The New York Rangers have rolled off consecutive wins following the All-Star break, and they’re a huge road favorite in the NHL odds at the United Center against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.
This is also a huge downtick in class for the Blueshirts following home-ice wins over the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning. The Blackhawks enter Friday’s clash with a five-game losing streak and an active 5-19-1 slump.
Making matters worse in the Windy City, Hawks star Connor Bedard (jaw) is still a week or two away from returning to action. Here are our free NHL picks and NHL player props for the Rangers vs. Blackhawks matchup on Friday, February 9.
Rangers vs Blackhawks odds
Rangers vs Blackhawks predictions
The Chicago Blackhawks have scored four first-period goals through 12 games with top-scorer Connor Bedard out of the lineup, and they’ve only scored three times total during their noted five-game losing streak.
I’ve been looking for ways to bet against the Chicago offense all season, and the first-period Under will be a new market I’ll be looking to. The Blackhawks Under 2.5 goals is carrying a higher and higher vig as their scoring woes continue, and so are the Under 0.5 points markets for their top players.
Additionally, despite winning, the New York Rangers have started slowly and allowed more shots and expected goals in the first period of each of their past two games. I also value that this is a one-game roadie for New York, and the Rangers don’t play again until hosting the Calgary Flames on Monday.
As a result, I expect the Rangers showing up on time, climbing into the driver’s seat, and shifting this game into cruise control. On the flip side, look for the Blackhawks to play ultra conservatively in an effort to keep this contest as close as possible for as long as possible. Chicago’s commitment to playing sound defense will ultimately cripple its opportunities to generate high-quality scoring chances.
My best bet: Blackhawks Under 0.5 first-period goals (-104 at Pinnacle)
Rangers vs Blackhawks same-game parlay
Blackhawks Under 0.5 first-period goals
Rangers -1.5
Seth Jones Under 0.5 points
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As discussed, this is a perfect setup for New York to face Chicago on the road. The Rangers haven’t played since topping the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-1 on Wednesday, and the Blueshirts don’t suit up again until Monday. New York is the superior team statistically and on paper, and the Rangers are well-coached and loaded with veterans. I anticipate them securing these two points well before the 60-minute mark.
Additionally, Seth Jones failing to mark the scoresheet is one of my top NHL player props for Friday. Life without Bedard hasn’t been kind to No. 1 defenseman, as the duo have combined for 2.85 on-ice goals and 4.03 expected goals per 60 minutes across 294:52 of shared ice time, and Jones drops all the way down to respective 1.84 and 2.49 marks when he isn’t skating with Bedard.
Finally, both of these recommendations correlate with my best bet.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Rangers vs Blackhawks moneyline and Over/Under analysis
This game opened with Rangers listed as a -290 road favorite through bet365 and there has been a small move to the New York side as of Friday morning. Chicago hasn’t been this big of an underdog at home since hosting the Edmonton Oilers at +349 on January 9. So, there could be buyback on the Blackhawks, but that might also just be throwing good money after bad.
The Over/Under record is 3-9 in Chicago games since Bedard has been injured, and the total has been 6 or lower in 10 of those contests. Interestingly, bet365 has tested a 6 total with the Under carrying the higher vig, but it only lasted 20 minutes before returning to 5.5, which is also where it stands as of Friday morning.
Rangers vs Blackhawks betting trend to know
The Blackhawks are 3-9 with only four first-period goals since Connor Bedard sustained his jaw injury. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs. Blackhawks.
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Rangers vs Blackhawks game info
| Location: | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Friday, February 9, 2024 |
| Puck drop: | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | MSG, NBC Sports Chicago |
Rangers vs Blackhawks latest injuries
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