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 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
New York Islanders vs Chicago Blackhawks
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: MSGSN, CHSN, ESPN+
This matchup features two out-of-conference opponents who are both having challenging seasons. The Islanders rank sixth in the Eastern Conference’s Metropolitan Division. Their record sits at 11-12-7 through 30 games, good for 29 points. The Blackhawks are second to last in the Western Conference’s Central Division. Their record is 9-17-2 through 28 games, good for 20 points. These teams will only match up two times this season. The first is tonight on Long Island inside UBS Arena. Last season they split the season series 1-1.
The Islanders Story
The Islanders’ two-game winning streak was snapped in their last game, a 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. After two four-goal games, the offence reverted to its old ways. They failed to produce much of anything only registering 20 shots on goals. That’s why they rank 29th in goals with 2.53 per game. Their 31st-ranked powerplay did not do them any favors either going 0-3 on their chances. That dropped their percentage to 13.8%.
Anders Lee continued his scoring surge netting his sixth goal in nine games. With that goal, he passed John Tavares for eighth most in franchise history. Help could be on the way shortly as Anthony Duclair rejoined the team at practice on Tuesday sporting a non-contact jersey. When healthy he should jump right back into his spot on the first line and the number one power-play unit.
The Islander defence was helped out a lot by their goaltending again. For the third straight game, the Islanders allowed 30-plus shots on goal. The team ranks 14th in goals against with 2.97 per game. However, they have allowed the sixth most shots on goal in the league with 680. If not for Ilya Sorokin and his strong play the team would be much worse off. His record stands at 8-7-4 with a .911 save percentage and 2.61 goals against. With Semyon Varlamov still day-to-day, Sorokin will be asked to start most games. Defenseman Adam Pelech continues to skate with a non-contact jersey at practice but his return will help the group.
The Blackhawks Story
The Blackhawks snapped their five-game losing streak in their last game, a 2-1 win over the New York Rangers. Despite that win, it has been a challenging season for Chicago. Their lack of offence has been a big reason why. The Blackhawks rank 31st in goals with 2.39 per game. They have scored two or fewer goals in five of their last six games. However, if you give them a powerplay they can hurt you.
They rank 11th in the league on the man advantage at 23.3%. Led by young star Connor Bedard and his 21 points in 28 games, he has points in back-to-back games. Following him is Ryan Donato playing his second-line center role. He is having a respectable season with 15 points in 26 games.
Defensively the Blackhawks are in the middle of the pack. They rank 19th in goals against with 3.11. In their last six games, they have allowed three or more goals five times. In terms of allowing chances, they have given up the 11th most shots against with 664. Of those shots, 59 of them are considered high-danger, the same as the Islanders. Chicago has also gotten strong play from both of their goalies. The starter Petr Mrazek is 7-11-1 with a .906 save percentage and 2.83 goals against. Even backup Arvid Soderblom has played well in his limited starts. He is 2-6-1 with a .921 save percentage and 2.41 goals against.
Prediction
After having their winning streak snapped the Islanders will look to bounce back. They will have a good chance to do so against an opponent that they should beat. Chicago is near the bottom of the league as the second-to-last team in the NHL. They have struggled recently to produce offence, even worse than the Islanders so New York has the edge there. Between the pipes, the Islanders also have the advantage there. Those factors along with the home-ice advantage and the Islanders are in a good spot to start another winning streak.
Prediction: Islanders win 3-2
Prop Bets
We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Fanduel has the Islanders as favourites in this game, take them at -192 on the money line. The over/under is at 5.5 and has even odds. Given the struggles offensively for both of these teams, we like the under at -110. As far as any-time goal scorers, for the Islanders, take Anders Lee at +180. He has goals in back-to-back games so we like him to continue his heater in this game. For the Blackhawks take Connor Bedard at +260. Chicago doesn’t score much but when they do there’s a good chance the young superstar will be in the middle of it.
Main photo by: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: December 12 New York Islanders V Chicago Blackhawks appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.