Just a night after a classic between the Canadiens and Bruins, we get another Original Six matchup between the division-leading Rangers and Blackhawks at Madison Square Garden. The visiting team is on a five-game winning streak in this series, so do some research before you blindly bet the favored Blueshirts tonight.
- The Rangers are 9-3 in their last 12 games against teams with winning records.
- The total has gone UNDER in the Blackhawks' last 5 games.
- The Blackhawks are 2-5 in their last 7 games against the Rangers.
New York has been riding the hot Antti Raanta (8-1-0, .943 save percentage) as he’s now posted two consecutive shutouts and allowed just one goal in his last three starts. The Finn’s performance this year has led to some people calling for Henrik Lundqvist’s head, but that seems like a major overreaction. Raanta is a backup goalie for a reason and he’s likely to regress at some point if the Rangers keep playing him at the rate they are.
The Blackhawks were heavily outplayed by the Rangers on Friday in the first half of their season series but they have a pretty good backup goalie of their own in Scott Darling, who's played well in Corey Crawford's stead. He stopped 36 of 37 Ranger shots in that contest and we could be in for another goaltender showdown this evening if both Darling and Raanta get the start.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The visiting Chicago Blackhawks opened as 131 moneyline underdogs in this one at most online sportsbooks tracked at Odds Shark, including Sportsbook. The total opened at 5 for those preferring over under betting, watch for the line updates during the day at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark prediction models pick the Rangers to win this game 3.4-1.8. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Chicago Blackhawks vs New York Rangers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Chicago Blackhawks will try to spoil to the party on Tuesday; they are 18-8-4 this season, while the Rangers are 20-9-1. Chicago is 8-16-6 on the totals; New York is 16-11-3. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and New York vs Chicago injuries news.
The NHL Power Rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the New York Rangers rated this week at No. 8 and the Chicago Blackhawks sitting at No. 18.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the New York Rangers No. 2-ranked offense (3.5 goals per game) against a Chicago Blackhawks defense that ranks No. 6 at 2.33 goals per game allowed. The Rangers Sportsbook has clicked at a 22.58% rate while the Blackhawks have a 72.73% rate on the penalty kill.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Blackhawks were a 3-1 Sportsbook in their most recent outing at home against the Stars. That made Sportsbooks of bettors who got Chicago at -125 on the moneyline, while the total score (4) was good news for OVER bettors.
New York was a 5-0 Sportsbook in its last match at home against the Devils. They won as favorites, while the total score of 5 made Sportsbooks of PUSH bettors.
- Chicago is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
- Chicago is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games
- Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
- NY Rangers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
- NY Rangers is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
- NY Rangers is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
- NY Rangers is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Chicago at New York, Thursday, December 15th
New York at Dallas, Thursday, December 15th
