The 2015-16 NHL season continues this week with each match increasing in importance as we near the playoffs. Continue reading for our preview and betting tips for the Boston Bruins vs Chicago Blackhawks match as well as other NHL games for April 4th.
- - -
Boston Bruins v Chicago Blackhawks
In one of the best NHL rivalries to date, the Boston Bruins take a trip to Chicago to face off against the Blackhawks in an attempt to secure a much needed two points, just one week out from the 2016 Playoffs. Boston currently sits in 3rd position in the Atlantic and are yet to lock up a secure playoff standing, having only won 3 of their past 10 games in regulation. The B's have no trouble putting puck on net with their 225 Goals For (good for 5th in the NHL) through 31.6 Shots Per Game and will need to keep up a strong attack against one of the league's best offensive teams.
The Chicago Blackhawks are at the tailend of another great season and have already secured their Playoff birth, sitting 3rd in the Central Division. Forward Patrick Kane is closing in on a 100 point season and will be a huge force in denying the visiting Bruins a victory. Having excellent scoring power has lead to the Hawks winning 26 games after leading in the first period and will be hard to chase down if they do get out to an early lead in the game.
With 11 Stanley Cups between both sides in their franchise histories, Boston will be desperate to take a win from todays game to put them that one step closer to another shot at a championship. Unfortunately for them, the in-form Chicago are looking too strong on home ice and should send the Bruins back home empty handed.
Bet: Chicago to WIN @$1.74 at Sportsbet
Minnesota Wild v Winnipeg Jets
Just like the LA Kings of last season, the Minnesota Wild are playing right down to the wire for a playoff birth, only just holding onto the 2nd Wild Card position in the West. Posting a 6-3-1 record over the past few weeks, the Wild look to be the form team coming into the game against the lowly placed Winnipeg Jets. Once they score first in a game, Minnesota have gone onto win 33 of those games, one of the best records in the NHL so far. They will be doing their best to use this stat to their advantage and avoid the game going to overtime, in which they have lost 11 times this season.
With Winnipegs season almost at an end, they will be playing purely for the home ice win and to build some team confidence going into their post-season break. With just 31 wins from 78 games, the Jets also have the worst Powerplay Percentage in the league, only converting at 13.9%. Coming off a 4-5 overtime loss to Chicago this past week, Winnipeg really need to dig deep to avoid dropping any further down the standing in the final week of regular season games.
Minnesota should capitalize on the Jets only winning 3 of their past 10 games to help put some distance between them and Colorado for the 2nd Wild Card position.
Bet: Minnesota to WIN @$1.69 at SportsBet
St Louis Blues v Colorado Avalanche
In the second match up that could have a big effect on the 2nd Wild Card position in the West, the Colorado Avalanche need to lock up a home win to keep their Playoff hopes alive. The Av's sit just below the Minnesota Wild and need to put and end to a two game loosing streak if they want to extend their season beyond regulation games. On the other side of the coin, the visiting St Louis Blues are in flying form, already having secured a Playoff birth and also posting 7 wins from their past 10 match-ups.
The Blues are third in the league for wins with 46, and as the saying goes, the best offense is a good defense. Goalie Brian Elliott is at the top of the pile for Save Percentage per game at 0.931% and will be a key player for St Louis making a big run for the Cup. The same defensive wrap can't be said for Colorado this season. The Av's sit in the top 7 for Goals Against at 222, and even when leading after the first period, have gone onto lose the game 6 times, good for second place in that statistic.
If the Avalanche can keep the contest close through out the game, they could be in with a chance, as the Av's have never lost in a Shoot Out this season. Their biggest problem is stretching the game past overtime, or even getting to OT in the first place. St Louis look too strong and may be the key to the Av's missing their Wild Card spot for the Playoffs.
Bet: St Louis to WIN @$1.63 at CrownBet
Make sure to read full terms and conditions of any betting promotion before placing any bets - may not be available to residents of all states.
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
