The Blackhawks travel to New York to face the Rangers

Admit the losers, constant trade rumors and early talk about the 2023 NHL Draft…. The Blackhawks are in New York tonight to meet the Rangers. New York hasn’t gotten off to the hot start so predicted. They come into the contest 11-9-5 (27 points in 25 games).

Rangers would soon come out with the lead. They certainly have the firepower to do it. New York has 3 players over a point (Banarin, Fox and Zibanejad) as well as one of the best goaltenders in the world. Rangers will need this win as the next 5 opponents are all tough games.

Nine of the last ten for Rangers have been decided by just 1 or 2 goals, something head coach Gerard Gallant will try and end tonight. So, what could be wrong? Chicago is on the road, a long losing streak, and an offense that hasn’t been clicking as of late…which is why tonight could go Chicago’s way. They have nothing to lose.

There are crazy players, well-traveled pickups and a locker room trying to stick young players to the Hawks. They knew it was time to make a statement. No one expected Chicago to win, so I expect a loss and a hard-working effort tonight. Something that could go our way once.

The pressure is on New York to win against them and win big. My guess is that it won’t go their way. I predict a 3-2 Blackhawks surprise win tonight. Out-Skilled Yes, but Not Out-Worked is tonight’s theme. Let’s all put aside the Patrick Kane trade watch / Connor Bedard draft talk and cheer our Hawks on to victory!