Rangers vs Blackhawks Prediction, Expert Picks, Odds & Starting Goalies (Dec. 10)

• The Rangers visit the Blackhawks on Wednesday night as both teams look to end two-game losing streaks
• Igor Shesterkin gets the start for New York, while Spencer Knight is likely for Chicago
• See my Rangers vs Blackhawks prediction below, plus expert picks, odds and starting goalies for December 10th

The Rangers travel to the United Center on Wednesday night looking to snap a two-game skid. New York (15-12-4) dropped overtime decisions to Colorado and Vegas over the weekend, both 3-2 final scores. Chicago (12-11-6) is in far worse shape after getting demolished 6-0 and 7-1 in back-to-back games at Los Angeles and Anaheim.

Puck drop is set for 7:30 PM ET at the United Center. The Rangers bring a dominant 12-4-1 road record into hostile territory, while the Blackhawks sit at just 6-5-3 on home ice.

Here’s my prediction for tonight’s Rangers vs Blackhawks matchup, along with expert picks, odds and starting goalies.

Rangers vs Blackhawks Prediction

• Score Prediction: Rangers 3, Blackhawks 2

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I’m backing the Rangers to get the win on the road Wednesday night. New York is a dominant 12-4-1 away from Madison Square Garden and 7-1 in their last eight games as road favorites. That’s an 87.5% win rate when favored on the road, and Chicago doesn’t have the firepower to break that trend.

The Blackhawks are 2-6-2 in their last 10 games and just lost consecutive games by at least six goals for the first time since 1951. They’ve been outscored 42-22 over that 10-game stretch. This isn’t a team that bounces back quickly from getting embarrassed on the road.

Chicago’s home record of 6-5-3 doesn’t intimidate opponents. The Hawks are 1-7 in their last eight games as underdogs, now facing a Rangers team that’s won four of the last five head-to-head meetings. New York outscored Chicago 7-4 across two meetings last season, and I expect more of the same tonight.

Matchup Breakdown

The Rangers have the defensive edge here. They allow 2.32 goals per game compared to Chicago’s 3.03. Over their last 10 games at 5-on-5, the Blackhawks have been destroyed with a 29.17% goals-for percentage, scoring just 14 while allowing 34. Their 86.18% save percentage and 6.76% shooting percentage over that stretch are both terrible.

New York’s living on better finishing and goaltending. They’re at 52.63% goals-for percentage over their last 10, scoring 20 and allowing 18 at even strength. Their 10.58% shooting percentage and 92.74% save percentage are both well above Chicago’s marks. That 1.033 PDO is elevated, but it’s backed by Shesterkin’s elite play in net.

The faceoff battle heavily favors New York. The Rangers win 53.6% of draws (3rd in NHL) while Chicago sits at just 46.9% (29th). That possession advantage from the dot gives the Rangers crucial control throughout the game. They also hit more (26.23 vs 17.14) and block more shots (15.29 vs 12.79), wearing down opponents physically.

Mika Zibanejad is heating up for the Rangers with 6 points (2 goals, 4 assists) over his last five games. He’s recorded at least one point in eight of his last nine road games, averaging 1.22 points per contest in that span. Connor Bedard leads Chicago with 7 points (4 goals, 3 assists) in his last five, but he can’t do it alone.

Rangers vs Blackhawks Expert Picks

Based on my prediction, my expert pick is Rangers moneyline at -142. New York’s road dominance, combined with Chicago’s recent collapse, makes this the play. The Rangers are 7-1 in their last eight as road favorites, and the Blackhawks are 1-7 in their last eight as underdogs.

Defense is the primary reason for my pick. Chicago’s allowing 3.03 goals per game, while New York’s elite goaltending and defensive structure allow only 2.32.

The Blackhawks just got destroyed in consecutive games by a combined 13-1 score. Their confidence is shot, and the road version of the Rangers is not the team you want to face when you’re reeling.

Rangers vs Blackhawks Prop Picks

I’m also diving into the Rangers vs Blackahwks props market for a few additional picks tonight.

Best NYR vs CHI Prop Picks

Mika Zibanejad Over 0.5 Points (-166)

I’m taking Mika Zibanejad over 0.5 points at -166 despite the heavy juice. He’s recorded at least one point in eight of his last nine road games, an 89% success rate. That 1.22 points per game average on the road is elite production, and Chicago’s 3.03 goals against per game gives him plenty of opportunity.

Zibanejad’s chemistry with his linemates has been dialed in away from home. The Rangers’ top-line center has found his rhythm, and the Blackhawks’ defensive structure is perfect for him to extend this run. The juice is steep, but the trend justifies it.

Ilya Mikheyev Over 1.5 Shots (-107)

Ilya Mikheyev over 1.5 shots at -107 is solid value. He’s exceeded this total in seven of his last nine games following a loss, a 78% success rate. Against top-10 scoring defenses like the Rangers, he’s hit this mark in four straight games with a perfect 100% success rate.

Chicago needs offensive contributions from everyone after getting embarrassed in California. Mikheyev consistently answers by putting pucks on net when his team’s desperate for offense. Near even money on a player with clear situational advantages is a strong play.

Rangers vs Blackhawks Wednesday NHL Odds

The Rangers opened around -140, and the line has held relatively steady. A massive 90.32% of the money is on New York to win outright, which aligns with my expert pick. The public’s hammering the over with 88.17% of the handle, expecting an offensive showcase.

Interestingly, 63.55% of puck line money is on Chicago +1.5, implying bettors expect a close game even if the Rangers win. The market recognizes New York’s road strength but hedges on Chicago keeping it within a goal.

Rangers vs Blackhawks Starting Goalies

Shesterkin gets the confirmed start for New York. He leads the NHL in both shots faced (681) and saves made (622) through 24 appearances.

Knight is the likely starter for Chicago and has been solid with a .914 save percentage, actually topping Shesterkin’s .913 mark. But Chicago’s defense in front of him has been brutal, and facing the Rangers’ depth will test him again.

Where to Watch Rangers vs Blackhawks

Wednesday’s game starts at 7:30 PM ET from the United Center in Chicago. The game airs nationally on TNT, truTV, and streams on Max. Canadian viewers can catch it on TVAS.