It’s been awhile since Chicago has taken the ice with their last game coming October 4th against the Flyers in Prague. In this instance though, the unknown is an advantage in the October 10th NHL free pick Sharks at Blackhawks. This is because San Jose has played plenty so far this season, but still don’t have a win to show for it going 0-4. The line -110 for both teams Wednesday, which is the side to be on?
San Jose Just a Victim of Their Competition?
It’s been a slow start out of the gate for the Sharks. They dropped both ends of a home and away against Vegas to start the season and by a combined score of 2-9. San Jose has spent the last two games after that on the road, dropping a 1-3 game to Anaheim and a 2-5 contest at Nashville with the Sharks being +152 underdogs.
The good news for San Jose is that their 4 losses have all come against playoff teams from a year ago. Chicago is the first opponent that San Jose ‘should’ win against, even though the line is -110 on both sides. If the Sharks want that victory, they’re offense has to improve though. Peter DeBoer’s team has scored just 5 goals total in their first 4 games and they appear to be feeling the effects of losing Joe Pavelski in the offseason. New captain Logan Couture has a goal and 2 assists for 3 points in 4 games.
Aaron Dell is the confirmed goaltender in the October 10th NHL free pick Sharks at Blackhawks. Both he and Martin Jones have struggled so far this season as the Sharks have allowed 4+ goals in 3 of 4 games this season. Dell had a 3.55 GAA on the road last season with a save percentage of just .875. It could be a big night for the Chicago offense in their home opener.
Blackhawks Look to Shake Off Rust and Ride Home Home Momentum
5 off days in a row are nice later in the season when rest and recuperation are a key part of winning but this early in the season all the downtime might do is make Chicago sputter. Then again, it’s nice for the Blackhawks to get their legs back after a 12 hour flight to and from Prague to start the season.
That overseas visit wasn’t exactly a vacation for Chicago as they dropped a 3-4 decision to the Flyers as +106 underdogs last Friday. The good news for Chicago heading into the October 10th NHL free pick Sharks at Blackhawks is that last year’s stars are off to a fast start in the opener. Patrick Kane scored a goal and added 2 helpers while budding star Alex Debrincat also netted his first score of the season. With the Sharks struggling a bit in net Chicago should have a big hand towards the ‘over’ of 6.5.
It will be Corey Crawford starting again in net even though the Blackhawks signed uber-capable backup Robin Lehner in the offseason. Crawford gave up 4 goals on 38 shots in the opener. He did have just a 2.54 GAA at the United Center last season with a .921 save percentage.
October 10th NHL Free Pick Sharks at Blackhawks
In basically a ‘pick em’ game, it’s hard not to like Chicago at home. The Blackhawks should be fully rested after playing just one game so far this season while San Jose will be playing their 3rd straight on the road. The Chicago offense can get to Dell in this one and the +205 on the puck line is tempting in this one. Too much value on the ML though.
Pick: Chicago Blackhawks -110
