Two teams headed in different directions battle at United Center on Sunday as the floundering Chicago Blackhawks (+180) welcome the New York Rangers (-220), who will be looking to add to their winning streak. The total is 6 (O: -105, U: -115)New York (17-10-5) is playing the second of a back-to-back after earning a high-scoring 6-3 win over the Flyers yesterday, their sixth consecutive win.
The Rangers committed four penalties in the game, though they held Philadelphia without a power play goal. Six players found the net for the Rangers. Jaroslav Halak saved 29 of 32 shots in the win.
Chicago (7-18-4) dropped their sixth in a row, falling 4-1 to the Wild on Friday. Jonathan Toews was the only player to score for the Blackhawks. Petr Mrazek only had 18 saves on 21 shots against (.857%) in the loss.
HEAD TO HEAD
The Blackhawks won the first meeting between the teams this season, a 5-2 victory on December 3. Max Domi (2G 1A) and Patrick Kane (1G 2A) each had three points to lead Chicago. Mika Zibanejad (1G 1A) and Artemi Panarin (0G 2A) each had two points to lead New York. Mrazek got the win, saving 21 of 22 shots (.954%).
FACING OFF
New York is averaging 3.16 goals per game for the season, 17th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Blackhawks team that is allowing 3.69 goals a game (29th). Meanwhile, Chicago has found the net 2.31 times a game on average, 32nd in the league, and the Rangers are allowing opponents to score 2.75 goals per game (6th).
Chicago averages fewer shots/game (25.8) than any other team in the league, while the team’s 9.0% shooting percentage is 27th. With an average of 32.7 attempts, New York ranks ninth.
The Rangers’ 23.23% power play percentage ranks 12th in the league, while the Blackhawks are 15th with a conversion rate of 22.83%. In terms of defending power plays, New York has the league’s 13th-ranked PK% at 80.41%, while Chicago is 27th at 72.04%.
TOP PERFORMERS:
Panarin and Zibanejad have been the top skaters for the Rangers this season with 37 and 35 points. Panarin is among the league leaders with his 30 assists (4th). In the net, Igor Shesterkin (15-4-4) is New York’s top goaltender. He has a 2.45 GAA and a .917% save percentage.
Kane leads the Blackhawks in scoring with 22 points. He has four goals and 18 assists. Arvid Soderblom (2-9-2) has the best goals against average for Chicago at 3.17. He has a save percentage of .904%.
HOME AND AWAY
New York is looking for a fifth consecutive win away from home this season. Chicago is looking to avoid a 10th straight home loss this season.
Meanwhile, the Rangers are 2-4 without a day off and 1-3 playing with a rest disadvantage. The Blackhawks are 2-2 with a rest advantage.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
NY Rangers (-225)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
