Blackhawks vs. Blues Preview & Prediction (October 15, 2025)
Chicago arrives at St. Louis as the underdog, having had a cold streak so far this season. However, tonight’s line suggests there might be a hidden value for them as the underdog.
The clash is set for 9:30 pm ET +1 on October 15 at the Enterprise Center, home to St. Louis. And as of this writing, the spread was at ±1.5, the moneyline at +190/-235, and the total at 5.5. The Blues have what it takes to hit the spread; as such, that is our best betting angle for the game.
We’ll break things down and look at the matchup to see where the Blues’ strength really lies. You’ll see which lines bring real value and what risks to avoid before placing your bet.
Game Overview
- Matchup: Chicago Blackhawks (1-2-1) vs. St. Louis Blues (2-1-0)
- Date & Time: Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 9:30 pm ET
- Venue: Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO
- How to Watch: HBO Max, TNT
Recent Form & Momentum
Fortune is yet to smile on the Chicago Blackhawks this season, as they’ve picked up more losses than wins. The Blues, on the other hand, have a few notable wins to their name and the right momentum going into this game. Let’s review each team’s performance for this season.
Chicago’s 2025-26 Start
The team is almost in last place in the current division standings, thanks to an abysmal start. When it comes to the stats, the team has 1 win, 2 losses, and 1 overtime loss. That includes a home opener loss to Montreal 3-2, where a late goal was allowed (Guhle with ~15 seconds left).
I’ve seen the Blackhawks show the fighting spirit now and then, especially in their overtime loss to Boston, 4-2. The game was tightly contested, but the Blackhawks’ late defensive breakdown and their inability to close continue to torment them.
St. Louis’s 2025-26 Start
St. Louis has a much better performance and record. The team is currently ranked 5th in the standings with 2 wins and 1 loss.
One of their season’s best comes from the 5-2 road victory over Vancouver. Snuggerud scored twice while Binnington was phenomenal in the post, making 27 saves. You also have the 2-goal effort by Jake Neighbours in the team’s 4-2 win over Calgary.
The momentum shows a confident depth and good execution in 5-on-5. But let’s see how that momentum compares to that of the Chicago Blackhawks.
Comparative Momentum Notes
The Blackhawks are yet to find their feet this season and be consistent. I would say they have put up good fights, earning them close losses. However, the team’s defensive lapses remain concerning and a point of exploitation by opposing teams.
When it comes to the Blues, I see a more balanced and settled structure, with supporting names stepping up. The team has 9 goals and has also conceded 9 goals so far this season. Chicago, on the other hand, has scored more goals (10), but it has also conceded more goals (11).
Head-to-Head & Historical Edge
The St. Louis Blues have won 5 out of their 6 encounters against the Chicago Blackhawks. The only time the Blackhawks grabbed a win was during the NHL preseason on 28 September 2025. Before that, the Blues had remained the dominant side, with the Blackhawks struggling in every game.
St. Louis holds the edge going into this game, as it shut out Chicago 4-0 in their last encounter. It was a commendable comeback after losing to the Blackhawks a week earlier.
I would say that both teams know each other well in the Central Division, whether it is about scouts, systems, or tendencies. The Blackhawks are certainly not in the best spot, as they have to carry the baggage of repeated losses, not just to the Blues but in their season performance as well.
You also have to consider the home ice factor. Enterprise Center is one place where the Blues are more stable. The Chicago Blackhawks, on the other hand, are more vulnerable on the road. It is no surprise that they are the underdogs in this matchup.
Team Strengths & Weaknesses—Matchup Details
The Chicago Blackhawks
Strengths and Opportunities
Connor Bedard remains a key threat for the team and can tilt games, giving the Blackhawks the offensive upside. He might just find the motivation, as the Blackhawks may play loose and perhaps force mistakes since they are the underdogs. The team might lean towards the “nothing to lose” mentality and may just get lucky with their occasional bursts of scoring from secondary lines.
Weaknesses/Risks
The Blackhawks will have to address their defensive lapses, especially in the final minutes or transition, if they want to hold their fort against the Blues. Another notable weakness is their goalie consistency. The margin for error will be small if the netminder falters.
When it comes to penalty kills or letting the opposition dominate special teams, the Blackhawks aren’t the team to count on. It struggles to keep up and gets even worse when facing deeper teams with balanced lines.
Matchup-specific Notes
Look out for Chicago’s defense against the Blues’ middle 6. The key question to ask here is whether Chicago is capable of limiting contributions beyond the top line. You also have to consider their ability to survive against pressure and control the pace away from home.
St. Louis Blues
Strengths/Opportunities
The Blues have a balanced attack, with Snuggerud, Neighbours, Thomas, and others contributing. They also have a depth beyond the first line that gives them more ways to score and less reliance on one star.
A matchup at home ice will undoubtedly give the team more comfort and momentum from the crowd. That will only get better, given their solid 5-on-5 play from the previous game and the team’s excellent control of zone time.
Weaknesses/Risks
The Blues are prone to turnovers in transition, especially when under pressure. They are also vulnerable if the opposition exploits their defense in fast counters.
Binnington has had ups and downs in past seasons, and the team’s choice for the goalie will be crucial in this match. It’s even more crucial if you consider the missing players or those out on injuries, like Dylan Holloway and Torey Krug, who might not return.
Matchup-Specific Notes
It’s worth considering how the Blues’ defense will handle Bedard’s speed and creation. I’m also looking at how their bottom 6 will match up against Chicago’s middle forwards and limit the time in their zone.
Odds & Value Angles (via FanDuel)
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Blackhawks | +1.5 (-130) | +190 | Over 5.5 (-130) |
Blues | -1.5 (+106) | -235 | Under 5.5 (+106) |
- Implied Probabilities
- Blues -235 ≈ 70.15%
- Blackhawks +190 ≈ 34.48%
- Spread: The Blackhawks’ spread of +1.5 at -130 means that books see them as the underdog. It also implies that they will likely lose by a point.
- Value spots/edges
- +1.5 for the Chicago Blackhawks might offer insurance if the game stays close.
- On the other hand, the Blues -1.5 at +106 could be underpriced if they dominate.
- Total: I believe that the Over 5.5 at -130 might be too rich. The under 5.5 at +106, on the other hand, might have a sneaky appeal if the game is tighter and low scoring.
- Correlation plays
- If the Blues -1.5 hits, then the over 5.5 is more likely.
- Alternatively, you can pair +1.5 with over for a potentially good payout if you think it’s tight.
Key In-Game Factors to Watch
- Special Teams – The St. Louis Blues’ power play has been inconsistent in the opening games. Penalties, on the other hand, have been favorable for the team. The team’s conversion rate is on par with the Chicago Blackhawks. However, the Blackhawks may have an upper hand in the power play.
- Goaltender matchup and in-game performance – Binnington will likely start for the Blues, with Spencer Knight the most likely choice for the Blackhawks. I’ll give this edge to Binnington for his stronger play and reliability. However, look out for in-game adjustments.
- Line matchups & deployment – Watch out for which lines have matchups like the top or middle. Chicago may also try to shelter weaker lines.
- Transition defense/counterattack – For this consideration, look out for how each team defends odd-man rushes. Their speed and structure will also tell which team is superior.
- Penalty trouble/discipline -Any team that takes undisciplined penalties will give the other team power play opportunities. Also, you should watch out for early-game tempers and borderline calls.
- Momentum swings – A late goal, a big save, or a flow shift and flip the control. How each team responds to adversity will also matter in this game.
- Pace & shot volume – If both teams push the pace, the game flow will favor the Over betting option. However, if one team clamps down, the game flow might tilt towards the under.
Best Bets & Confidence Levels
🏒 #1 St. Louis Blues –1.5 (Confidence 7.5/10)
Why We Like It
- Home-Ice Edge – The Blues are playing their home opener stretch at Enterprise Center, where they are historically strong. Last season, they went 24-14-13 at home and often dominated possession on their own ice. You also have to consider the early-season crowd energy and familiarity with the ice conditions, both of which are notable edges.
- Depth Scoring Emerging – Jimmy Snuggerud got 2 goals against Vancouver. Jaker Neighbours was equally impressive, with 2 goals against Calgary. Both have stepped up and reduced the reliance on Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou. With that, we have increased blowout potentials.
- Chicago’s Late-game Collapse Trend – The Blackhawks have allowed multiple late goals this season already, and Montreal beat them with 15 seconds left. That type of inconsistency kills the +1.5 line protection.
- Puck Possession & Expected Goals (xG) – St. Louis ranks among the top 10 in early Corsi and Fenwick metrics through 3 games. The team has controlled over 54% of shot attempts at even strength, while Chicago sits in the bottom 5.
- Goaltending Edge – Jordan Binnington (.923 SV%) has been sharp through two starts, while Chicago’s tandem, Petr Mrázek/Arvid Söderblom, sits below .900 combined.
Situational Insight
Motivation and home execution typically lead to multi-goal wins when a superior team faces a weaker defensive structure early in the year. The public money also leans to St. Louis ML (-235), but sharp bettors tend to take the -1.5 puck line to squeeze plus money value.
Projection
I think the Blues will control the puck most of the night and outshoot Chicago 32-25. The win could be 4-2 or 5-2.
🏒 #2 Over 5.5 Goals (Confidence 6.5/10)
Why We Like It
- Both Teams Trending Toward the Offense – Chicago’s matches through four games have averaged 6.2 total goals. The Blues, on the other hand, have averaged 6.0. Neither team has a highly rated defense in the league, which increases the likelihood of over 5.5 goals.
- Defensive turnovers – Both clubs are committing over 10 giveaways per game, leading to odd-man rushes and transition opportunities. The Blues thrive in transition, while Chicago’s top line can capitalize on counter-chances.
- Special Teams Angle – The Blues’ power play (PP%) has started hot (~24%), while Chicago’s penalty kill is around 70% efficiency. Early-season penalties are also common as teams settle into rhythm, and that favors overs.
- Goaltending Regression Potential – While Binnington has looked good, his save percentage is likely to regress slightly when facing higher shot volumes. Chicago’s goalies aren’t any better, as they have given up a combined 3.75 GAA.
- Tempo Matchup – Both teams are in the top half of the league in pace. Hence, you can expect a fast, open game, especially if St. Louis gets an early lead and Chicago pushes late.
Situational Insight
If you believe in St. Louis winning comfortably, then the Over correlates well with a -1.5 play. Even if Chicago keeps it close, a 3-3 or 4-2 scoreline will still cover.
Projection
The total will likely land around 6-7 goals.
🏒 #3 (Value Play): Connor Bedard Anytime Goal Scorer | +170 to +200 range (Confidence 6/10)
Why We Like It
- Volume Shooter – Bedard averages 4.8 shots per game. He is also in the top 10 in the league, and with goal-prop betting, volume is king.
- High Ice Time – Connor is getting over 21 minutes per night, which is rare for a rookie. That includes heavy PP1 time, which has given him elite exposure.
- Motivation Narrative – I expect him to push for an impactful play after being shut down by Montreal and Boston. The rivalry setting also adds spice to the play.
- The Blues’ Defensive Tendencies – St. Louis has allowed multiple “slot look” goals per game this year and often gives too much space to snipers in high-danger areas. Bedard is impressive at creating his shot from those zones, and I expect him to do just that in this game.
- Correlation Angle – If the game script plays out as expected (the Blues lead and the Blackhawks chase), Bedard will get more offensive zone time late. That will increase the shot and goal probability.
Situational Insight
This play works best when paired with the Over. Alternatively, you can take it as a standalone prop if you prefer player-based action.
The play also adds excitement if you look beyond the sides/totals. It brings that emotional connection with the audience (Bedard = star power).
Projection
Bedard will likely score a power-play or a late rebound goal. This will be the first or third period.
Final Verdict & Score Projection
Final Score Prediction: Blues 4 – Blackhawks 2
I expect St. Louis’ depth and two-goal ability to push them over. While Chicago will manage to score, it will not be enough to keep the pace.
My best betting angle is the Blues Spread at -1.5 (+1-6). I lean towards that angle because the Blues have the home-ice edge, and their depth scoring has been impressive in recent games. They also have better performance when it comes to head-to-head stats. But if you want another angle, I’ll recommend the Over 5.5 bet. Both teams lean towards the offensive, and their goaltending isn’t particularly impressive at the moment.
Despite being the underdog, the Chicago Blackhawks still have Connor Bedard. He will likely be the Blues’ greatest threat on the ice.
I’d love to hear your thoughts as well and what you think of the Blues’ chances of winning this game. Share your thoughts in the comment section below, and do not fail to follow up for more predictions and matchups.
