The Chicago Blackhawks (5-7-0) seek consistency against the Florida Panthers (8-4-1), who are aiming for a fourth-straight win. The Panthers are puck line favorites at -1.5 (-102).

The Blackhawks have gone 2-2 in their last four games, including a win over the Panthers. Their most recent victory was a 5-3 showing over the Tampa Bay Lightning, where they scored four runs in the first period.

They are currently seventh in the Central Division and their record shows their recent struggles. In their wins lately, they have excelled when scoring four or more goals. When they lost, they only reached two goals once.

They are averaging 2.58 goals a game and fire off 27.1 shot attempts. They have to be more aggressive if they want any chances at success.

On defense, they allow 3.42 goals a game and have opposing teams putting up 35.2 shots. For this scenario, they have to put themselves in a better situation defensively and slow the game down for less scoring opportunities for the Panthers.

The Panthers have been successful in their last three games. They recently defeated the Carolina Hurricanes, in which they scored the only two goals in the third period to help seal the deal.

Their recent success has put them at second in the Atlantic Division. During their three most recent wins, they have averaged 4.66 goals and have given up 3.00, which is a solid separation between the two.

So far this year, the Panthers have averaged 3.08 goals a game on 34.4 shots. If they can land better scoring opportunities with that many shots, they will be hard to stop. Against a weaker defensive team like the Blackhawks, it could make a difference.

On defense they have been appealing, slowing teams down to 2.85 goals each game. They are also only allowing opposing teams to get off 28.2 shots a game.

MyBookie has this matchup moderately favoring the Florida Panthers to win with a moneyline at -258. However, the Blackhawks have a great opportunity to keep it close.

The Blackhawks have already defeated the Panthers roughly a week ago. However, both teams have played much differently since that game, with the Panthers looking a bit better in that regard.

The Panthers have shined since then, almost as if it was a wake up call. With their aggressive shot selection and ability to keep teams to a low scoring amount, it makes sense to pick them to win.