Chicago Blackhawks vs Detroit Red Wings Picks and Predictions for Thursday October 29 2026
The Chicago Blackhawks will be on the road Thursday night for a 7:30 PM ET matchup against the Detroit Red Wings inside Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Coverage will be available on ESPN+. Chicago comes into Thursday night 4-8 on the year following a one-goal victory at home against Los Angeles in its last outing, snapping a three-game losing streak. Detroit returns home Thursday at 5-4-3 overall, having won three of its last five games following a one-goal shootout victory on the road against Edmonton. Detroit comes into Thursday as a -180 favorite, while Chicago is +150, and the total is set at 5.5 goals. Stay up to date with our NHL Picks.
Chicago goes for 2 in a row
The Chicago Blackhawks offense has been among the worst in the NHL this season, averaging just 2.17 goals on 21.8 shots per game. Defensively, Chicago is allowing 3.67 goals on 30.3 shots per game, and the Blackhawks gave up 11 total goals during their recent three-game losing streak. Patrick Kane is leading the Chicago offense this season with eight points, including a team-high seven assists. Anton Frondell, Teuvo Teravainen, and Connor Bedard are all tied for second on the roster with six points each. Roman Kantserov has added five points this season, leading the team with five goals scored.
Spencer Knight was phenomenal between the pipes for Chicago in its last outing, giving up one goal on 26 shots to post a .962 save percentage in 60 minutes on the ice. Roman Kantserov and Wyatt Kaiser led the Chicago offense with one goal each.
Key Injury Report for Chicago:
- Bowen Byram (Day-To-Dat) – Oct 29
Red Wings Battle The Injury Bug
The Detroit Red Wings have averaged 2.58 goals on 29.8 shots per game this season, but they have scored 13 total goals across their last three wins. Defensively, Detroit has been solid enough, allowing 2.92 goals on 25.8 shots per game, but the Red Wings gave up eight goals across their last two losses. Alex DeBrincat is leading the Detroit offense this season with 13 points, including a team-high six goals. Lucas Raymond is second on the roster with 11 points, and he leads the team with eight assists. Viktor Arvidsson is third on the team with 10 points this season.
Michal Postava was just strong enough between the pipes for Detroit in its last outing, giving up three goals on 27 shots to post a .889 save percentage in just over 63 minutes on the ice. Viktor Arvidsson led the charge for the Detroit offense with one goal and one assist. Emmitt Finnie and Dylan Larkin chipped in as well, scoring one goal each.
Key Injury Report for Detroit:
- Albert Johansson (Out) – Oct 31
- Daniil Tarasov (Day-To-Day) – Oct 29
- Simon Edvinsson (IR-NR) – Oct 31
- Mason Appleton (IR) – Nov 12
- Marco Kasper IR) – Nov 12
Chicago Blackhawks vs Detroit Red Wings Picks and Prediction
Pick: Detroit Red Wings -180
Detroit has the offensive depth and experience necessary to handle Chicago Thursday night, particularly if the Red Wings can establish pressure early. Dylan Larkin should be a major factor because of his speed and ability to create scoring chances around the net. Lucas Raymond gives Detroit another dangerous offensive option, while Alex DeBrincat can punish Chicago if the Blackhawks leave too much space along the perimeter. Chicago will rely heavily on Connor Bedard to generate offense, but the Blackhawks cannot afford to depend on one player to carry their scoring production. Detroit should be able to exploit Chicago's defensive inconsistencies by maintaining possession and creating traffic in front of the net. The Red Wings also have enough offensive balance to challenge multiple defensive pairings throughout the game. Look for Detroit to establish control early and use its scoring depth to secure a home victory.
Pick: Over 5.5
Both teams have the offensive weapons necessary to produce a high-scoring matchup Thursday night, especially if Chicago struggles to contain Detroit's top scoring options. The Red Wings should generate quality opportunities with Larkin, Raymond, and DeBrincat leading the attack, while the Blackhawks have enough young talent to create scoring chances in transition. Chicago will need Bedard to be aggressive offensively, particularly when Detroit leaves openings in the defensive zone. The Red Wings could also have trouble keeping Chicago off the scoreboard if they become too aggressive pushing the puck forward. With both teams capable of making defensive mistakes, scoring opportunities should develop at both ends of the ice. Detroit should lead the way offensively, but Chicago can contribute enough to help push the total over the number.
Final Picks: Detroit Red Wings -180 and Over 5.5