The New York Rangers (15-12-4) and Chicago Blackhawks (12-11-6) meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. EST at United Center in Chicago, Ill. The game will be broadcast live on TNT.
The Rangers are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 5.5 (-141o / +115u). The Rangers are a -142 favorite to win outright, while the Blackhawks are +120 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Rangers vs. Blackhawks predictions and NHL picks.
Rangers vs. Blackhawks Odds, Pick
| Rangers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +180 | 5.5 -141o / +115u | -142 |
| Blackhawks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -218 | 5.5 -141o / +115u | +120 |
- Rangers vs. Blackhawks Spread: Rangers -1.5 (+180), Blackhawks +1.5 (-218)
- Rangers vs. Blackhawks Over/Under: 5.5 (-141o / +115u)
- Rangers vs. Blackhawks Moneyline: Rangers -142, Blackhawks +120
Rangers vs. Blackhawks Preview
New York Rangers
The month of December has been awfully kind to the Rangers so far. Two wins and two overtime losses. Given how this season has been for the Blue Shirts, you take that and run.
It feels like a switch flipped for Artemi Panarin, who, since the first game of December, has scored a point in every game, with six points overall. Defenseman Adam Fox also hasn’t lost a step, as he’s registered a point in six straight games with 10 points in that span.
It’s definitely an encouraging sign for New York, taking three of the league’s best teams in Colorado, Vegas, and Dallas to the limit and getting at least a point out of it.
But what’s so fascinating about this exceptional run to start the month, New York’s 5-on-5 game has still suffered. It has ranked in the bottom-10 in expected goals with a 47.37 xGF%, and on the defensive side, has posted a 2.81 xGA/60.
But this is nothing new for the Rangers. This has been the tell-tale story for this franchise, even when they were a top-three team. Poor 5-on-5 play, but saved by special teams and goaltending.
For now, special teams haven’t been very eye-popping, but goaltending has been everything and more. Which is why the Rangers pay Igor Shesterkin $11.5 million per year.
Over the past month, he’s been posting a .917 SV%, and for the season, is fourth with a 15.5 GSAx.
Chicago Blackhawks
After this 10-game stretch, it’s evident that we may need to push the brakes on calling the Blackhawks a legitimate playoff team.
Don’t get it twisted, Chicago is going to give you fits with its youth, speed, and even top-tier goaltending.
Connor Bedard is beginning to look like the kind of player that Chicago had drafted first overall two offseasons ago. There’s an extra jump to his game with the way he moves around the ice, but it’s also showing up on the scoresheet. Currently, he has 40 points in 29 games.
However, here’s the kicker. In December, Chicago has been by far the worst even-strength team in the league.
The Blackhawks' 5-on-5 expected goals are six points below the second-to-last team, playing to a 32.4 xGF% and on the defensive end, a paltry 3.64 xGA/60.
Perhaps it’s a little unfair, given that they started the month on a four-game road trip against three teams that are in playoff position, but the league is a cruel world. In their last 10 games, they’ve also gone 2-6-2.
Though it’s been remarkable to see how goaltender Spencer Knight turned his game around and became a top goalie. Despite the poor stretch his team is on, Knight is playing to an exceptional .914 SV% and a 15.5 GSAx.
But Knight has been a bit suspect for a few games, playing to an .896 SV% in his past nine games.
Rangers vs. Blackhawks Prediction
What may be surprising to the casual fan is that the Rangers are actually the best road team in the league with a 12-4-1 record. When in front of their fans, they’re actually 3-8-3, which is extremely rare.
Because of that, the Rangers currently sit as -142 moneyline favorites.
This is a tricky play here because both teams are pretty unpredictable. Both terrible even strength offense and defense, while goaltending has managed to save their bacon all season.
Rangers vs Blackhawks will always get eyes on the TV since they’re both Original Six squads and I think we'll see a whole lot of goals.
The total here is 5.5 and in six of Chicago’s last seven games, that number has cleared. New York’s historic total this season hasn’t been as volatile, but the Rangers can certainly score the puck.
It’s higher odds, but I’m happy to back the over here.
Pick: Over 5.5 (-130)
