Archive note: Technical commentary has been removed. This remains historical pregame coverage; original selections have been retained where stated.
Chicago Blackhawks vs New Jersey Devils Prediction - March 29, 2026
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.
The Chicago Blackhawks travel to New Jersey to face the Devils in a matchup that pits a struggling Chicago roster against a hot Devils team heading in opposite directions. With only one win in their last five games, the Blackhawks are searching for consistency, while the Devils have found their stride with three wins in their last five. This Blackhawks vs Devils prediction features a Devils team with significant momentum advantage, but Chicago's talent cannot be completely discounted.
Team Form & Recent Performance
Chicago's 4-4-2 record masks deeper concerns. With just one win in their last five games, the Blackhawks have struggled to string together consistent results despite having elite offensive talent on their roster. The team enters this matchup with one day of rest on a normal schedule, which is standard preparation time.
New Jersey presents a starkly different picture. The Devils sit at 6-4-0 and have won three of their last five games, displaying the kind of upward trajectory that typically precedes strong playoff positioning. However, there's a critical factor working against them: New Jersey is playing on zero days rest in a back-to-back situation. This is a significant disadvantage that could affect their depth, defensive intensity, and goaltending performance as the game progresses.
Goalie Matchup
Sebastien Knight takes the net for Chicago with an 18-20-10 record, while Jake Allen starts for New Jersey at 14-16-1. Both goalies have experienced inconsistency this season, but Allen's team is generating far more offensive support and defensive structure. The back-to-back situation for New Jersey could be a concern for Allen's freshness, potentially exploiting any fatigue in the second or third period.
Goalscorer Picks
For Chicago, Connor Bedard remains the primary anytime goalscorer option—his elite talent should eventually translate to points against a weary Devils defense.
New Jersey's Jack Hughes is the marquee goalscorer candidate, capitalizing on the Devils' offensive dominance.
Prediction
Our Blackhawks Devils pick favors New Jersey.
While the fatigue factor presents some risk, Chicago's defensive metrics are too weak to fully capitalize on any Devils sluggishness.
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.