NHL Predictions: Dec. 30 New York Islanders vs Chicago Blackhawks

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the New York Islanders taking on the Chicago Blackhawks. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

NHL Predictions: New York Islanders vs Chicago Blackhawks

Time: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

How to Watch TV: MSGSN; CHSN, ESPN+, NHLN

2024-25 Season Series: Series was split 1-1

This matchup in our NHL predictions features two out-of-conference opponents sitting at opposite ends of the standings. The Islanders are currently second in the Eastern Conference’s Metropolitan Division with a record of 21-14-4, after 39 games, which leaves them with 46 points on the season. The Blackhawks sit on the opposite end of the Western Conference’s Central Division. They are in last place with a record of 14-18-6 after 38 games, and that has them at 34 points. This is the first of two matchups between these teams. The first will take place tonight at the United Center in Chicago.

The Islanders Story

The Islanders come into this game after splitting a back-to-back set over the weekend, dropping the latest game on Sunday night. The offence has slowed down a bit, and in the last six games in a row, the team has scored under two goals. This slump has them ranked 25th in goals per game with just 2.77. However, with team point leader Bo Horvat just returning this weekend, the hope is that he can help kickstart the goal scoring again. One area that needs help is the power play, which ranks 28th in the NHL in conversion rate at 15.4%. Horvat’s presence will take the pressure off Mathew Barzal, who was filling in on the top line. He hopes to break his three-game point drought going into this game.

Defensively, things have been strong for this team. They rank in the top 10 in goals against per game, ranking sixth with 2.67. In three of their last four games, they have held their opponent to two goals or fewer. A top 10 penalty kill will help with that. They rank ninth in kill rate at 82.7%. Strong goalie play from both of their goalies has helped as well. However, with Ilya Sorokin on the injured reserve, it is David Rittich starting for now. He has been terrific, going 3-1-1 with a .949 save percentage over the last five games. Sorokin hopes to be back soon; however, the team recalled Marcus Hogberg to be the backup for now.

The Blackhawks Story

The Blackhawks come into this game after losing their last game. They have been on a freefall recently, losing seven of their last eight games. In five of those eight games, they have scored two goals or fewer. This has them ranked 26th in the league in goals for per game with 2.76. A major blow to their lineup has been the absence of team point leader Connor Bedard, who hasn’t played since Dec 12th with an upper-body injury. Tyler Bertuzzi is the team’s second point leader, and he has been trying to carry the offence. He has three goals over the last two games since the holiday break.

Defensively, things don’t get much better. The team ranks 21st in goals against per game with 3.21. They have allowed three or more goals in the last eight games straight. One positive is that they also have a top 10 penalty kill, as they rank fourth in kill rate at 84%. However, with the team giving up the second most high danger chances in the league, that leaves their goalies out to dry. Starter Spencer Knight has good numbers despite five regulation losses in a row, which seems to be more of a team issue than him. He is 10-11-5 with a .910 save percentage on the season and the likely starter for tonights game. Backup Arvid Soderblom, on the other hand, has been rough with a 4-7-1 record and an .873 save percentage.

Prediction

Coming into this game, both teams are moving in opposite directions. While Chicago is at home, that is the only advantage they have in this matchup. New York has a slightly better offence, and with the Bedard injury, that tilts the scales just a bit more. Defensively and in the net, the Islanders have the edge there as well. With the Islanders coming off a loss, this should be a good spot to rebound.

Prediction: Islanders win 4-2

Prop Bets

According to the popular sportsbooks, the Islanders are the favourites on the road in this one. At -150 on the moneyline, we think that is the way to go here. The over/under is set at 5.5. The Islanders have struggled on offence, but this is a good breakout spot. We would take the over at -128. As far as an anytime goal scorer, for the Islanders, take Mathew Barzal at +180. He has been in a drought recently, look for him to get it going again in this game. For the Blackhawks, take Tyler Bertuzzi at +200. He has lit the lamp in each of his last two games. Look for him to do it again here tonight.

Main Photo: David Banks-Imagn Images

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