It's Opening Night in Neon City

I’ve been ranked among the top 10 NHL handicappers each of the past four years because I pick my spots carefully. This is one of those spots.

Playing in Vegas can be a nerve-racking experience for opposing teams, and on opening night, that intensity will be turned up even more. Chicago might be improved from last season, but this is a tough spot for the Blackhawks, and it gets even tougher with their best player sitting out.

Chicago begins the season without Connor Bedard, who is recovering from shoulder surgery. Bedard led the Blackhawks last season with 75 points in 69 games, posting 30 goals and 45 assists. He was the player the entire Chicago offense revolved around.

Even with Bedard, Chicago went just 29-39-14 last season, finished last in the Central Division and averaged only 2.56 goals per game, which ranked 30th in the NHL.

Now the Blackhawks head into one of the most difficult environments in hockey without the player who drives their offense. That’s a recipe for disaster against a Vegas team ready to make a statement on opening night.

I’ll lay the wood and take Vegas to win tonight.

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