Hockey Odds- Blackhawks at Rangers

The current Stanley Cup champions, Chicago Blackhawks visit Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Rangers, this Thursday at 7 PM ET, in the game that resumes the second half of the NHL season for both franchises.

The Blackhawks are second in the Central Division, in the Western Conference, tied with St. Louis with 84 points but with more games played.  Chicago won three of the last five games before the Winter Olympic Games.

“I think we went into the break exactly how we were hoping to play,” Coach Joel Quenneville said. “We’ll see how we exit, but from watching practice the last couple of days I like the progress we’re showing. We should be energized about having a good finish (to the regular season) and I’m excited about getting everybody together again.”

The Rangers are second in the Metropolitan Division, in the Eastern Conference, with 16 points behind current leaders Pittsburgh Penguins. New York won five of their last four before the Sochi break.

“I’m doing what I’ve been doing since the first day, and that’s focusing on which 20 skaters give us the best chance to beat the opposition,” Coach Alain Vigneault said. “I’ve talked with both Dan and Ryan because I know this is somewhat of a distraction for our team. They’ve focused on what they need to do and their job on the ice with their teammates, and I don’t expect that to change at all.”

Chicago has lost three in a row and Madison Square Garden before winning on their last visit on February 16th 2012.