New York Rangers (11-9-4) vs Chicago Blackhawks (6-12-4)
Game Info: Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 7:30 pm (Madison Square Garden)
Betting Odds: New York Rangers -263 / Chicago Blackhawks +205 --- Over/Under: 6.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers face off on Saturday in an NHL showdown at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers have won the last four games over the Blackhawks.
The Rangers headed into Friday night’s game with an 11-9-4 record, but only a 4-5-3 record at home. On Wednesday against the Ottawa Senators, the Rangers defense was good, giving up only one goal, and that led to the two-goal victory. The Rangers are averaging 3.0 goals, while their defense is giving up 2.79 goals per game. The defense is ranked 9th in the league and will need to be good here. Adam Fox has scored six goals and added 19 assists so far this season.
On the other side of this matchup is the Blackhawks, who sit with a 6-12-4 record, and they have gone 2-5-2 against the spread. On Wednesday, against the Edmonton Oilers, the Blackhawks scored four goals, but the defense gave up five goals and that led to the loss. The Blackhawks are averaging 2.55 goals, while their defense is giving up 3.68 goals per game. The offense is ranked 30th in the league and the defense is ranked 28th. Patrick Kane has scored three goals and added 14 assists. The Blackhawks are expected to be big sellers at the trade deadline, and he is one of those guys that could be shipped out.
The Rangers are 1-5 in their last six home games. The under is 5-0 in the Ranger's last five games, playing on zero days of rest. The over is 6-1 in the Blackhawks last seven games overall. The under is 5-1 in the Ranger's last six games against the Central.
This Blackhawks squad is going through a slow rebuild, and it’s going to be painful. Even on the second night of a back to back, I expect the Rangers defense to lockdown, and that will be the difference here. The Rangers will score at least three goals and secure the win on the puck line.