Detroit Red Wings vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks and Predictions January 10th 2025

Patrick Kane, Red Wings Eye Sixth Straight Win Against Blackhawks

The Detroit Red Wings, riding a five-game winning streak, welcome the Chicago Blackhawks to Little Caesars Arena on Friday night in an Original Six matchup. Detroit has surged into the wild-card race, with Patrick Kane leading the charge during the team’s hot streak.

Red Wings’ Resurgence

Detroit (5-1 under new coach Todd McLellan) has flourished since McLellan replaced Derek Lalonde, finding a more aggressive playing style and renewed confidence. Patrick Kane, acquired earlier this season, has been pivotal to the turnaround.

The future Hall of Famer has notched four goals and four assists during the win streak, including the overtime power-play winner against Ottawa on Tuesday. Kane’s resurgence is a significant boost after a slow start to the season, where he tallied just five goals and nine assists in his first 30 games.

“He’s come in and done an incredible job of changing some things, helping us be a little more aggressive in our game and upped the confidence in the room,” Kane said of McLellan.

Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat have also been key contributors. Larkin has five goals and three assists during the streak and carries a four-game goal streak into Friday’s matchup. DeBrincat has matched Kane’s production with four goals and four assists in the past five games.

Blackhawks Look to Build Momentum

Chicago (2-1 in its last three games) arrives in Detroit looking to build on a strong performance against Colorado on Wednesday, when Petr Mrazek stopped 35 shots in a 3-1 victory. It was Mrazek’s first win since November, following a six-game stretch in which he allowed 27 goals.

“Long time no win,” Mrazek said. “After I came back from injury, I haven’t got a win. Early on, I saw a lot of pucks, so that was the key for me. I knew there was going to be a game that I could prove I can still play.”

Chicago’s franchise cornerstone, Connor Bedard, extended his career-best point streak to eight games with a goal and an assist against the Avalanche. Bedard has been a consistent bright spot for the rebuilding Blackhawks.

Additionally, Frank Nazar scored his first goal of the season and second of his career, providing a glimpse of the team’s promising future.

“It feels really good,” Nazar said. “A goal doesn’t really mean much if we don’t get that win, so it’s a good team effort.”

Previous Meeting

Detroit claimed a 4-1 victory in Chicago on Nov. 6, with Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat each contributing a goal and an assist. The Red Wings will look to replicate that success as they open a critical three-game homestand.

Key Matchup: Kane vs. Bedard

The game features an intriguing storyline, with Patrick Kane facing his former team and Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks’ current franchise player. Kane’s leadership and offensive skills have rejuvenated the Red Wings, while Bedard’s dynamic play continues to fuel Chicago’s future aspirations.

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Playoff Implications

Detroit’s five-game win streak has propelled the team into the wild-card race, and maintaining momentum on home ice is crucial as the season nears its midpoint. For Chicago, every game is an opportunity to develop young talent and build for the future.

Fans can expect an intense, hard-fought battle as these storied rivals clash. Whether it’s Kane’s poise or Bedard’s energy that shines, this game promises plenty of excitement.