Chicago Blackhawks vs Arizona Coyotes Picks and Predictions March 30th 2025

Utah HC Seek Bounce-Back Win vs. Blackhawks

Sunday’s game between the Utah Hockey Club and the Chicago Blackhawks is more than just a late-season NHL matchup — it’s a microcosm of two teams charting very different courses.

For Utah, this game marks an opportunity to turn the tide in the thick of a playoff race. For Chicago, it’s a fresh page in their rebuild, spotlighting top-tier prospects making their debut in front of a hopeful home crowd.

Both teams enter this contest with plenty to prove and plenty of eyes watching.

Check full NHL betting lines and playoff standings at the NHL Scores & Odds.

Utah: Building from Resilience

Utah HC may be winless in its last three outings, but their latest performance — a 2-1 overtime loss to one of the league’s best teams, the Florida Panthers — showed flashes of a playoff-caliber squad. They outplayed Florida for stretches, displayed grit and structure, and were just a bounce away from two points.

Coach André Tourigny commended the team’s intensity:
“Everybody was engaged. Everybody was connected. I’m really proud of them.”

Goaltender Karel Vejmelka was exceptional after a rough patch, turning aside 30 of 32 shots and showing why he’s the backbone of Utah’s late-season playoff push. He has now played in 16 straight games, a workload that reflects his importance to the team.

Vejmelka previously blanked the Blackhawks with a 21-save gem in February and will look to replicate that effort as Utah wraps its road trip.

Utah’s offense, led by Brock Boeser and Sean Durzi, will need to find more consistency. Boeser has been a steady contributor, while Durzi’s leadership and two-way game continue to be assets on the blue line.

Stay up-to-date with playoff implications via the NHL Western Conference Odds.

Chicago: Future Begins Now

The Blackhawks have endured a season full of growing pains. At 21-43-9, their focus has long shifted from wins to development — and Sunday’s game is another pivotal moment in that process.

Top 2022 first-round picks Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel will make their NHL debuts, fresh off their college seasons at the University of Minnesota. These debuts symbolize a new era, with Moore’s blazing speed and Rinzel’s offensive instincts expected to inject life into Chicago’s lineup.

Ryan Donato has been the lone beacon of scoring consistency in recent weeks. After posting his first career hat trick against Vegas, Donato leads the team in both goals (28) and points (58) and continues to mentor younger players while producing in clutch moments.

Meanwhile, rookie sensation Connor Bedard remains the cornerstone of the franchise’s rebuild. His recent move back to center aims to give him more puck touches and create more offensive opportunities. Coach Anders Sorensen believes the adjustment will spark Bedard’s next-level playmaking.

Track Chicago’s rebuild and prospect watch using the Expert NHL Betting Guide.

Analytics Spotlight

Utah’s Defensive Structure
Despite their recent struggles, Utah remains solid defensively, especially when they control the pace of play. They’re near the top third of the league in shot suppression and penalty killing.

Blackhawks’ Scoring Depth Issues
Chicago has one of the lowest goal-per-game averages in the NHL, which makes Donato’s output all the more impressive. Their expected goals (xG) per 60 is among the bottom five teams, indicating systemic offensive issues.

Goaltending Matchup
Vejmelka vs. Petr Mrazek or Arvid Söderblom will likely be lopsided in Utah’s favor — unless Chicago’s young netminders can step up under pressure.

Head-to-Head History

These teams have split their season series so far. Utah earned a 2-1 win on Feb. 25 before falling in overtime 4-3 on March 7.

Nick Schmaltz, a former Blackhawk, will be closely watched as he takes on his former team again. Schmaltz was on a 14-game tear (6G, 10A) before his current three-game scoreless skid.

For more breakdowns, stats, and matchup data, explore NHL Picks & Predictions.

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What’s on the Line

Utah Hockey Club

• A win gets them closer to the wild card in the West.
• Ending the road trip on a high note would boost morale heading into a home stretch.
• Defensive structure and goaltending must remain sharp.

Chicago Blackhawks

• A chance to see how their future core performs against a playoff-hungry team.
• Continued evaluation of young talent like Bedard, Moore, and Rinzel.
• Can Donato keep up his scoring pace and mentor Chicago’s youth movement?

Don’t forget to check the big picture at the Stanley Cup Odds & Predictions.

Final Word

Sunday’s matinee will be a fascinating mix of urgency and experimentation. Utah’s playoff ambitions hang in the balance, while Chicago’s rebuild gets its clearest look yet at the future.

Can Vejmelka lock it down again? Will Bedard and the kids flash brilliance? One thing’s for sure — both teams have something to play for.

For full coverage, betting analysis, and NHL futures, visit the NHL Blog Hub and gear up for a strong finish to the regular season.