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Free NHL Pick: Blackhawks vs. Bruins Betting Lines & Preview

Free Pick: Blackhawks vs Bruins

NHL Betting action sees the Chicago Blackhawks taking on the Boston Bruins on Thursday December 11th at TD Banknorth Garden. Cappers Picks provides free NHL handicapping tips all season long.

Thursday night sees a marquee NHL match-up in Beantown.

NHL Predictions

Chicago vs Boston
Date/Time: Thursday, Dec. 11 2014, 7 pm EST
Venue: TD Banknorth Garden, Boston MA
Broadcast: NESN, NHL Network
Chicago -130, Boston EVEN
Over/Under: 5
***2014 BONUSES***
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Click here to view today’s… NHL Matchup Angles | NHL Insider Gambling Preview

Two of the more dynastic franchises in the past several seasons clash on the Eastern Seaboard, though the home team Bruins have been struggling of late. The imminent return from injury of David Krejci and Zdeno Chara should make a big difference for the B’s.

Boston has slid to a record of 15-12-1, for 31 points and fifth in the Atlantic division.

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The Bruins have been the gold standard in the Eastern Conference for a while now, so it’s uncharacteristic to see struggles from the black and gold.

The Blackhawks keep doing what they do best: winning consistently. The Hawks lead the cannibalistic Central division with 39 points, one up on the young and dynamic Nashville Predators. Chicago is riding a seven-game winning streak.

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Chicago has a bit of everything: World-class skill thanks to Patrick Kane; world-class leadership thanks to Jonathan Toews; world-class blueline stewardship thanks to Duncan Keith; world-class front office thanks to GM Stan Bowman.

With two Stanley Cups since 2009-10, it’s a nice formula.

People don’t instantly think of goaltending when they think of the Blackhawks, but they currently rank first in penalty-kill success and second in the league in goals against.

The quick forward Kris Versteeg has also been effective in his return to Chicago, following stints in Toronto and Florida. It’s all translated to a 19-8-1 record. The Hawks are beating up on teams within their division and winning close games – basically doing everything you need for sustained winning in the NHL.

For the Bruins to have success at home Thursday night, they must get a bell-cow performance from young D-man Dougie Hamilton, a recent Boston draft pick that has come up trumps for the franchise.

Pesky winger Brad Marchand is also having a solid season, with eight goals and eight helpers in addition to his usual brand of getting-under-an-opponent’s-collar antics.

Krejci is central to the Bruins’ offensive attack, so he especially is sorely missed.

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Chara is still a top-line D, but at age 37 and with only nine games played this season, he’s been a non-factor in 2014.

NHL Betting Trends

* CHI are 13-3 in their last 16 overall.
* Under is 4-1-3 in CHI last 8 overall.
* CHI are 7-2 in their last 9 vs. Atlantic.
* Under is 8-2-1 in BOS last 11 vs. Central.
* BOS are 40-15 in their last 55 home games.

4* FREE NHL Play: Chicago 4, Boston 2

Without the services of the goal-threat Krejci and massive veteran defenseman Chara, I don’t like Boston’s chances of winning at home against the surging Blackhawks.

Take the OVER

Look for Chicago’s top line to get a couple of markers and the Blackhawks to earn a road win and extend their streak to eight.

By James Hayes

James has been naming every player on the EA Sports video game rosters for half a decade now, he’s finally putting his knowledge to better use writing for us here at CappersPicks.com. Your comments are welcome below…Give Us Your Take!