Blackhawks host the red-hot Rangers as they look to regain momentum at home

The Chicago Blackhawks return to the United Center on Wednesday night for a challenging matchup against the New York Rangers. After a tough stretch that has seen Chicago go 2-6-2 in their last 10 games, this home contest presents an opportunity to reset and rediscover consistency.

The Rangers, meanwhile, come in riding a three-game road winning streak and boasting one of the best away records in the league. With both teams healthy and meeting for the first time this season, the stage is set for a competitive and fast-paced matchup in Chicago.

Chicago Blackhawks aim to bounce back against strong Rangers road team

The Blackhawks have been inconsistent of late, earning a 12-11-6 record and sitting near the middle of the Central Division standings. At home, they are 6-5-3 and looking to build more stability on United Center ice. One area that continues to stand out, for better or worse, is discipline. Chicago ranks fourth in the NHL with 126 total penalties, averaging 4.3 per game. Staying out of the penalty box will be key against a Rangers team that thrives when given extra opportunities.

Despite recent struggles, the Blackhawks have gotten strong play from their young core. Frank Nazar continues to develop into a dynamic playmaker with five goals and 15 assists this season. His speed and creativity have helped drive Chicago’s offense, especially during five-on-five play.

Tyler Bertuzzi has also been a steady contributor, recording six goals and four assists in his last 10 games. His physical presence and ability to generate chances in tight make him a vital piece of the Blackhawks’ top six.

The challenge, however, will be containing a New York team that has excelled on the road with a 12-4-1 away record. The Rangers are particularly dangerous when they hit the three-goal mark, owning a 13-1-1 record in those situations. Chicago’s defense and goaltending will need to be sharp early to prevent the Rangers from gaining momentum.

On the injury front, both teams enter the game fully healthy, allowing the Blackhawks to ice their strongest possible lineup for one of their toughest opponents in December.

Rangers bring firepower as Chicago Blackhawks look to stabilize recent form

The New York Rangers arrive in Chicago playing confident, structured hockey. With a 15-12-4 record, they remain competitive in a tight Metropolitan Division race and continue to lean heavily on their star talent.

Artemi Panarin, the former Blackhawk, is once again leading the way with 10 goals and 22 assists. His combination of vision, playmaking, and shooting threat makes him one of the most dangerous forwards Chicago will face this month.

Complementing Panarin is Vladislav Gavrikov, who has been particularly productive over the last 10 games, tallying four goals and three assists. His two-way presence on the blue line gives the Rangers another layer of depth that Chicago must account for.

Statistically, New York has been the better team recently. Over their last 10 games, the Rangers are 5-3-2, averaging three goals per contest while giving up just 2.6. Their defensive structure has tightened, and their goaltending has been steady — a formula that has fueled their success away from home.

The Blackhawks, in contrast, have been outscored significantly in their recent 2-6-2 stretch, averaging only 2.2 goals per game while allowing 4.1 goals against. If Chicago wants to turn things around, they’ll need cleaner exits, sharper defensive zone coverage, and more sustained pressure in the offensive zone.

Still, the matchup brings opportunity. Playing in front of a home crowd, the Blackhawks have a chance to regroup, tighten their game, and show they can compete with one of the league’s top road teams. A strong effort against the Rangers could provide the spark they’ve been looking for.

As both teams enter the game with fully healthy rosters and plenty to play for, Wednesday night’s meeting promises high intensity, fast skating, and a clear test of where the Chicago Blackhawks stand heading into the heart of the season.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/blackhawks-look-to-regain-momentum-vs-red-hot-rangers