The Chicago Blackhawks are set to face off against the New York Rangers in an Original Six showdown on Wednesday night at the United Center. This nationally televised game marks a pivotal moment for the Blackhawks, who are currently struggling with a record of 12-11-6 following a challenging road trip last weekend. In contrast, the Rangers boast a 15-12-4 record and are determined to maintain their competitive standing in the Eastern Conference playoff race, having gone 5-3-2 over their last 10 games.
One of the key figures for the Rangers is veteran forward Artemi Panarin, who has continued to excel at the age of 34. In 31 games this season, Panarin has notched 10 goals and 22 assists for a total of 32 points. The Rangers’ offensive strength doesn’t stop there, as they also have notable contributions from players like JT Miller, Vincent Trocheck, Mika Zibanejad, and Alexis Lafrenière, creating a potent threat for the Blackhawks’ defense.
Defensively, the Rangers face a significant setback with the absence of Adam Fox, their standout defenseman and Norris Trophy winner, who is sidelined due to injury. This absence presents an opportunity for the Blackhawks to exploit weaknesses in the Rangers’ lineup.
In goal, the Blackhawks will rely on Spencer Knight, who has been a bright spot in their season thus far. To overcome the formidable Igor Shesterkin, regarded as one of the top goaltenders globally, the Blackhawks will need to focus on creating traffic in front, making smart shot selections, and executing sound decision-making throughout the game.
Chicago will also see some lineup changes, with Sam Rinzel reassigned to the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs to regain his form and confidence. Dominic Toninato has been brought in to replace Landon Slaggert, while Sam Lafferty is projected to contribute to the fourth line amidst a reshuffled lineup.
With key players spread out across three different lines—Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Teuvo Teravainen—the Blackhawks aim to revitalize their offense after a string of underwhelming performances. Scoring against the Rangers would be a significant morale boost and essential for rebuilding their confidence.
Fans can tune into the action on AM 720 WGN locally or watch on TNT, TruTV, or HBO Max, with puck drop scheduled for just after 6:30 PM. The excitement builds as both teams seek a decisive victory in this classic rivalry.