Following victories over the second-best team in the Western Conference and a top-six Eastern Conference club after the All-Star break, the New York Rangers will strive to maintain their momentum on Friday as they face the struggling Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks enter the matchup with a five-game losing streak and the fewest points in the NHL at just 30.
The Blackhawks have struggled to maintain a consistent offensive presence, especially with key contributors like rookie leading scorer Connor Bedard sidelined due to a fractured jaw. Throughout their recent losing streak, opponents have outscored Chicago by a margin of 14-3, marking the team’s third five-game skid this season. Scoring has been particularly challenging for the Blackhawks, who have managed to score more than two goals in just one of their last 11 games.
Expressing the team’s frustration, Blackhawks player Nick Foligno acknowledged their hunger for goals. In their recent 2-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild, Foligno was the sole scorer for Chicago, managing the team’s only shot on goal during the first period.
Foligno expressed satisfaction with the Blackhawks’ initial effort, noting a strong start to the game. However, he highlighted a disappointing shift in momentum after allowing a goal, leading to a regression into unfavorable habits rather than maintaining an aggressive stance against their opponents.
Meanwhile, the New York Rangers showcased a commendable defensive performance in their recent games against the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning. Backup goaltender Jonathan Quick played a significant role in this success, making crucial saves and allowing only two goals on 51 shots faced. Despite Quick’s impressive performance, coach Peter Laviolette reiterated that Igor Shesterkin remains the team’s primary goaltender.
Quick’s contributions have enabled the Rangers to secure three consecutive wins, providing Shesterkin with additional rest and practice time amid inconsistent performances. Laviolette praised the defensive effort of his team, emphasizing the importance of disrupting opponents’ offensive plays by maintaining tight defensive coverage and active stickwork.
Offensively, Jimmy Vesey and Jonny Brodzinski contributed goals in the recent victory over the Lightning. The Rangers aim to sustain their defensive intensity and offensive productivity moving forward.
As for the Blackhawks, they hope to avoid a repeat of their previous encounter with the Rangers, where they suffered a 4-1 defeat. The Rangers have dominated recent matchups between the two teams, winning six of their last seven encounters.
