NHL Odds: Bruins Favored In Original Six Matchup Vs. Blackhawks

The Boston Bruins continue a busy stretch of four games in six days Saturday afternoon when they host Chicago in the first half of a home-and-home series with the Blackhawks as heavy -220 favorites on the NHL odds at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.

Boston has gone undefeated in the first five dates on a six-game homestand and takes an 8-1-0 record over its past nine home games into Saturday afternoon’s Blackhawks vs. Bruins betting matchup at TD Garden.

The Bruins offense has been in a groove during the club’s current tear on home ice, averaging 4.6 goals per game. As well, Boston goaltenders have surrendered 3.29 goals against over the club’s past seven outings, and four or more goals in five of their past 10 overall. Despite those numbers, the Bruins have produced mixed results in totals wagering, with the OVER/UNDER going 5-5 over their past 10 games.

The Blackhawks find themselves in unfamiliar territory. With just seven victories in 24 outings since mid-January, Chicago has tumbled into last place in the Central Division standings. That stretch includes a dismal 1-7-1 run on the road, with the club scoring two or fewer goals on seven occasions. The Blackhawks also tallied just two goals in each of two home dates this week, including a 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes as -119 favorites Thursday night.

The Blackhawks also have struggled offensively against Boston, potting two or fewer markers in five of seven meetings with their Original Six rivals, and are listed as +185 underdogs in Saturday’s matchup. However, they have enjoyed regular success in contests at TD Garden, claiming the win in four of six, according to the OddsShark NHL Database, including a 1-0 victory as +146 underdogs in their last visit in January 2017.

Following Saturday’s clash the scene shifts to the United Center for the second half of this weekend’s series. The Bruins have dropped three of five road dates to the Blackhawks, but notched a narrow 3-2 win as +120 underdogs in their last trip to the Windy City on April 2.

But the Bruins must contend with a Chicago squad that has shown signs of life on home ice, posting victories in four of six while allowing just 1.83 goals per game.

Starting with Sunday’s matchup, Boston plays eight of its next nine games on the road. The Bruins struggled on their most recent road trip in late February, falling to earn victories in three of five, but will face opponents currently sitting outside the playoff picture in four of their next five road contests.