Chicago Blackhawks host NHL Eastern Conference leaders, New York Rangers – NHL Preview
Since recovering from the slump last month, Chicago Blackhawks have not yet been able to properly find winning ways. They have remained on and off, getting unexpected victories and defeats.
However, they certainly carry an edge over National Hockey League (NHL) Eastern Conference leaders, New York Rangers, who are currently finding it difficult to stay on winning track.
Both teams are going to face each other on Friday, March 9, 2012, at United Center, Chicago, Illinois.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Blackhawks
Despite the slump they went through during the last two months, Blackhawks are thankfully still in the comfort zone and are ranked at sixth spot in the Western Conference with 79 points after 68 games.
They recently got their three-game winning streak snapped as present Western Conference leaders, St. Louis Blues, crushed them badly.
Blues scored two goals in the first period and one in the second. The first scoring move for Blackhawks came in the final period in which Blues scored two more goals to secure the victory.
Blackhawks’ coach, Joel Quenneville, said after the game:
"Every game is different. Certain guys didn't have that pace on the power play or that intensity that you need. You've got to work harder when you're on the power play, it's not a given."
Rangers
They have lost three of their last four games and are presently on a two-game losing streak with the defeats coming against New Jersey Devils (4-1) and Ottawa Senators (4-1).
Rangers started the game against Senators well and got an early lead in the first period, but Senators hit back hard by scoring two goals in the same period and two more in the final to defeat the Rangers.
Rangers’ coach, John Tortorella, said after the game:
"I think we're beating ourselves sometimes in a game and finding ways to lose. We're just going to continue to keep working on our game and chip out the mistakes and see if we can get a little traction here.”
Rangers have 91 points after 66 games.
Predictions
Rangers do not have an impressive road record and that’s why Blackhawks can be favoured.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Rangers win, the goal difference will be two or more.
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