The Chicago Blackhawks travel to St. Louis to take on the rival Blues. Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions! Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day’s games and provide in-depth analysis. We break down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues
Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch TV: ESPN+, SN, TVAS
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks lead 1-0
Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks look to replicate their early-season beatdown of Robert Thomas and the Blues.
The First Matchup
In the first matchup between these two teams, the Blackhawks dominated the Blues. The game was tied after the first period before Chicago exploded for six goals in the final two frames. Bedard and Lukas Reichel each had three points for the Hawks, while Tyler Bertuzzi, Ilya Mikheyev and Alex Vlasic also registered two-point games. Jake Neighbours had a goal and an assist, and was one of the lone Blues players with a consistent effort. Arvid Soderblom stopped 23 of 26 shots to register the win. Joel Hofer was in the net for seven of the eight Hawks goals before getting pulled for Jordan Binnington. After the game, Bedard and Frank Nazar told the ‘NHL on TNT’ crew that the young Hawks are ready to win now. The team is hoping for similar energy in this matchup.
Bedard and Nazar ain’t taking any ? this season…
They join the boys after the Hawks massive 8 goal dub vs. the Blues
pic.twitter.com/iwJkEsbxkr
— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) October 16, 2025
Bounce Back Win Hoping to Boost Hawks
After the disastrous California road trip, the Hawks bounced back with a 3-0 shutout victory over the New York Rangers. It was a complete, 60-minute effort that the Hawks can build off. Bedard and Louis Crevier each tallied second-period markers, while Bertuzzi netted the lone goal in the third, in which Bedard also collected an assist. Ryan Greene, Andre Burakovsky and Jason Dickinson also collected assists. The team held the Rangers scoreless and made life for goaltender Spencer Knight relatively easy. He only faced 21 shots and was aided by the Chicago defenders blocking 16 shots.
Chicago is hoping that Wednesday’s victory will bring them out of their recent slump. Despite their recent 3-5-2 record in their previous 10 games, the Blackhawks are currently the top wild-card team in the Western Conference. They continue to play without captain Nick Foligno, but have seen strong play from youngsters up front like Greene and Oliver Moore. Defensively, on top of the good effort on Wednesday, Chicago’s blue line has played well. Artyom Levshunov‘s role has continued to grow, while Wyatt Kaiser and Matt Grzelcyk have continued their consistency. With the back-to-back games against the Blues and Red Wings, both Knight and Soderblom will be in the crease. Expect Soderblom tonight against St. Louis.
Blues Looking for Revenge Against Heated Rivals
St. Louis is coming off a 7-2 drubbing at the hands of the Nashville Predators. Although Thomas found the back of the net and Hugh McGing registered his first career goal, Nashville controlled from the jump. Philip Broberg notched two assists, while Neighbours and Robby Fabbri also had helpers. In the net, Binnington started but was pulled after letting six of the Predators’ goals, so Hofer will be between the pipes in this one. Hofer allowed one in relief.
Without a doubt, the Blues will be motivated coming into this matchup. They were completely embarrassed in the first matchup, and the overall season has gone the opposite of how head coach Jim Montgomery would like. The team sits at 11-14-7 and, while not out of the playoff race, faces an uphill battle to qualify. To compound the issue, the club is playing without Jordan Kyrou, Jimmy Snuggerud and Alexey Toropchenko, all of whom are on injured reserve. To make up for their absences, Robert Thomas, Dylan Holloway and Pavel Buchnevich will have to put up points. Buchnevich has points in four of his last five and is looking to continue his strong play.
NHL Prediction
The win on Wednesday was a big one for the Hawks. Expect Chicago to find a way to win, with the score much closer than before.
Prediction: Blackhawks win 4-3
Main photo by: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Dec. 12 Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.