Chicago is riding high after a 7-game win streak has brought them back into the postseason hunt. They face their toughest test over that span in the February 12th NHL pick however with a trip to Boston to take on Tuukka Rask and the Bruins. Boston has won 4 of 5 and oddsmakers are giving them the edge as huge -205 favorites on Tuesday night.
Can Blackhawks Offense Stay Hot Tuesday?
It’s no secret that Chicago’s much improved offense has played the integral role in turning around the team’s fortunes. In their 7 game win streak, Chicago has netted a total of 37 goals. Patrick Kane has definitely led the way with a 14 game point streak with 31 points over that span. Dylan Strome has 2 goals and 5 assists the last three games, Alex Debrincat has 2 goals and 3 assists the last two, and Jonathan Toews has put up 14 points in the 7 game win streak. The ‘Hawks are deep and potent right now.
Collin Delia is expected to get the start in net for Chicago in the February 12th NHL free pick. The young goaltender has something to prove in his first start since signing a three year extension on Monday. Delia has gone 3-1 over his last four starts but has allowed a total of 14 goals over that span. The Bruins offense has been kind of mediocre lately so Delia could be in line for a big night. Of course a nice buffer from the Chicago offense never hurts either.
Can Bruins Come Through As Big Underdogs Even While Shorthanded?
Boston is in a great spot at 3rd in the Eastern Conference while winning back-to-back games. Those two wins both came in OT however and Boston was a big favorite to both Colorado (-183) and Los Angeles (-235). The Bruins are 20-7-2 at home this season which gives them a big advantage in the February 12th NHL free pick. What’s working against Boston is that they’ll be missing leading scorer David Pastrnak at least the next two weeks due to a thumb injury. Pastrnak had put up 10 points in the five games since the Winter break. Patrice Bergeron does have 4 goals the last 3 games so he’ll have to continue stepping up on offense.
Another major question facing Boston ahead of Tuesday night’s matchup is what version of Tuukka Rask appears betweeen the pipes? The Boston goaltender has had up-and-down outings since the break, looking miraculous at times (SO vs. Washington, 1 goal vs. Islanders) but also gave up 4 goals to the Kings last time out. Rask better be sharp the way Chicago is skating.
February 12th NHL Free Pick Betting
Simply put there’s no value on Boston -205 the way Chicago has been playing. The Blackhawks have the momentum of a 7-game winning streak and one of the hottest offenses in the league right now. As huge underdogs the ‘Hawks are a solid play.
NHL Free Pick: Chicago Blackhawks +170
