Chicago Blackhawks vs Boston Bruins Picks and Predictions December 4th 2024

Chicago Blackhawks vs Boston Bruins December 4th 2024

Planning on watching today’s Bruins and Blackhawks game? Catch the action at United Center in Chicago, IL, as the Blackhawks hosts this showdown at 7:30 ET on TNT. In this non-conference matchup, the Bruins are favored by -1.5 vs. the Blackhawks. The over/under for the game is 5.5 goals.

Boston vs. Chicago Key Information

• Teams: Bruins at Blackhawks
• Where: United Center Chicago
• Date: Wednesday, December 4th
• Betting Odds BOS -154 | CHI +130 O/U 5.5

The Bruins Can Win If…

Boston improved to 13-11-3 with a 2-0 win over the Kraken. The Bruins covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 2 goals fell short of the pre-game line of 6.

Both of Boston’s goals came in the first period, with Justin Brazeau opening the scoring at 3:23. Charlie Coyle added a power-play goal at 9:57 to put the Bruins up 2-0, which held for the rest of the game.

Boston’s offense struck twice in the first period during their 2-0 win over the Kraken. Justin Brazeau netted his fifth goal of the season, while Charlie Coyle added his second, converting on a power play.

The Bruins fired 33 shots on goal but also had 16 giveaways. They recorded four assists, with Brad Marchand picking up his seventh assist of the year.

Boston’s defense was rock solid in their last game, shutting out the Kraken 2-0. Jeremy Swayman made 23 saves with a 100% save percentage, while the Bruins’ defense added 5 takeaways, 15 hits, and 27 blocks.

• The Bruins have posted a 2-1 record in their previous three games. Their record vs the puck line in these matchups is less impressive at 1-2, while posting an over-under record of 1-2.
• The Bruins have gone 5-5 over their last ten regular season games. Across these games, their puck line record was just 2-8, while posting an over-under record of 3-6-1.

The Blackhawks Can Win If…

With a 4-2 win over the Ducks, the Blackhawks improved to 8-15-2 this season. Chicago covered the puck line as underdogs, and the total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined score of 6 fell just short of that mark.

All four of Chicago’s goals came from different players, and they held the Ducks scoreless until the third period. The Blackhawks scored twice in the first period, adding another goal in the second before Anaheim got on the board.

Chicago’s offense produced 4 goals on 29 shots in their 4-2 win over Anaheim. Ryan Donato scored his 7th goal of the season, while Seth Jones added his 2nd. Isaak Phillips opened the scoring, and Teuvo Teravainen netted his 4th goal, which came on a power play.

Connor Bedard contributed with two assists, bringing his total to 9 for the season. Taylor Hall also added an assist, now with 4 this year. The Blackhawks scored twice in the 1st period, once in the 2nd, and capped it off with a 4th goal in the 3rd period.

On the defensive side, Arvid Söderblom made 38 saves with a 95% save percentage, helping the Blackhawks to a 4-2 win over the Ducks. Chicago’s defense also recorded 6 takeaways and 5 hits. Both of Anaheim’s goals came in the 3rd period, with the second coming on the power play with just 4 seconds left in the game.

• Through their last three regular season contests, Chicago has a record of 0-3. Across these games, their puck line record was just 1-2, while posting an over-under record of 1-2.
• The Blackhawks have gone 3-7 over their last ten regular season games. In these contests, the team went just 5-5 against the spread, while going 2-8 on the over-under.

The Lean

For a moneyline bet, I’m backing the Blackhawks to secure a victory over the Bruins at home. With the moneyline currently set at +130, I’m locking in my bet on the Blackhawks straight-up.

Our projections have the Blackhawks pulling out a win as the underdog. But if you’re not as bullish as we are on the Blackhawks, we’d recommend at least getting a bet down on them to cover the puck line.

When considering the over/under line, which is currently at 5.5 goals, we believe that this game will go over that threshold, and we recommend wagering on the over.

Daily NHL Picks & Predictions

Blackhawks Seek to Break Losing Streak in Crucial Clash Against Bruins

The Chicago Blackhawks are gearing up to face the red-hot Boston Bruins on Wednesday night as they return home hoping to snap a three-game losing streak. Coming off consecutive three-goal defeats, the Blackhawks are searching for answers against a Bruins team riding high on a winning streak.

Blackhawks Struggling to Regain Momentum

Chicago’s recent outings have been challenging, highlighted by a 4-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday. Despite creating offensive opportunities, the Blackhawks have struggled to capitalize at critical moments.

Forward Lukas Reichel, who scored Chicago’s lone goal in the third period to cut the deficit to 2-1, expressed frustration with the team’s inability to turn opportunities into results.

“It wasn’t Grade A, but we were in the offensive zone buzzing,” Reichel said. “We just have to find ways to win the game when it’s 2-1 or when we are down one goal. It’s pretty tough right now.”

Head coach Luke Richardson acknowledged the effort but pointed to missed chances and bad bounces as key factors in the loss.

“There were a couple loose pucks in there that we couldn’t get our hands on,” Richardson said. “We worked them down low pretty good. Unfortunately, we just didn’t connect on a few of them.”

Adding to the Blackhawks’ woes, star rookie Connor Bedard, who leads the team with 19 points, saw his three-game point streak come to an end against Toronto. Bedard will be a focal point as the Blackhawks attempt to reignite their offense against Boston.

Bruins Riding High Under Interim Coach

While the Blackhawks are searching for answers, the Bruins are thriving. Boston extended its winning streak to two games with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday. Pavel Zacha delivered the game-winner, finishing a sharp feed from David Pastrnak just over two minutes into overtime.

Zacha emphasized the importance of grinding out wins in close games:

“It’s one of those games where you have to win if you want to have a good season,” he said. “We had a good penalty kill, something we can build on, and now we have to play better the next game.”

Under interim head coach Joe Sacco, the Bruins have found new life, going 5-2-0 since Sacco took over following Jim Montgomery’s dismissal. Players credited Sacco with instilling a renewed sense of structure and passion.

Defenseman Nikita Zadorov highlighted the team’s improved chemistry:

“I think we’re playing with passion. I think we’re playing with pride. I think we’re playing for each other. I thought we were disconnected before. That’s what wasn’t working.”

The Bruins have emphasized defensive structure and increased shot volume, which has helped them tighten up in their own zone while generating more offensive opportunities.

What to Watch For

As the Blackhawks and Bruins collide, several factors will likely define the outcome:

1. Blackhawks’ Offensive Resilience

Chicago needs more consistency from its top performers, particularly Connor Bedard. His ability to generate scoring opportunities will be crucial in overcoming Boston’s structured defense. The Blackhawks must also find ways to close out tight games—a challenge they’ve struggled with all season.

2. Bruins’ Defensive Structure

Boston’s recent success has been rooted in a disciplined defensive approach. The pairing of improved cohesion and strong special-teams play will pose a challenge for Chicago’s struggling offense.

3. Fatigue Factor for Boston

The Bruins are in the midst of a stretch featuring three games in four days. While momentum is on their side, managing energy levels will be critical as they look to extend their winning streak.

Key Player Matchups

• Connor Bedard vs. Bruins Defense: Bedard has shown flashes of brilliance this season but will face a disciplined Bruins team that excels in shutting down star players.
• Pavel Zacha vs. Blackhawks Defense: Zacha, fresh off an overtime game-winner, is becoming a key offensive catalyst for Boston.
• Luke Richardson vs. Joe Sacco: Coaching adjustments will play a significant role as Richardson seeks solutions to Chicago’s struggles, while Sacco looks to maintain Boston’s momentum.

Conclusion

The Blackhawks have their work cut out for them as they face a Bruins team surging under interim leadership. For Chicago, the keys to success lie in tightening their defense, finishing offensive opportunities, and leaning on Bedard’s playmaking ability. Meanwhile, Boston will aim to continue its disciplined, structured approach to extend its winning streak to three games.

As the puck drops Wednesday night, fans can expect a high-stakes battle between a team looking to regain its footing and another determined to sustain its upward trajectory.