By Stephen Nover
Rangers plus $1.17 at Blackhawks
Face it Chicago it’s not going to happen. The Blackhawks aren’t going to make the playoffs. Not after going 1-6 in their last seven games.
The Blackhawks return home for the first time in two weeks. They are 0-2 in their previous two home games. Chicago hosts the Predators after this matchup followed by road matchups against the Stars, Blues and Lightning. So deep down inside if they are being honest, the Blackhawks have to realize that their just completed 1-4 road swing just about destroyed their forlorn playoff hopes.
The Rangers are in desperate need of a victory here, too, as they are outside the playoff picture. Unlike the Blackhawks, though, the Rangers have shown life winning four of their last five games. The lone loss came to the hot Bruins, 3-1, at home this past Sunday.
This gives the Rangers ample time to regroup. New York has won its last five road games. The Rangers have been getting outstanding goalie play from Igor Shesterkin and Alexandar Georgiev. Those two have made Henrik Lundqvist almost an afterthought.
The Rangers are giving up just 1.8 goals in their last five games. Only once in their last 10 games have they surrendered more than three goals. The Blackhawks rank last in the NHL in power play percentage. They were 0-for-14 in their power play opportunities during their just conclued five-game road trip.
Chicago is allowing an average of four goals per game during their last five contests.
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