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Flames vs. Blackhawks prediction: Why Chicago is favored to win Thursday's NHL matchup [1/15/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Jason Bevilacqua, Head of Content and Communities
Get Calgary Flames vs Chicago Blackhawks predictions for NHL Thursday.
The Chicago Blackhawks will square off with the Calgary Flames, in what is expected to be a close NHL game, at United Center on Thursday, commencing at 8:30 PM ET.
Based on updated simulations, Dimers' advanced NHL model gives the Blackhawks a slight edge with a 51% win probability over the Flames.
This article offers an expanded analysis of Thursday's Flames vs. Blackhawks matchup, including projected goal scorers, best bets and player prop picks.
Flames vs. Hawks prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using powerful machine learning and data, we have simulated the outcome of Thursday's NHL game between the Flames and Blackhawks 10,000 times as part of our NHL predictions coverage.
Our independent predictive model gives the Blackhawks a 51% chance of beating the Flames.
According to our model, the Flames (+1.5) have a 71% chance of covering the puck line, while the over/under total of 5.5 goals has a 55% chance of going over.
Flames vs. Blackhawks odds
We have researched the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Flames | Blackhawks |
|---|---|---|
| Puck Line | +1.5 (-235) | -1.5 (+205) |
| Moneyline | +104 | -120 |
| Total | o5.5 (-140) | u5.5 (+114) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Flames vs. Blackhawks picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Puck Line | Flames +1.5 | -235 |
| Moneyline | Flames | +104 |
| Total | Under 5.5 | +114 |
According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Flames +1.5 at the spread.
Flames vs. Blackhawks player props
Who will score a goal in Flames vs. Blackhawks?
According to our model, Connor Bedard is most likely to score an anytime goal in Flames vs. Blackhawks.
Our projections give Bedard a 33.8% chance of scoring a goal at United Center, while the star is a 7.4% chance of registering the first goal the game.
Anytime goal scorer predictions
Calgary Flames
| Player | Anytime Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Nazem Kadri | 30.2% |
| Matthew Coronato | 26.9% |
| Yegor Sharangovich | 25.2% |
| Jonathan Huberdeau | 22.8% |
| Mikael Backlund | 21.0% |
Chicago Blackhawks
| Player | Anytime Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Connor Bedard | 33.8% |
| Tyler Bertuzzi | 30.4% |
| Ilya Mikheyev | 26.7% |
| Ryan Donato | 23.1% |
| Nick Lardis | 20.7% |
First goal scorer predictions
Calgary Flames
| Player | First Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Nazem Kadri | 6.1% |
| Matthew Coronato | 5.4% |
| Yegor Sharangovich | 4.4% |
| Jonathan Huberdeau | 4.3% |
| Mikael Backlund | 4.0% |
Chicago Blackhawks
| Player | First Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Connor Bedard | 7.4% |
| Tyler Bertuzzi | 6.0% |
| Ilya Mikheyev | 5.0% |
| Ryan Donato | 4.4% |
| Nick Lardis | 4.4% |
Flames vs. Hawks game-day updates and essential details
Thursday's action between the Blackhawks and Flames at United Center is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM ET.
- Who: Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks
- Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
- Time: 8:30 PM ET/5:30PM PT
- Venue: United Center
Conclusion
We predict the Blackhawks, with a 51% win probability, will likely beat the Flames on Thursday.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Flames vs. Blackhawks insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are drawn from the latest data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Jason Bevilacqua, an expert in MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS, and NFL, delivers game previews, best bets, and props. Since 2020, as Head of Social and Community at Dimers, he has contributed insightful articles utilizing data-driven models and simulations.
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