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Game Preview: Chicago Blackhawks @ St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues return home Friday night looking to stabilize defensively as they welcome the Chicago Blackhawks to Enterprise Center. St. Louis is coming off a punishing 7-2 loss in Nashville on Thursday and has now dropped four of its last six games, while Chicago arrives encouraged after a shutout win over the New York Rangers. The teams met earlier this season in St. Louis, where Chicago earned an 8-3 win behind strong offensive balance. The Blues opened as modest home favorites with the total set in the 6 to 6.5 range. This Central Division matchup is part of the Friday slate featured on the ScoresAndStats NHL previews page.
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Odds and Key Information
St. Louis opened around -135 on the moneyline, with early markets reflecting uncertainty surrounding defensive form and goaltending usage after back-to-back lopsided losses. Chicago sits near +115, while the total opened at 6.5 with slight lean toward the over given recent defensive breakdowns by the Blues.
Coach Jim Montgomery was direct in his assessment following Thursday’s loss, emphasizing that St. Louis has not been hard enough in net-front coverage at either end of the ice. Chicago coach Jeff Blashill, meanwhile, focused on process and puck detail after his team’s complete performance against the Rangers.
St. Louis Blues Outlook
St. Louis has struggled to maintain defensive structure over the past week. After winning road games at Ottawa and Montreal, the Blues have been outscored 12-4 across their last two contests. Montgomery pointed to lapses in boxing out, allowing screens, and failing to clear rebounds as primary issues that have left goaltenders exposed.
Jordan Binnington surrendered six goals on 25 shots through two periods in Nashville before Joel Hofer relieved him in the third. Hofer stopped six of seven shots but also took a loss earlier in the week, allowing five goals to Boston. Montgomery defended his goaltenders, stressing that breakdowns in defensive-zone physicality have eliminated their margin for error.
A positive development came with Robby Fabbri’s season debut. Signed as a free agent amid injuries to five forwards, Fabbri recorded an assist and was praised for his detail-oriented play. Montgomery called him the team’s best forward Thursday, noting his competitiveness and habits. Fabbri’s familiarity with the organization could help stabilize a thin lineup.
The Blues must reestablish defensive-zone identity built on body positioning, puck support, and crease protection. Improving net-front play will be critical against a Chicago team that has shown it can capitalize on loose coverage. For roster updates, consult the Blues injury report.
Chicago Blackhawks Outlook
Chicago enters following a confidence-boosting 3-0 shutout of the Rangers, a needed response after being outscored 13-1 in back-to-back losses to the Kings and Ducks on the West Coast. Coach Jeff Blashill emphasized that Wednesday’s effort reflected the type of hockey that leads to sustainable success.
Earlier this season, the Blackhawks exploded offensively in St. Louis, winning 8-3 on Oct. 15. Connor Bedard recorded three assists, Lukas Reichel had two goals and an assist, and Frank Nazar also found the scoresheet. Nazar has not scored since late October, but he has added nine assists during that stretch and continues to earn praise for his puck battles and speed.
Blashill highlighted Nazar’s growth in process-based areas such as puck protection and positioning, noting that scoring tends to follow consistent habits. Chicago’s ability to generate offense by attacking the interior and creating second chances remains a point of emphasis, especially against a Blues team currently struggling in net-front coverage.
Defensively, the Blackhawks aim to replicate the structure shown against New York by limiting rush chances and clearing rebounds. Consistency remains the challenge for a young roster still learning how to manage momentum swings. For lineup clarity, review the Blackhawks injury report.
Key Matchup Table
| Key Factor | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Net-Front Presence | Chicago |
| Goaltending Experience | St. Louis |
| Defensive Structure | Chicago |
| Physical Forecheck | St. Louis |
| Recent Momentum | Chicago |
Betting Trends
St. Louis has struggled ATS recently, covering only twice in its last six games as defensive issues have inflated totals and margins. Overs have cashed frequently during this stretch due to breakdowns in coverage and rebound control.
Chicago has been volatile but competitive as an underdog, particularly when defensive effort improves. Their totals have swung widely based on defensive commitment, with unders hitting when structure holds. The earlier meeting between these teams sailed over the total, reinforcing market awareness of matchup volatility.
Current pricing and movement can be monitored on the ScoresAndStats NHL odds page.
The Lean
St. Louis has urgency on its side after consecutive blowout losses, but Chicago’s recent defensive performance and confidence from the earlier head-to-head win are meaningful. If the Blues fail to tighten net-front coverage early, Chicago’s speed and interior pressure can tilt momentum quickly. Expect a more physical response from St. Louis, but the Blackhawks’ structure gives them a viable path to stay within range.
Projected Score: Blues 4, Blackhawks 3
Best Bet: Blackhawks +115
Total Lean: Over 6
For additional Central Division previews and daily NHL analysis, visit the ScoresAndStats NHL preview hub.
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