The New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks have both been struggling lately. They've each lost seven out of their last nine, and while that could have been expected for the Blackhawks, nobody would have guessed it about the Rangers.
It would be a bit dramatic to call this a must-win game for the Blueshirts, but my Blackhawks vs. Rangers predictions believe all the pressure will be on them this evening as they try to bounce back on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Neither team's offense can fully be trusted on Monday, December 9, and that's why my NHL picks are looking at the Under.
Blackhawks vs Rangers prediction
My best bet
Under 5.5 (+114 at FanDuel)
My analysis
Igor Shesterkin has not been good over his last nine starts, that is no secret. He’s skated to a record of 3-6-0 with a .897 save percentage and a 3.39 goals-against average over that span.
Despite the poor record and numbers, some distractions were hovering over him, which can sometimes leak into the way somebody plays. Now that his contract is signed and his wife has given birth to a healthy baby girl, Shesterkin has had a lot of weight lifted off of his shoulders. We should see the real Shesterkin in goal tonight.
It also helps that the New York Rangers' opponent tonight is the struggling Chicago Blackhawks, who have scored two goals or fewer in four of their last five games.
The Blackhawks have scored the second-fewest goals per game in the NHL, averaging 2.41 a night. Playing at even-strength is where this team struggles most, as their opponent controls the play, which makes it hard for them to generate offense. Chicago is skating to 8.13 high-danger chances at 5-on-5 per 60 minutes.
Connor Bedard is having what can be considered a “sophomore slump” too with just five goals in 27 games this season.
The Rangers will look to have an emphasis on tight checking tonight after allowing seven goals against the Seattle Kraken yesterday afternoon. They were way too loose defensively and it cost them.
This has all the makings for a big game from Shesterkin.
Blackhawks vs Rangers same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 5.5
Rangers -1.5
Blackhawks team total Under 2.5
The Rangers have found their offensive jump in the past two games and are looking to take the positives from that into tonight’s game against the Blackhawks.
Mika Zibanejad, who struggled in the early parts of the season, is now on a four-game point streak. Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin have each tallied two goals and three assists in the last two games as well. The Rangers big guns have needed to get going, and those guys should be able to carry them tonight while Shesterkin shuts the door.
The Blackhawks have scored less than three goals in seven out of their last 10 and in each of their last three games. Chicago’s offensive struggles are alarming, and if there is one team for the Rangers to turn things around defensively against, it is this team.
But this game is really all about Shesterkin having a clear head. Shesterkin’s career numbers against the Blackhawks are outstanding. He is 4-0-0 with a 1.98 goals against average and a .935 save percentage.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Blackhawks vs Rangers odds
Blackhawks vs Rangers live odds
Blackhawks vs Rangers opening odds
- Puck line: Chicago +1.5 (-130) | New York -1.5 (+106)
- Moneyline: Chicago +205 | New York -255
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-140) | Under 5.5 (+114)
Blackhawks vs Rangers trend
The Blackhawks have hit the Under in 47 of their last 84 games (+15.10 Units / 17% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Blackhawks vs. Rangers.
How to watch Blackhawks vs Rangers
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date: | Monday, 12-9-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CHSN, MSGSN |
Blackhawks vs Rangers latest injuries
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