In this matchup, the Chicago Blackhawks continue their East Coast road trip against the New York Rangers. Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions! Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day’s games and provide in-depth analysis. We break down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs New York Rangers

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Season Series: Chicago leads 1-0

How to Watch TV: ESPN+, CHSN, MSG, TVAS

Location: Madison Square Garden

Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks head to the Big Apple to take on Mika Zibanejad and the New York Rangers.

Blackhawks Looking for Bounceback Effort

The Hawks dropped the second game of their Metropolitan Division Road trip to the Flyers by a score of 5-1. Philly controlled the game from puck drop, jumping out to a 3-0 lead. Connor Bedard netted the lone Hawks goal, thanks to helpers from rookie Anton Frondell and Louis Crevier. It was not nearly enough, however, as the Flyers’ 42 shots proved too much to overcome. Spencer Knight was in the crease for the loss, so expect Arvid Soderblom between the pipes in this one. However, as always, be sure to check social media before puck drop for lineups and starting goaltender information. 

The lone bright spot that the Hawks can take from the loss is the continued strong play of Frondell. Despite it being just the second game of his career, he already looks comfortable and is playing like a seasoned veteran. He generated five shots on goal and has proven to be a mainstay in Chicago’s top six. The playoffs are an unlikely prospect now, but the Hawks’ youngsters still have much to play for. Expect Nick Lardis to have an impact for the Hawks, playing with Frank Nazar and Tyler Bertuzzi.

 (Credit Image: © John Mccall/South Florida Sun Sentinel via ZUMA Press Wire)

Rangers Desperately Seeking Victory

To put it bluntly, it has been a disastrous season for the Rangers. They sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and are coming off a defeat to the Toronto Maple Leafs. After falling behind 3-0, Alexis Lafreniere and Mika Zibanejad netted power-play markers. The Leafs got one back before Zibanejad netted his 32nd goal to cut the lead to 4-3. Ultimately, however, the Rangers could not solve Joseph Woll. Lafreniere earned himself a three-point night, while Adam Fox collected two assists of his own. Despite facing a low shot volume, Igor Shesterkin surrendered all four goals and collected the loss. He should be back in the crease tonight.

As mentioned, it has been a disaster season in New York. The team is the first team in the Eastern Conference to be eliminated and is the second-worst team in the league. All of this has come after hopeful preseason expectations. The hiring of new head coach Mike Sullivan, along with the naming of J.T. Miller as captain, should have signified a playoff berth. Instead, the club has lost six straight games and does not look good when they play. That being said, some of the Rangers’ youth, including Gabriel Perreault and Tye Kartye, have played well since being called up. Kartye, in particular, has nine points in 14 games played. He has seen himself on the ice with Miller in recent games. New York is seeking any bright spots, along with a victory tonight.

Game Prediction

To compound their struggles, the Rangers have not played well on home ice. Their 9-18-7 record has been a hindrance all year. Expect the Hawks to walk out victorious.

Prediction: Hawks win 3-2

Main photo by: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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