Free Pick: Penguins vs. Blackhawks Odds
Looking for Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Chicago Blackhawks free NHL predictions? NHL betting sees the Penguins taking on the Blackhawks on 10/13 at United Center, in Chicago. This free NHL pick is based on matchup analysis and documented handicapping data tracked by CappersPicks since 2004, with a focus on identifying the strongest betting angle for this Penguins Blackhawks matchup.
2026 NHL Handicapping – Pittsburgh Penguins vs Chicago Blackhawks
(3-2-1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Chicago Blackhawks (1-5-0)
Date: Oct 13, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Venue: United Center in Chicago, IL
NHL Moneyline Odds: Penguins -138 | Blackhawks +118 (Bet Now!)
Today’s NHL Puck Line Betting Odds: Penguins -1.5 | Blackhawks +1.5
NHL Hockey Gambling Total: O/U: 6.5
Here’s why I’m backing Pittsburgh on the moneyline in my Penguins Blackhawks free pick and NHL betting prediction.
Penguins vs. Blackhawks Gameday
Pittsburgh heads to Chicago following a victory, but the Blackhawks have their own headline. Connor Bedard makes his season debut after shoulder surgery. Finally, something more exciting than Chicago’s record.
The Penguins visit the Blackhawks on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the United Center. Puck drop is 8:00 PM ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh, CHSN and ESPN+ for eligible viewers.
Dan Muse’s Penguins enter at 3-2-1.
Bedard’s return strengthens Chicago’s attack, but Pittsburgh brings a steadier overall game into this matchup.
Jeff Blashill’s Blackhawks are 1-5-0, having lost two straight. Chicago is looking for consistency during its seven-game homestand.
Pittsburgh opens a four-game road trip. The Penguins have veteran leadership, while Chicago should enjoy an emotional lift. Unfortunately, enthusiasm doesn’t count on the scoreboard.
The Blackhawks need more than an exciting introduction.
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Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Chicago Blackhawks Odds & Previous Games
The opening NHL odds favor Pittsburgh at -138, with Chicago at +118. The Penguins are -1.5 (+177), while Chicago is +1.5 (-218). The total is 6.5, with the Under at -118.
Pittsburgh beat Dallas 2-1 in a shootout Saturday after losing to Columbus 3-2 and Washington 5-3. Other results include a 3-2 loss to Winnipeg and a 6-5 overtime victory against Montreal.
The Penguins haven’t exactly been cruising.
Chicago lost 5-2 to Carolina and 4-1 to the Islanders. Its lone victory came against St. Louis, 4-2. Losses to Buffalo and Utah also contributed to the rough start.
Pittsburgh swept last season’s meetings, outscoring Chicago 13-5. The Penguins have earned points in four of their last five United Center visits.
Apparently, Chicago hasn’t enjoyed hosting these visitors.
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Blackhawks Stats
Chicago has scored 12 goals through six games, averaging two per contest. The Blackhawks are 1-for-14 on the power play. So much for that extra-skater advantage.
Defensively, Chicago has surrendered 26 goals. Opponents are averaging 4.33 per game.
That’s an expensive defensive habit.
Chicago needs cleaner defensive coverage and more productive possessions to give its returning captain a fighting chance.
Anton Frondell has four points, while Oliver Moore has shown offensive promise. Chicago’s youngsters have provided occasional bright spots.
Bedard recorded 75 points last season, including 30 goals and 45 assists. His return provides much-needed scoring talent.
Frank Nazar is serving his second game of suspension.
Penguins Stats
Pittsburgh has scored 21 goals through six games, averaging 3.50. Its defensemen have combined for 21 points. Opponents can’t concentrate exclusively on the forwards.
The Penguins’ penalty kill is operating at 94.1 percent, allowing one goal in 17 opportunities. They’ve surrendered 2.67 goals per game.
That’s a useful combination away from home.
Tommy Novak has three goals, while Erik Karlsson has four assists. Samuel Girard has added four assists in three road appearances.
Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust remain offensive fixtures. Rickard Rakell provides another experienced scoring option.
Muse can spread responsibility across his forward combinations. Pittsburgh doesn’t need Crosby carrying every shift. Although he’d probably volunteer.
Penguins vs. Blackhawks Goaltending Matchup
Sergei Murashov is Pittsburgh’s projected starter after stopping 45 of 47 shots against Columbus. The Penguins lost 3-2 in a shootout. Hard to blame the kid for that one.
Murashov owns a 2.45 GAA and .939 save percentage through two appearances. He’s provided Pittsburgh another option alongside Arturs Silovs.
Chicago’s returning talent presents a fresh challenge.
Spencer Knight is Chicago’s projected starter. He has a 3.80 GAA and .885 save percentage through four games.
Defensive breakdowns have complicated Knight’s job. Chicago continues allowing dangerous scoring chances.
Even good goaltenders appreciate occasional help.
Murashov must handle Chicago’s quick movement around the crease. Knight faces Pittsburgh’s offensive contributions from both forwards and defensemen.
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Defensive support will matter for both clubs. Screens and rebounds can change a game quickly. Goalies generally prefer teammates who remember they’re supposed to defend.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Chicago Blackhawks bottom line: Bedard boosts Chicago’s offense, but Pittsburgh’s structure presents another difficult test for the Blackhawks.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Chicago Blackhawks Hockey Betting Trends
- Chicago has lost 4 of their last 5 games this season.
- In the last 5 games, the Blackhawks have scored 2 or fewer goals in 4 games.
- Chicago’s games have gone over the total in 3 of their last 5 outings.
- Also, the Penguins have won 2 of their last 5 games this season.
- In their last 5 games, Pittsburgh has been involved in games where the total has gone over 3 times.
- Additionally, the Penguins have allowed 3 or more goals in 4 of their last 5 games.
Penguins Blackhawks Free Pick: Penguins ML -138
Here is my Penguins Blackhawks free pick: I’m taking Pittsburgh Penguins ML (-138). Chicago will have an emotional lift tonight, but I don’t particularly enjoy paying for emotion at the sportsbooks. Pittsburgh is the more trustworthy side to handle the little things that decide a close game.
My betting angle starts with puck management. The Penguins need to make Chicago chase through the neutral zone rather than hand the Blackhawks free entries.
That’s how you take some of the noise out of a lively building.
I’m backing Pittsburgh to turn Chicago’s defensive mistakes into enough quality chances to win outright.
I also want the Penguins getting the puck behind Chicago’s defense and winning battles along the boards. A tired defensive group starts making rushed decisions, and those are exactly the opportunities a road favorite needs.
No need to turn this into an end-to-end circus.
There’s a reason I’m passing on Pittsburgh -1.5 at +177. Chicago could hang around with a strong goaltending performance or one timely goal, and I have no interest in losing a winning opinion because the margin isn’t pretty enough. The moneyline removes that unnecessary headache.
The -138 price isn’t cheap, but it’s playable.
My NHL betting system favors teams that can control the pace without relying on a scoring explosion. I’ll take Pittsburgh to weather the opening push and finish the job, with a 4-2 victory fitting the ticket nicely. My NHL free pick is Pittsburgh Penguins ML (-138).
Today’s NHL Free Pick
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Chicago Blackhawks on X
the homestand continues ⏩
🆚 @penguins
📍United Center
⏰ 7:00PM CT
📺 @CHSN__ in market, @ESPNPlus out-of-market
📻 @WGNRadio https://t.co/1M1AnsgHLr— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 13, 2026
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