Game Preview Chicago Blackhawks @ New York Rangers
The Chicago Blackhawks head to Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, to take on the New York Rangers in a classic Original Six matchup. While these teams are on very different trajectories this season, their history and fanbases always make this a marquee event on the NHL calendar.
Chicago enters the game deep in a rebuild, relying on a young core led by generational talent Connor Bedard. Though the Blackhawks have shown flashes of growth, they remain near the bottom of the Central Division standings. Meanwhile, the Rangers are among the league’s elite, sitting near the top of the Metropolitan Division and riding high on stellar goaltending, elite scoring depth, and one of the NHL’s most efficient special teams units.
For bettors, this game presents value angles on the puck line, total goals, and individual props. With the Blackhawks often playing up to opponents, and the Rangers showing dominance at home, understanding recent form and advanced trends is key. Track market updates and sharp movement on the NHL odds page.
Odds and Key Information Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Chicago Blackhawks @ New York Rangers |
| Date and Time | Wednesday, December 10, 2025 – 7:30 PM ET |
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Opening Line | Rangers -275, Blackhawks +220 |
| Over/Under | 6.0 goals |
| Chicago Record | 9-17-2 |
| New York Record | 18-7-3 |
| TV Coverage | TNT, MSG |
| Last Meeting | January 2025 – Rangers 5, Blackhawks 1 |
Chicago Blackhawks Outlook
The Blackhawks are firmly in development mode, with their season focused on building around rookie sensation Connor Bedard. At 9-17-2, Chicago has struggled on both ends of the ice. The offense ranks in the bottom five in goals per game (2.51), while the defense has allowed 3.42 goals per contest—29th in the NHL.
Bedard has been a bright spot, leading the team in goals and power play points. Philipp Kurashev and Lukas Reichel have had productive stretches, but overall scoring depth is a major issue. The power play operates at just 16.2 percent, while the penalty kill ranks 27th at 75.4 percent.
Goaltending has also been inconsistent. Arvid Söderblom is expected to start, but his .888 save percentage and lack of rebound control have hurt the team’s ability to stay in games. Chicago is just 3-10 on the road and has covered the puck line in only four of those contests.
To explore how Chicago compares to other Central Division teams, visit the NHL Central Division preview.
New York Rangers Outlook
The Rangers continue to dominate in all phases. At 18-7-3, they rank near the top of the Metropolitan Division and are among the league leaders in expected goals share, shot suppression, and special teams production.
New York’s top line of Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Chris Kreider has been elite, combining for over 100 points through 28 games. The power play is lethal, converting at 28.4 percent, and the penalty kill is among the league’s best at 86.1 percent.
Igor Shesterkin remains a top-three goaltender in the league. With a .924 save percentage and 2.19 goals-against average, he’s been unbeatable at MSG. The Rangers are 10-3-1 at home and have covered the puck line in eight of those wins.
For more division-wide insights, check the NHL Metropolitan Division breakdown.
Key Matchup
The biggest edge in this game lies in New York’s top-ranked power play against Chicago’s struggling penalty kill. Panarin, Fox, and Zibanejad generate constant movement and high-danger chances on the man advantage. Chicago has been unable to stop cross-ice passing lanes, and their kill has allowed a goal in five of the last six games.
Additionally, New York’s forecheck could overwhelm Chicago’s young defense. The Blackhawks average the third-most turnovers per game and struggle with zone exits. If the Rangers force extended shifts in Chicago’s end, it could result in multiple goal stretches.
For deeper analysis of matchup-specific edges, consult the NHL expert betting guide.
Betting Trends
Chicago is 2-8 in its last 10 games and 4-10 against the puck line on the road this season. The under has hit in five of their last eight, mostly due to lack of scoring depth.
New York is 7-3 in its last 10 games and has covered the puck line in four of its last five home games. The Rangers have won five straight games against Chicago by two or more goals.
Head-to-head, the Rangers have won eight of the last nine meetings. The over has hit in six of those games, largely due to lopsided scoring from the New York side. Visit the NHL picks and predictions section for up-to-date wagering trends.
Prediction
This is a significant mismatch on paper and in form. The Rangers have better depth, elite special teams, and a Vezina-level goaltender. Chicago may be able to keep things close early, but if the Rangers’ power play gets going, this game could break open quickly.
Expect New York to control possession, shots, and time on attack. The only potential hurdle is overconfidence, but the Rangers have proven consistent at home.
Final score prediction: New York Rangers 5, Chicago Blackhawks 2
Best bet: Rangers -1.5 puck line (+100)
Lean: Over 6.0 goals
Why You Need Expert Picks
Games with wide moneyline spreads like this offer hidden value in alternate puck lines, first period totals, and player props. Knowing which angles to target requires sharp betting models and timing.
Get full expert analysis at our NHL picks hub. For futures markets and playoff outlook, check out Stanley Cup odds and conference predictions.
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