The Central Division’s Chicago Blackhawks will complete their New York swing on Sunday when they take on the Metropolitan Division’s New York Islanders. Chicago snapped its eight-game losing streak last night with a 5-2 victory over the New York Rangers, while the Isles enter this contest amidst a two-game drought.
Will it continue to turn things around, or can New York beat it for the second time this season? Find out in our free NHL betting picks and predictions for the Blackhawks vs Islanders on Sunday, December 4.
Blackhawks vs Islanders best odds
Blackhawks vs Islanders picks and predictions
Despite grabbing a much-needed win in Madison Square Garden, there is no reason to expect the season to turn around for Chicago. The Blackhawks have been bleeding goals to their opposition, allowing five or more in six of their last eight games.
At 5v5 this year, Chicago ranks 29th in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). Backing up this lackluster lineup is goaltender Arvid Soderblom, who allowed one goal on just six shots for an .833 SV% in relief last night,
Through 10 appearances in the crease this season, Soderblom is 2-5-2 with a .904 SV% and 3.23 GAA. The line is so short on the Islanders to score at least four goals because they are not typically an offensive powerhouse, despite a good amount of depth in their forward group.
However, Chicago is capable of allowing four goals to an AHL team, and the Isles should add to the growing list of teams to score at least four goals against the Blackhawks this season.
My best bet: Islanders team total Over 3.5 (-130 at DraftKings)
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Blackhawks vs Islanders moneyline analysis
The Islanders’ moneyline or puck line would also be great plays to make in this contest, however, I am just backing the trends and taking them to score four or more goals. Chicago’s defense has been terrible, and there should not be much optimism in it to figure things out anytime soon.
Across the ice, Vezina Trophy candidate Ilya Sorokin is slated to take the crease for New York. Through 18 appearances this season, he boasts a .932 SV% and 2.17 GAA.
Among starting goaltenders, Sorokin ranks first in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5v5. New York is currently –285 on the moneyline, which is a little too much juice for my liking compared to just taking its team total.
Blackhawks vs Islanders Over/Under analysis
The Blackhawks are a tough team to take totals on because they are one of the few squads in the league that struggled to both score and play defense. Their lack of scoring options offensively would suggest taking the Under, but their uninspired defense is also capable of allowing teams to score six goals.
At 5v5, the Hawks rank just 31st in the league in expected goals per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at 5v5. One of the league’s worst offenses are slated to go against one of the league’s best goaltenders, which is a recipe for disaster.
Meanwhile, their defense is just as bad. As is typically the case for Chicago this season, the total is too tough to judge in this contest given the circumstances.
Blackhawks vs Islanders betting trend to know
Opposing teams have scored five or more goals in six of the last eight games against the Blackhawks. Find more NHL betting trends for Blackhawks vs Islanders.
Blackhawks vs Islanders game info
| Location: | UBS Arena, Belmont, NY |
| Date: | Saturday, December 4, 2022 |
| Puck drop: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBCS-CHI, MSGSN |
