Chicago Blackhawks vs Edmonton Oilers Picks and Predictions January 11th 2025

Oilers hope to start new winning streak in Chicago

The Edmonton Oilers head to Chicago on Saturday to face the Blackhawks, aiming to start a new winning streak after a 5-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins ended their four-game run. With a strong 7-2-1 record over their past 10 games and a stellar 12-3-1 mark in the last 16, Edmonton remains a team to watch as they seek to solidify their position in the standings.

Meanwhile, the struggling Blackhawks, who have won only two of their last nine games, hope to find consistency and leverage home-ice advantage to turn their fortunes around.

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Oilers: A Team on the Rise

Despite Thursday’s setback in Pittsburgh, the Oilers are firing on all cylinders, thanks to their dynamic offensive stars:

• Leon Draisaitl leads the NHL with 31 goals and is second in points with 61 in 41 games. He netted two goals in the Penguins game and remains a consistent offensive threat.
• Connor McDavid, with four points in his last two games, continues to dazzle. The Oilers captain missed Friday’s practice for a jersey retirement ceremony in Erie, Pa., but is expected to play on Saturday.
• Vasily Podkolzin, benefiting from Draisaitl’s mentorship, has praised the German star’s advice on skating, puck movement, and game awareness.

Edmonton’s offense remains among the league’s best, bolstered by strong team chemistry and leadership from their superstars.

Goaltending: A Battle in the Crease

Edmonton’s Calvin Pickard is projected to start in net:

• Season Stats: 9-4-0 record, .898 save percentage, 2.46 goals-against average (GAA).
• Vs. Chicago: In 10 career games against the Blackhawks, Pickard has struggled, posting a 3-5-0 record with a 3.08 GAA.

For the Blackhawks, Arvid Soderblom is expected to take the net:

• Season Stats: 6-10-1 record, .905 save percentage, 2.92 GAA.
• Recent struggles have seen him lose three of his last four starts.

This goaltending matchup will play a key role, with both teams relying on their netminders to provide stability.

Key Injuries and Updates

• Edmonton announced that forward Evander Kane underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Thursday, adding to his extended recovery from offseason abdominal surgery.
• Chicago, while not missing major contributors, continues to grapple with inconsistency across their lineup.

Blackhawks: Searching for Momentum

The Blackhawks are back home after a 5-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Friday. Despite their struggles, standout performances offer hope:

• Teuvo Teravainen scored twice against Detroit and has four points in his last four games.
• Connor Bedard extended his career-best point streak to nine games (four goals, eight assists) in the loss, reaffirming his status as Chicago’s most consistent offensive force.
• Tyler Bertuzzi, the team’s leading goal scorer, has tallied 14 goals in 42 games.

Chicago’s offense has potential but will need to elevate its game to match Edmonton’s firepower.

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Previous Matchup: A Chance for Revenge

Saturday marks the second of three meetings between these teams this season. Chicago stunned Edmonton with a 5-2 victory on October 12 in Edmonton:

• Blackhawks Standouts: Teuvo Teravainen (two goals, two assists), Connor Bedard (goal, two assists), and Seth Jones (goal, two assists) led the charge.
• Oilers’ Efforts: Leon Draisaitl and Corey Perry scored, but Edmonton struggled to keep pace.

Edmonton will look to even the series and use this game as a springboard for their next winning streak.

Quotes: Insights from the Stars

Vasily Podkolzin, on playing with Draisaitl:
“He tells me a lot. He’s a player who makes this league special. It’s a big opportunity for me to play with him. He’s always giving me advice—on faceoffs, puck movement, and more.”

Teuvo Teravainen, on Chicago’s struggles:
“We’re trying to find a way to be more consistent. If the game starts going the wrong way, you’ve got to do something to help the team—win a battle, make a play. It’s not always pretty, but it’s necessary.”

These quotes highlight the leadership within both teams and their determination to succeed.

What to Watch For

• Edmonton’s Offense: With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge, can Chicago’s defense hold up?
• Chicago’s Home Advantage: Will Bedard’s point streak and Teravainen’s recent surge be enough to give the Blackhawks an edge?
• Goaltending Performance: Can Pickard improve his track record against Chicago, or will Soderblom outshine him in net?

Prediction

While Chicago has shown flashes of brilliance, Edmonton’s recent form and offensive dominance make them the favorites. Look for the Oilers to bounce back and exact revenge for their earlier loss to the Blackhawks.