New York Rangers (3-5-1) at Chicago Blackhawks (5-2-2)
7:30pm Central/6:30pm Eastern
United Center
TV/Radio: NBCSCH,MSG/WGN
PROJECTED GOALIES:
Chicago:
Corey Crawford (.946 SV%, 1.69 GAA)
New York:
Henrik Lundqvist (.921 SV%, 2.55 GAA)
Team statistics:
Power Play
Chicago (12.9%, 26)
New York (23.3%, 14)
Penalty Kill
Chicago (75.0%, T-19)
New York (72.4%, 23)
Shots for/against per game
Chicago (35.3, 3 – 35.8, 27)
New York (33.0, T-9 – 34.1, T-22)
Shooting%
Chicago (10.4%, 13)
New York (7.7%, T-27)
Faceoff%
Chicago (49.2%, 213
New York (49.4%, T-20)
Avg. height/weight
Chicago
6’1” 195lbs
New York
6’1” 200lbs
PROJECTED LINES/PAIRINGS:
Chicago
DeBrincat-Toews-Kahun
Saad-Anisimov-Kane
Fortin-Johnson-Schmaltz
Kunitz-Kruger-Hayden
Keith-Jokiharju
Gustafsson-Seabrook
Manning-Rutta
New York
Kreider-Zibanejad-Zuccarello
Chytil-Hayes-Fast
Vesey-Howden-Buchnevich
McLeod-Namestnikov-Spooner
Skjei-McQuaid
Staal-Pionk
Smith-Shattenkirk
Analysis:
Brandon Saad found the back of the net twice on Tuesday, albeit one an empty net score, and has played well the past few games. Saad looking like his former self generates scoring balance through the Hawks’ lineup. However, a few games do not make a season.
The Hawks start Corey Crawford in goal tonight. The 33-year old has been outstanding in his three starts with a .946 save percentage.
New York currently holds down last place in the Metropolitan Division. Mika Zibanejad, top line center for the Rangers, leads the team in goals (5) and points (9).
The “Jekyll and Hyde” Blackhawks should see this game as an easy two points but these Hawks have yet to show the consistency to think that way.
Comment below in our live game thread tonight!
And look for the internet’s most robust recap of the game later tonight or early tomorrow on the-rink.com.