compare multiple opinions on the same slate, especially when goalie news changes prices late. A good starting point is today’s NHL picks, where you can see different approaches across sides and totals.
It also matters who you’re following over time. The top sports handicappers page makes it easier to find proven performers, and the handicapper leaderboard adds the transparency that’s valuable in a high-variance sport. If you want more volume beyond free plays, premium NHL picks can fit better than forcing action into every matchup.
For broader slate coverage, the NHL previews hub keeps the schedule organized, and the Stanley Cup betting guide is useful if you’re also thinking about futures as the season moves into the second half.
