Blackhawks vs Rangers: Preview, Odds, and Predictions for December 9, 2024

The Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers faced off on December 9, 2024, at Madison Square Garden, marking the final game of the Rangers’ five-game homestand. The Rangers, who have dominated recent meetings, have won three consecutive games and seven of the last eight against the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks, with a record of 8-17-2, are currently struggling, having lost five straight games and recently replacing their head coach. They have also lost six consecutive road games, including a recent 4-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets at the United Center.

The Rangers, despite their recent dominance over the Blackhawks, are themselves in a rough patch, having won only three of their last 10 games. This has dropped them to fourth place in the Metropolitan Division. They come into this game after a 7-5 loss to the Seattle Kraken, where five different players scored for the Rangers.

In terms of betting odds, the Rangers are significant favorites, with a moneyline of -260 and a puck line of -1.5 at +102. The Blackhawks are at +200 on the moneyline and +1.5 at -124 on the puck line. The over/under for the game is set at 6 goals, with the over available at -105.

Key statistics include the Rangers’ strong performance in the second half of back-to-back sets, where they are 12-1-0 over the past two seasons. The Blackhawks, however, have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight games at Madison Square Garden.

Petr Mrazek is expected to start for the Blackhawks, who have a defense that ranks 21st in goals against but is strong on the penalty kill. The Rangers, meanwhile, have signed goaltender Igor Shesterkin to an eight-year contract extension and recently traded defenseman Jacob Trouba to free up salary cap space.