The St. Louis Blues face off against the Chicago Blackhawks in a Central Division rivalry game that could have playoff implications for both struggling teams. With the Blues coming off back-to-back wins and the Blackhawks hoping for a boost from Connor Bedard’s potential return, this matchup at United Center promises gritty, physical hockey between two historic foes. St. Louis has dominated the recent series, but Chicago’s home ice and special teams could keep it close. Below is a detailed analysis of all key elements.
Venue Location
The game will be held at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. This 19,717-seat arena has been the Blackhawks’ home since 1994 and is known for its raucous atmosphere during divisional games, where Chicago has posted a 9-8-4 home record this season.
Puckdrop is set for 9:30 PM ET (8:30 PM CT local time). The game will be nationally televised on TNT, with streaming available via HBO Max and regional broadcasts.
Recent Team Forms
The Blues have shown signs of life with back-to-back wins, focusing on defensive structure, while the Blackhawks have been inconsistent but competitive in low-scoring games.
St. Louis Blues: The Blues are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, averaging 2.8 goals per game while allowing 2.9. They’ve won two straight, including a 2-0 shutout over Montreal on January 3 and a 4-3 victory over Vegas on January 2. Power play: 20.5% (mid-pack), penalty kill: 78.9% (bottom-10). Key trend: Under in 7 of last 10, with strong goaltending in wins (2.00 GAA in last two).
Chicago Blackhawks: The Blackhawks are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games, scoring 2.7 goals per game but allowing 3.1. They’ve alternated wins and losses, with a 3-2 win over Vegas on January 4 but a 4-3 OT loss to Dallas earlier. Power play: 19.8% (bottom-10), penalty kill: 80.2% (mid-pack). Key trend: Under in 6 of last 10, with defensive focus holding opponents under 3 goals in four wins.
| Team | Last 10 Games | Last Game Result | Key Stat from Recent Form |
| St. Louis Blues | 5-4-1 | W 2-0 vs. MTL | 2-0-0 in last 2; Under in 7 of 10; 2.00 GAA in wins |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 4-5-1 | W 3-2 vs. VGK | 3-2-0 in last 5; Under in 6 of 10; 2.7 GPG average |
Injury Report
Injuries could significantly impact both teams’ forward depth and goaltending options.
St. Louis Blues:
Nathan Walker (LW): Out (Undisclosed) – Depth forward; minimal impact but affects bottom-six energy.
Nick Bjugstad (C): Out (Upper Body) – Expected return January 7; secondary center sidelined, hurting faceoffs (52% wins).
Dylan Holloway (LW): Out (Ankle) – Scoring winger absent; reduces offensive options.
Pius Suter (C): Out (Ankle) – Key forward out; impacts penalty kill and depth scoring.
Chicago Blackhawks:
Connor Bedard (C): Day-to-Day (Shoulder) – Leading scorer (19 goals); practiced January 6, expected to return soon but game-time decision.
Frank Nazar (C): Out (Undisclosed) – Expected return February 26; rookie center sidelined.
Shea Weber (D): Out (LTIR) – Veteran defenseman long-term; no immediate impact.
Player Matchups
If Bedard returns, this game features exciting young talent vs. veteran savvy, with goaltending likely deciding tight contests.
Robert Thomas (STL) vs. Connor Bedard (CHI, if available): Thomas leads Blues with points (versatile center, strong assists), facing Bedard’s scoring threat (19 goals, PP specialist). This forward matchup could spark odd-man rushes, with Thomas exploiting Chicago’s mid-pack PK (80.2%).
Jordan Kyrou (STL) vs. Teuvo Teravainen (CHI): Kyrou’s speed (secondary scorer) vs. Teravainen’s playmaking (assists leader for Hawks). Wing battle tests Chicago’s blue line, weakened without full depth.
Brayden Schenn (STL) vs. Philipp Kurashev (CHI): Schenn (physical captain, recent goals) vs. Kurashev (versatile forward). Center ice control key, favoring Blues’ faceoff edge (50.5%).
Jordan Binnington (STL) vs. Petr Mrazek (CHI): Binnington (.902 SV%) anchors Blues’ defense (3.2 GAA) against Mrazek (.905 SV%). Goaltending duel tilts if Bedard boosts Chicago’s offense.
Bench: Blues’ depth (e.g., Pavel Buchnevich) vs. Hawks’ youth (e.g., Frank Nazar out, so others step up).
Series History
The Blues have dominated recently, going 8-2-0 in their last 10 games against the Blackhawks. Overall, St. Louis leads the all-time regular-season series 145-139-35-17, with a strong 89-55-9 record in Chicago. In recent matchups, games average 5.8 total goals, with the Blues outscoring Chicago 34-22 in those 10. St. Louis has won four straight in Chicago, often by limiting shots (holding Hawks under 25 in three of last five).
Betting Trends
Blues: 20-23 ATS overall (10-9 ATS road); Under in 7 of last 10; 6-1 ATS in last 7 vs. Chicago; 5-5 ATS as favorites.
Blackhawks: 22-20 ATS overall (11-10 ATS home); Under in 6 of last 10; 3-7 ATS in last 10 vs. St. Louis; 4-6 ATS as underdogs.
| Category | Blues | Blackhawks |
| ATS Overall | 20-23 | 22-20 |
| ATS Last 10 | 5-5 | 4-6 |
| O/U Overall | 18-25 | 19-23 |
| O/U Last 10 | 3-7 | 4-6 |
Game Odds
St. Louis Blues – 125
Chicago Blackhawks 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 6, 2026
