NHL · January 7, 2026
St. Louis Blues @ Chicago Blackhawks
Free LineCrush game report for St. Louis Blues @ Chicago Blackhawks on January 7, 2026, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.
Matchup Analysis
Defensive Structure vs. Offensive Firepower
The Blues rank 32nd in goals scored (2.49 per game) but have tightened their defense, allowing 3.35 goals per game over the season. Meanwhile, Chicago outpaces St. Louis in both offensive output (2.76 goals per game) and defensive efficiency (3.12 goals allowed per game, 17th in NHL). The Blues' emphasis on defensive structure will be tested against a Blackhawks team riding momentum from three consecutive wins.
Blackhawks' Hot Streak Without Key Playmaker
Chicago has won three straight games despite missing Connor Bedard, who leads the team in scoring with 19 goals and 25 assists. The Blackhawks' ability to win close games (6-7-4 in one-goal contests) suggests they have found alternative scoring threats, particularly Tyler Bertuzzi, who has a 34.5% anytime goal scorer probability in this matchup.
Power Play Disparity
The Blackhawks' power play ranks 12th in the NHL at 21.19%, while St. Louis ranks 24th at 17.27%. This advantage becomes more pronounced given that Chicago's penalty kill ranks 4th in the league at 83.7%, compared to St. Louis's 20th-ranked 78.38%. Special teams could be a decisive factor in a closely contested rivalry game.
Blues' Goaltending vs. Recent Form
Jordan Binnington will start for St. Louis, who is seeking a third consecutive win after securing a 2-0 shutout of Montreal. Spencer Knight has been solid for Chicago with 12 wins and a .910 save percentage. While Binnington provides consistency, the Blues' weak offensive output (32nd in scoring) could be amplified if Knight continues his recent performance.
Low-Scoring Trend and Goaltending Duel Potential
Both teams have trended toward low-scoring games recently. The Blues' last two wins totaled 2 and 7 combined goals, while Chicago's last two wins were identical 3-2 scores. The absence of depth scoring for St. Louis and Bedard for Chicago creates conditions for a defensive, low-scoring affair that rewards strong goaltending.
Pick Ideas
Blues Moneyline (-120)
St. Louis enters as the betting favorite and projects to generate more key offensive moments despite recent struggles, with analytical models giving the Blues a 52% win probability in a tightly contested matchup.
Blackhawks +1.5 Puck Line (-258)
Chicago has excelled at keeping games close during their winning streak (9-8-4 at home) and the revenge factor combined with home ice advantage supports backing the Hawks to cover the spread or win outright.
Over 5.5 Total Goals (+102)
While recent games suggest a low-scoring trend, the two teams average 5.2 combined goals per game, and several models predict the over with a 51% probability of exceeding 5.5 goals despite defensive emphasis.
Tyler Bertuzzi Anytime Goal Scorer (+170)
The Blackhawks winger has the highest anytime goal scorer probability at 34.5% and has been carrying scoring load in Bedard's absence during Chicago's three-game winning streak.
Under 5.5 Total Goals (-115)
Both teams are trending toward low-scoring affairs with the Blues' weak offensive output (32nd in NHL) and Chicago's missing primary playmaker in Bedard, creating conditions for a defensive, goaltending-dependent contest.