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St. Louis (17-18-8) at Chicago (17-18-7)
- When: Jan 7 2026, 9:30 PM
- Where: United Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- TV: TNT
St. Louis vs Chicago NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: St. Louis -122
Spread: St. Louis -1.5 (+210)
Total: 5.5
St Louis Blues Breakdown
The St Louis Blues arrive in Chicago feeling cautiously optimistic, which for this franchise is basically like popping champagne. They just swept Vegas and Montreal at home and now find themselves flirting with something rare this season, a three game winning streak. The Blues are still chasing a playoff spot, but suddenly the math looks less depressing.
This team knows it has not played its best hockey yet, which somehow makes the recent wins more annoying for opponents. St Louis has survived games without hitting peak form, relying on effort, structure, and the occasional goalie robbery. That combination is dangerous when confidence starts creeping in.
Goaltending is the big question, as it always is. St Louis could roll with Jordan Binnington, who just posted a shutout and reminded everyone he still enjoys stealing games when the mood strikes. When Binnington is locked in, St Louis becomes incredibly annoying to play against. Shots get swallowed, rebounds disappear, and frustration builds quickly.
From a betting perspective, St Louis at minus one twenty five feels fair. They are playing cleaner hockey right now, managing puck decisions better, and showing improved defensive discipline. This is not a flashy team, but they know how to win ugly, which is still worth the same amount on the scoreboard.
Chicago Blackhawks Breakdown
Chicago is quietly playing its best hockey of the season and doing it without its biggest name on the ice. The Blackhawks have ripped off multiple one goal wins against quality opponents, leaning into effort, emotion, and a surprising amount of grit.
This team has fully embraced the chaos style. Games stay tight. Chances feel dangerous. Every shift looks like someone is auditioning for a highlight reel or a motivational poster. Chicago has leaned on physical play, smart positioning, and timely scoring to grind out results.
Tyler Bertuzzi has become the emotional engine, playing with the intensity of someone who drank three coffees too many. He brings energy, toughness, and just enough scoring touch to keep defenses honest. The locker room feeds off that vibe, especially the younger players.
Chicago also loves dragging opponents into low scoring wars, which plays directly into the total sitting at five point five. They are comfortable winning by one goal and absolutely thrilled to make games stressful.
Betting Outlook and Prediction
St Louis enters as a slight moneyline favorite at minus one twenty five with the total set at five point five. That number reflects two teams that can defend, grind, and frustrate. Expect a tight contest with limited scoring chances and plenty of tension.
Chicago will compete and keep things close, but St Louis brings more stability, better goaltending upside, and slightly more structure. Over sixty minutes, that usually matters.
This feels like a game where one mistake decides everything.
Score Prediction: St Louis 3, Chicago 2
Pick: St Louis (-122)
Total: Under 5.5 (-110)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
