The Chicago Blackhawks are set to face the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Amidst a six-game losing streak, the struggling Blackhawks look to star player Connor Bedard for pivotal contributions as they attempt to turn their season around.
Connor Bedard leads the Blackhawks with 35 assists and a total of 54 points this season. His ability to generate scoring opportunities will be crucial in what is expected to be a challenging matchup against the Blues, who currently hold a 2-0 advantage in their season series. The Blues recently secured a playoff spot with a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory against the Vancouver Canucks, demonstrating their recent form as they chase postseason success.
As the Blues host the Blackhawks, they aim to sweep the season series for the first time since the 2019-20 season. This ambition follows their previous wins, including a 6-2 victory at Wrigley Field during the Winter Classic and a nail-biting 6-5 shootout win.
For the Blackhawks, the situation is dire. They are last in the standings, coming off a spell where they have consistently struggled to score, netting two goals or fewer in their last six games. This includes a significant loss against the Kings where Bedard managed to score the team's only goal in a 3-1 defeat. Despite these challenges, Bedard's personal performance remains a silver lining, as he is on track for a possible 60-point season following his Calder Trophy-winning debut last year.
The Blues, sitting in eighth place in the Central Division, are thrilled about their newfound playoff position after a lengthy struggle through the first half of the season. They have dramatically turned their fortunes around, allowing them to control their destiny as they look to sustain success against the Blackhawks and the Nashville Predators, whom they will also face this weekend.
The current betting odds heavily favor the Blues, listed at -305 on the moneyline with a 75.3% implied chance of victory, as opposed to the Blackhawks' +245 underdog status, which places their chance at 29%. This overwhelming confidence in the Blues has been supported by their recent form and successful fixtures.
Head Coach Jim Montgomery expressed his satisfaction with the team’s recent performances, particularly their resilience and ability to thrive under pressure during critical moments. He commented on the importance of maintaining their focus against a potentially dangerous Blackhawks team, stating, 5I really liked our resilience.5
On the other hand, the Blackhawks' coaching staff is focused on exploiting any potential weaknesses the Blues might show during the game. With a rebuilding strategy in mind, the Blackhawks are looking to learn and grow from every game. Coach Luke Richardson has emphasized the significance of Bedard's development and the long-term future of the team, framing him as a cornerstone player for the franchise.
As spectators gear up for the action at the Enterprise Center, early predictions have emerged regarding the game's potential outcome. Analysts are suggesting that the game could be a high-scoring affair, with the over/under set at 5.5 goals. Many expect the result to be over that threshold, given both teams’ recent performances and tendencies.
In their bid to improve their standing, the Blues aim to secure a sizeable win over the Blackhawks, potentially establishing a commanding lead in the battle for playoff positioning. They could exit the weekend significantly ahead, depending on how later matches play out.
The stage is set for an exhilarating matchup. Will the Blackhawks manage to pull off an upset, or will the Blues continue their strong run towards the playoffs?
