Rangers vs Blackhawks NHL Line & Handicapping
Rivalry Night – Rangers Visit Blackhawks Wednesday Night
Two Original Six clubs in the NHL square off on a light night in the NHL Wednesday when the New York Rangers play the Chicago Blackhawks for the first time this year.
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NY Rangers (21-20-1-2) at Chicago (29-7-3-6)
When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Broadcast: NBCSN, TSN2
Rangers vs. Blackhawks Betting Lines
New York Rangers +1½ -165 +177 Ov 5½ -110
Chicago Blackhawks -1½ +145 -195 Un 5½ +100
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Chicago enters Wednesday night`s game in predictably solid form – just one regulation loss in their last 15 games while the Rangers continue to be maddeningly inconsistent – 6-3-2 in their last 11 games overall without a three game win streak or three game losing streak over that span.
The New York Rangers have traditionally had a difficult time in Chicago – they are just 1-2-2 with a tie in their last six visits. But New York has actually been better on the road this year (13-10-0) than they have been at home (8-10-3).
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New York is still in the bottom third of the NHL in terms of scoring – just 2.39 goals per game this year. Rick Nash recorded his first multi-point game of the year (incredible as it may seem) Monday against Columbus and seven Rangers have two points in their last two games. That list includes Chris Kreider, Ryan Callahan, John Moore, Brian Boyle, Michael Del Zotto and Carl Hagelin. Translation – there isn’t a whole lot of Rangers ripping it up. Ryan McDonagh has played well lately recording five points in six games and Benoit Pouliot has nine points in his last 11 games.
The biggest difference with this year`s Rangers team is the goals against. Frequently among the league`s best in that department the Rangers are simply average this year allowing 2.66 goals per game – over a quarter of a goal per game more than they score – not exactly a recipe for success. Henrik Lundqvist is 12-16-3 on the year with an uncharacteristic 2.78 GAA and .906 save percentage.
John Tortarella and his shot blocking/defensive schemes are gone – making for more shots and a whole lot more exposure for Henrik Lundqvist!
The Chicago Blackhawks are simply stacked from top to bottom. A total of 10 players from their roster will represent their respective countries at the Olympics in February which speaks to the caliber of player on this team.
Offensively, the Hawks are the best team in the game averaging 3.62 goals per game and defensively they have been doing just enough to keep in the top tier of NHL teams. Chicago is a handful night-in and night-out and head into Wednesday night`s showdown riding a 11-1-4 home ice streak.
After an absolutely torrid pace Patrick Kane has slowed as of late – just one assist in his last four games. Marion Hossa also has one pint in four while Bryan Bickell is pointless in three and Nik Hjalmarsson has a single point in five games.
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There isn`t a whole lot of panic in Chicago however – Patrick Sharp has three goals and two assists in the Blackhawks’ past three games, Duncan Keith has nine points in six games and Brent Seabrook has 15 points in his last 15 games played.
Jonathan Toews, Brandon Saad, Kris Versteeg, Ben Smith still loom on perhaps the deepest lineup in the NHL.
Just like the Rangers the Blackhawks have take a step backward defensively this year. But you can`t blame Antti Raanta. Raanta is 11-1-3 with a 2.27 goals-against average and .911 save percentage in 16 games – game in which Corey Crawford was on the shelf with injury. Whether it is Raanta or Crawford on Wednesday night the Hawks look to be in good hands.
Dave’s FREE NHL Betting Prediction
A few trends to consider:
• Over is 7-1-2 in NYR last 10 Wed. games.
• NYR are 7-1 in their last 8 Wed. games.
• NYR are 11-4 in their last 15 road games.
• Over is 7-1 in CHI last 8 vs. Eastern Conference.
• CHI are 42-15 in their last 57 home games.
• CHI are 81-35 in their last 116 overall.
• Home team is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
The Chicago Blackhawks have been typically and predictably good this year – the only way they lose is if they beat themselves. I can`t see that happening against an old foe. With 10 Hawks heading to Sochi, they will be out to prove their respective federations made a good choice in selecting them. The Hawks are an “A+ team” while the Rangers are a “C+ squad”. It is up to the Hawks in this one – I think they rise to the occasion and give their backers a small payday.
Pick: Chicago Blackhawks -195
