Chicago Blackhawks vs Seattle Kraken Picks and Predictions December 19th 2024

Fresh Off Stunning Comeback, Blackhawks Seek Third Straight Win

The Chicago Blackhawks aim for their first three-game winning streak of the season as they host the struggling Seattle Kraken.

Blackhawks Riding Momentum

The Chicago Blackhawks are buzzing after a thrilling come-from-behind victory over the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. Trailing by two goals in the third period, Chicago erupted for three goals to secure a dramatic 3-2 win against the Eastern Conference leaders.

Ryan Donato capped the rally with the game-winning goal, driving the goal line to score with just 2:18 remaining. His decisive play not only sealed the victory but also injected confidence into a team that has struggled to maintain leads this season.

“It feels great to be on the other side of things,” Donato said. “We’ve been in spots where we’ve been up a couple goals and lost, so knowing we can battle back shows we’re capable of staying in games no matter the score.”

Teuvo Teravainen, a key catalyst in the win, recorded three assists for his second consecutive three-point game. Blackhawks interim coach Anders Sorensen credited Teravainen’s resurgence to a renewed focus on fundamentals.

“When he’s engaged, skating, and playing on the interior, you see what he’s capable of,” Sorensen explained. “That rhythm and involvement have been key for him lately.”

A win on Thursday would give the Blackhawks their first three-game winning streak of the season, building on Sunday’s 5-3 victory over the New York Islanders.

Kraken Struggling to Find Offense

The Seattle Kraken enter Thursday’s matchup in a slump, having lost three of four games during their recent homestand. Aside from a 5-1 rout of the Boston Bruins on Dec. 12, the Kraken managed just two goals across three losses.

Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat to the Ottawa Senators extended Seattle’s scoreless drought to five periods. Kraken coach Dan Bylsma emphasized the need for a heightened sense of urgency as the season progresses.

“Desperation has to creep into our game on a nightly basis,” Bylsma said. “When it’s not there, it’s evident.”

Center Matty Beniers, the 2022-23 Calder Trophy winner, has also struggled offensively. Despite consistent effort, Beniers has not scored since Nov. 14, when Seattle defeated Chicago 3-1.

“As long as you’re creating opportunities, you know it’s going to come,” Beniers said. “Points come in different ways, but you focus on the process, not the outcome.”

Key Addition: Kaapo Kakko

In a bid to spark their offense, the Kraken acquired forward Kaapo Kakko from the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen and draft picks. Kakko, a former second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, brings a blend of skill and potential to Seattle.

This season, Kakko has recorded four goals, 10 assists, and a +9 rating in 30 games. With 61 career goals and 70 assists, the 23-year-old forward could provide the offensive jolt the Kraken desperately need.

Clash of Opposing Trends

While the Blackhawks have found life through resilience and strong offensive play, the Kraken are searching for answers amid their scoring woes. Chicago’s ability to capitalize on its momentum could spell trouble for Seattle, which has struggled to maintain consistency this season.

A win for the Blackhawks would further solidify their newfound confidence, while the Kraken will look to regroup and avoid a third straight loss.

Seattle vs Chicago Key Information

• Teams: Kraken at Blackhawks
• Where: United Center Chicago
• Date: Thursday, December 19th
• Betting Odds SEA -147 | CHI +124 O/U 5.5

The Kraken Can Win If…

With a 2-0 loss to the Bruins, the Kraken fell to 15-16-2 for the season. Seattle’s defense struggled early, allowing both goals in the first period, including one just 3:23 into the game.

The total for the game was set at 6 goals, but the teams combined for just 2. The Kraken, as underdogs on the puck line, failed to cover. Seattle’s offense was shut out, managing only 23 shots on goal.

Seattle’s offense struggled in their 2-0 loss to the Bruins, failing to score on 23 shots on goal. The Kraken gave the puck away 19 times and were shut out for the first time this season.

After the Bruins took a 2-0 lead in the first period, the Kraken were unable to find the net in the second and third periods. None of their players scored in the game.

Defensively, the Kraken will look to build on their last performance, where they held Boston scoreless after the first period. Joey Daccord made 31 saves, finishing with a 93.9% save percentage. Seattle’s defense also recorded 4 takeaways and 18 hits. However, they’ll aim to avoid another slow start, as they allowed two early goals to the Bruins.

• Seattle has put together a record of 1-2 in their last three games (regular season). In these contests, the team went just 1-2 against the spread, while going 1-2 on the over-under.
• Across Seattle’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 4-6. Across these games, their puck line record was just 6-4, while posting an over-under record of 5-4-1.

The Blackhawks Can Win If…

Chicago improved to 11-19-2 with a 4-2 road win over the Ducks. The Blackhawks covered the puck line as underdogs, and the total of 6 goals fell short of the 6.5 set before the game.

Four different players scored for the Blackhawks, who held a 4-1 lead until the Ducks added a goal with just 4 seconds left. Isaak Phillips opened the scoring at 7:03 in the first period.

Chicago’s offense struck early, netting two goals in the first period, followed by another in the second and one more in the third. The Blackhawks fired 29 shots on goal and ended the game with 12 giveaways.

Ryan Donato scored his 7th goal of the season, while Seth Jones added his 2nd. Teuvo Teravainen found the net for the 4th time this year, and Isaak Phillips scored his first goal of the season. Chicago also converted twice on the power play.

Chicago’s defense will look to build on a solid performance in their last game, where they allowed just two goals to Anaheim. Arvid Söderblom made 38 saves, finishing with a 95% save percentage. The Blackhawks’ defense also tallied 6 takeaways and 5 hits. Both goals they allowed came in the 3rd period, with one coming on a Ducks power play.

• Over their last three games, the Blackhawks have gone 2-1 straight up. The team has also been excellent vs the spread, going 2-1. Their over-under record in these games was 1-2.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Chicago has a record of 3-7. In these matchups, they ended with an puck line record of 5-5 and an over-under mark of 5-5.

Check out NHL Metropolitan Division Odds & Predictions on Scores and Stats.

The Lean

For a moneyline pick, I’m taking the Blackhawks to pick up on a win over the Kraken at home. With the moneyline sitting at +124, I’ll be locking in a 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.