NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
New York Islanders vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks and Predictions – December 30, 2025
The New York Islanders head to the Midwest to face the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night at United Center. Puck drops at 8:30 PM ET, with New York coming in at 18-15-4 and clinging to the edge of the Eastern Conference Wild Card race. Chicago, meanwhile, sits at 12-22-2 and continues its rebuild behind a young roster lacking consistency on both ends of the ice.
The Isles are modest -147 road favorites, while the Blackhawks are catching +124 at home in what could be a lower-event matchup. These are two teams that play at a slower pace, but their defensive execution has been inconsistent — especially for Chicago. This one could come down to who controls the middle of the ice and avoids breakdowns.
Access Thousands of Data-Driven Plays
From the First Pitch to the Final Whistle
New York Islanders vs Chicago Blackhawks Odds
These are the current betting lines for Tuesday night. Be sure to track the latest NHL odds for any movement leading up to puck drop.
| Team | Moneyline |
|---|---|
| New York Islanders | -147 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | +124 |
New York Islanders Betting Form
The Islanders continue to ride their identity: structured defense, strong goaltending, and timely scoring. But they’ve been inconsistent this month, going 4-5-1 over their last ten. Ilya Sorokin remains their biggest weapon, but he’s seen his save percentage dip slightly as the defensive lapses in front of him increase.
Offensively, they’re still bottom-third in goals per game. Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat can drive chances, but the supporting cast hasn’t done enough. Special teams have been neutral overall, with a power play hovering around league average and a penalty kill that’s been slightly better on the road.
That said, this is a spot where their style should work. Chicago doesn’t generate much sustained pressure, and the Isles have had success this season against teams that struggle at 5-on-5. For a deeper look at performance trends, visit the New York Islanders stats and results, and don’t forget to check the New York Islanders injury report before placing bets.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Form
The Blackhawks are young, fast, and mistake-prone — not a great combination for winning tight hockey games. They’ve dropped six of their last eight and are just 7-10-1 at home this season. Connor Bedard is doing everything he can offensively, but he doesn’t have much help. Chicago sits near the bottom in goals per game, expected goals, and power-play conversion.
Defensively, it’s not much better. They allow too many odd-man rushes and struggle to clear traffic in front of the net. Goaltending has been up and down, with Arvid Söderblom and Petr Mrázek rotating starts. Both have save percentages under .900 in December.
This isn’t a good matchup for them. The Islanders don’t play a risky game, and that limits Chicago’s ability to create chaos. You can dig into the Chicago Blackhawks schedule and stats, and it’s worth monitoring the Chicago Blackhawks injury report to see if any roster changes are expected.
New York Islanders vs Chicago Blackhawks Matchup Breakdown
Stylistically, this game favors the Islanders. They’ll look to control pace, protect the crease, and force the Blackhawks to beat them in the neutral zone — something Chicago simply doesn’t do well.
A few key edges here:
- Islanders are top-10 in high-danger chances allowed
- Blackhawks rank bottom 5 in expected goals at 5-on-5
- Sorokin gives NYI a massive goaltending advantage
- Chicago has allowed 3+ goals in 8 of last 10
If the Isles stay disciplined and limit turnovers, this game should follow their script. It’s not flashy, but they grind out wins against lesser teams. For a deeper edge on betting matchups like this, check out the concise guide to hockey betting to better understand 5-on-5 analytics, goalie value, and more.
Discover Where the Sharps Are Betting
Real Trends, Real Edges, Real Wins
New York Islanders vs Chicago Blackhawks Predictions and Best Bets
This price is justified — if not a little short. The Islanders are clearly the better team, and this is the kind of game they typically control. Unless Sorokin sits, they should win with structure alone. Still, the -147 moneyline isn’t cheap, so consider reducing exposure or pairing it in parlays if that’s your style.
If total odds land at 5.5, the Under could make sense. Chicago doesn’t finish well, and New York doesn’t press the pace. But that’s dependent on line movement and goalie confirmations. Anything above 5.5 might not hold value.
Puck line might be tempting here given how often Chicago loses by multiple goals, but the Islanders aren’t built to blow teams out. If you go that route, make sure the plus money is worth the risk.
Best Bet: New York Islanders moneyline (-147)
NHL Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
Looking for more angles? Get sharp every day with free NHL picks from trusted analysts at ScoresAndStats. You’ll find sides, totals, and props across the entire slate.
Track the top sports handicappers by profit and volume, monitor long-term success on the handicapper leaderboard, and buy expert picks when you’re ready to invest in higher-conviction bets.
And if you’re refining your process, check out this sports betting strategy guide to learn how to think like a professional bettor.
