Pittsburgh Penguins vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks and Predictions April 8th 2025

Blackhawks Aim to Sweep Penguins in Back-to-Back Showdown

The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to double their delight Tuesday night in Pittsburgh as they face off against the Penguins for the second time in three days. After a surprising 3-1 win on Sunday, Chicago is now gunning for a rare home-and-home series sweep.

While both teams have already been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, pride—and future roster evaluations—are very much on the line in this late-season matchup.

Chicago Snaps Skid with Young Talent Stepping Up

Chicago (22-45-10, 54 points) entered Sunday’s game desperate to snap a five-game losing streak—and they delivered. Ilya Mikheyev found the back of the net twice, while rookie Frank Nazar chipped in a short-handed goal that energized the crowd.

But perhaps the most promising sign came from Sam Rinzel, the Blackhawks’ 2022 first-round pick. In just his fourth career NHL game, the 20-year-old defenseman registered his first career assist, showing poise and confidence that didn’t go unnoticed.

“We really like the fact that he wants the puck. He takes control of shifts,” interim coach Anders Sorensen said. “That’s a great attitude, especially for a young guy.”

Knight Holds It Down in Net

Goaltender Spencer Knight was locked in with 28 saves, frustrating the Penguins all night. The win was a much-needed morale boost for a Chicago team that’s struggled mightily on the road this season, owning just seven road wins total.

Penguins Stumble Out of the Playoffs Again

Pittsburgh (31-35-12, 74 points) was officially knocked out of playoff contention with Sunday’s loss—marking the third straight year without postseason hockey for a team that made 16 consecutive playoff appearances from 2007 to 2022.

And even though the talent is still there, the energy just wasn’t. After an emotional 5-3 victory over the Dallas Stars the night before, the Penguins looked gassed from the get-go in Chicago.

“It’s a long flight from Dallas,” said goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, who stopped 28 shots in the loss. “Both teams looked a little loose early. They found their game quicker.”

Rakell Keeps Firing

The lone bright spot? Rickard Rakell, who continues to shine in a lost season. His goal Sunday was his 34th of the year, tying his career high from 2017-18 with Anaheim.

Meanwhile, Sidney Crosby’s point streak ended at 12 games. It wasn’t for lack of trying—he’s been on fire lately—but his career numbers against the Blackhawks aren’t flattering: just 14 points in 20 games with a minus-14 rating.

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Key Storylines Heading Into Tuesday’s Rematch

Despite having the worst road record in the league, the Blackhawks have somehow won three of their last five against Pittsburgh—including their last two visits to PPG Paints Arena. This game could provide another glimpse of what this rebuild might produce down the line.

Will the Penguins Show Some Fire?

No playoffs. No home momentum. Will Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin rally their troops for one last stretch of competitive hockey? That’s the big question.

Also worth watching is the status of Philip Tomasino, who missed Sunday’s game with an upper-body injury and remains questionable.

Must-Visit Pages for NHL Bettors and Fans

Looking to get insights on NHL betting, division odds, or game picks? Here’s where you should go next:

• NHL Picks Page – Expert picks, previews, and analysis
• NHL Odds Page – Live odds and line movement
• Expert Betting Guide – Perfect for beginners and experienced bettors
• NHL Conference Odds – Who’s favored to take the East or West?
• Stanley Cup Futures – Updated championship odds

FAQs

Who won the first game of the home-and-home series?
Chicago beat Pittsburgh 3-1 on Sunday, snapping a five-game losing streak.

What was significant about Sam Rinzel’s performance?
The rookie defenseman tallied his first NHL point—an assist—in just his fourth career game.

Why are the Penguins out of the playoffs again?
Despite having a veteran core, the Penguins lacked consistency and were officially eliminated with Sunday’s loss.

How did Rickard Rakell perform this season?
He’s been a bright spot, notching 34 goals to tie his personal best from 2017-18.

What’s Sidney Crosby’s record vs. the Blackhawks?
He has 14 points in 20 games against them, along with a surprising minus-14 rating.

Can the Blackhawks win again in Pittsburgh?
They’ve won their last two games in Pittsburgh and seem to match up well against the Penguins, despite their poor road record.