Pittsburgh Penguins vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Tuesday October 13 2026

Chicago finally gets its captain back on the ice Tuesday when Connor Bedard makes his season debut against Pittsburgh. The Blackhawks are 1-5-0 after being outscored 26-12 in six games, while the Penguins arrive at 3-2-1. Bedard's return creates immediate uncertainty for the favorite, and Pittsburgh's goaltending has not been completely settled either. A two-goal rout is far from automatic, but a market price available around -145 gives the Penguins a more attractive option than asking them to cover a large puck-line margin.

Pittsburgh can still put Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell together for a line that is difficult to defend when it establishes control below the circles. Evgeni Malkin is being used on a separate unit with Egor Chinakhov and Tommy Novak, providing another way to get offense without exhausting Crosby's line. Andrei Kuzmenko is also expected back after a personal absence. The Penguins are beginning a four-game road trip and need their veterans to generate steady chances instead of chasing a track meet against a motivated opponent.

The Blackhawks' offense changes immediately with Bedard lined up between Roman Kantserov and Patrick Kane. That creates skill and power-play possibilities that were not available during the first six games, even if Bedard needs time to find his game speed after shoulder surgery. Chicago is still missing suspended Frank Nazar, and the defense has been vulnerable around the net. Spencer Knight can keep the team in games, but the forwards must spend more time in the offensive zone to avoid another night when the goalkeeper faces repeated second opportunities.

Pittsburgh lists Sergei Murashov and Arturs Silovs in its crease, without a final goalie confirmation in the morning report. The Penguins also have Justin Brazeau, Ryan Graves and Trevor van Riemsdyk unavailable. Chicago has Andrew Mangiapane sidelined and Nazar serving the final game of his suspension. The Penguins' defensive pairs include Erik Karlsson, Kris Letang and Samuel Girard, experienced players who can move the puck but need support when they gamble on offensive entries. The personnel balance still favors Pittsburgh's more established scoring lines.

The matchup should be decided by whether Pittsburgh can handle the excitement of Bedard's return without giving him multiple chances on the rush. Chicago's top line will try to attack through the neutral zone; the Penguins should answer by keeping the puck deep and making Bedard defend long shifts. Pittsburgh's secondary lines have an advantage if the game remains at five-on-five, especially against a Chicago group still searching for balanced production. Penalty discipline is important because a skill-heavy Bedard-Kane combination can change a close game quickly.

The return of Bedard should also change how Pittsburgh allocates its strongest checking forwards. Chicago will want to start its first line in favorable situations and give Kane an easy passing target near the offensive blue line. The Penguins can counter by sending Crosby's line against Chicago's weaker depth players, rather than allowing every shift to become a battle between the headliners. That depth advantage is the core reason the visitors should be favored. It does not require Chicago's captain to struggle, only that Pittsburgh generate quality chances during the minutes he is on the bench.

The afternoon reference had Pittsburgh -155 and Chicago +140, with another sportsbook price on Pittsburgh around -162. However, an independently published BetMGM market showed Pittsburgh -145, and other books have been even less expensive. The total is 6.5, sensible for two teams with dangerous individuals and uncertain defensive consistency. The recommendation is specifically tied to a -145 or better Penguins moneyline, not the more expensive late-feed quote. Shopping the price makes a meaningful difference in a game with newly returned personnel.

The risk is that the Penguins allow Bedard to control the game in his first appearance, especially if Pittsburgh's defenders pinch without adequate coverage. Chicago may also get a strong performance from Knight, which would shorten the available scoring opportunities. The visitors need not dominate to win, but they must be more efficient on controlled exits and better at finishing around the crease than the Blackhawks have been so far. A one-goal game is far more realistic than a comfortable walkover.

Pittsburgh gets the pick at -145 or better because its two established scoring centers and superior offensive depth can outweigh Bedard's return. A 4-3 Penguins win is the call, with Chicago generating enough chances to remain involved deep into the third period. That prediction also explains why the straight moneyline is preferred to a bigger payout on Pittsburgh -1.5. The favorite has more reliable scoring routes, but there is too much comeback potential on the home side to require separation.