The New York Rangers (15-12-4) and Chicago Blackhawks (12-11-6) tussle in an Original Six clash Wednesday in Chicago, Illinois. Puck drop at the United Center is 7 p.m. ET (TNT / HBO Max / truTV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Rangers vs. Blackhawks odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
2024-25 season series: Tied 1-1
The Rangers head to Chicago off back-to-back losses Saturday and Sunday. The latter of those contests saw +134 New York drop a 3-2 (Under 6) overtime game vs. the Vegas Golden Knights at Madison Square Garden. Saturday’s loss — 3-2 to the Colorado Avalanche — was also in overtime.
The Blackhawks also lost both Saturday and Sunday. But regulation time was plenty for their opponents: Chicago lost to the LA Kings 6-0 Saturday and 7-1 (Over 6.5) to the -184 Anaheim Ducks Sunday. The twin defeats in Southern California marked the first time since 1951 the ‘Hawks dropped back-to-back games by 6-plus goals.
Rangers at Blackhawks odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 7:26 p.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Rangers -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Blackhawks +118 (bet $100 to win $118)Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers -1.5 (+165) | Blackhawks +1.5 (-200)Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)Rangers at Blackhawks projected goalies
Igor Shesterkin (12-9-3, 2.46 GAA, .913 SV%) vs. Spencer Knight (9-6-5, 2.62 GAA, .914 SV%)
Shesterkin last played Saturday, stopping 39-of-42 pucks against the Avs. He owns a .926 SV% across 3 games this month. He’s 4-1 with a 2.00 GAA in 5 starts vs. the Blackhawks.
Knight was in net for all 6 Kings goals on Saturday. The 24-year-old had a .924 SV% through Nov. 23; he has registered an .876 SV% since. He’s 0-2 with a 4.14 GAA in 2 starts vs. the Rangers.
Rangers at Blackhawks picks and predictionsPrediction
Blackhawks 4, Rangers 3
The Blackhawks have been nearly doubled up in going 2-6-2 over their last 10 games. And some ugly 5-on-5 analytics have reared their head for a club that had all kinds of even-strength issues when it went 25-46-11 last season. And Chicago has struggled at home lately and is hosting a New York club which has won 9 of its last 12 on the road. And the Rangers have won 5 in a row at the United Center.
But looking under the hood indicates the ‘Hawks may be a slight lean in this one. Chicago has been hurt by a low shooting percentage across those last 10 games. An improved power play has not gotten a lot of chances lately. And Knight in net at home (.915 SV% this season, .914 SV% last season) gives the ‘Hawks a puncher’s chance.
The Rangers have been coughing up more quality looks from the slot recently.
Consider a partial-unit play on the BLACKHAWKS (+118).
A fair price here, and Chicago plus the cushion may well be the preferred side here. But some bettors may shay away from the outlay as a matter of principle more than profit. PASS.
The last 5 series meetings in Chicago have cashed on the Over.
Both sides have yielded a lot of good 5-on-5 looks over recent weeks. It has cost Chicago in the goals-allowed department. And it figures New York — which has a high goaltender save percentage in 5-on-5 play — is due for a slide in that same department.
BACK THE OVER 6 (-110).
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