Chicago Blackhawks @ Anaheim Ducks Game Preview and Prop Pick

Even with trade rumors swirling in the NHL, especially around the Blackhawks, hockey still needs to be played, and Chicago will be in Anaheim tonight to take on the Ducks. We’ll preview the game before going over my best prop play for the action.

Game Preview

There have been many distractions thrown at the Blackhawks amid Patrick Kane trade rumors, as he was out of the lineup on Saturday's game, and it is unclear whether he will be in there tonight. Despite the distractions, Chicago picked up the win against the Sharks, which was their fifth straight win.

On the season, the Blackhawks rank 31st in both goals and shots per game, but Chicago is averaging four goals per game over this five-game win streak. Being able to keep the momentum going on offense amidst everything going on is quite impressive, and without it, they would likely be on a losing slide due to their defense. Chicago is 26th in the league in goals allowed per game, and over their past ten games, they are allowing an average of 3.3 goals per game.

One of those ten games includes a 3-2 overtime loss to their opponent tonight, the Anaheim Ducks. In that loss, they were able to outshoot the Ducks 29 to 26 but lost the game on the lone shot on goal they allowed in OT. Outshooting your opponent is always good, but only coming up with 29 shots against a Ducks team that ranks dead last in the league in average shots allowed per game certainly leaves room for improvement.

Due to those defensive struggles, the Ducks have gone 4-6 in their last ten games. Despite the losing record in that span, Anaheim has picked up a win in their past two games. The Ducks snapped a six-game losing streak by picking up two road wins in Washington and Carolina, in which they only allowed two goals in each which is the first time they allowed under three goals since February 7th.

Prop Pick for the Game

For my prop play in this one, I’ll be targeting Max Domi over 2.5 shots on goal at (-165). The Blackhawks' points leader is second on the team in shots this season behind Patrick Kane, and over his past ten games, he is averaging 2.6 shots on goal per game. With Kane out of the lineup on Saturday night, Domi had eight total shots on goal, and if Kane is held out again tonight, I’m expecting a similar output, especially in a matchup against Anaheim.

The Ducks have been one of the best teams to target when it comes to shots on goal since they allow an average of 39.6 per game. Lukas Dostal was confirmed as the starting goaltender for the Ducks tonight, and he has not seen under 41 shots since December 15th. In his past two starts, Dostal has allowed a combined 13 goals, and in his past ten starts, his save percentage is .895.

Between the increased role due to the state of the team and his opponent tonight, I expect Domi to go over his shot total for the third straight game. Chicago is playing at a high level, and to keep that up, Domi will need to continue to be the offense's focal point.

Recap

• Max Domi Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-165)