New York Islanders vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks and Prediction, Tuesday, December 30, 2025
The New York Islanders face the Chicago Blackhawks with both teams heading in opposite directions halfway through the season. The Islanders are 21-14-4 and boast the second-best record in the Metropolitan Division while the Blackhawks are 14-18-6 and with only two wins in their last 10 games, they have the second-worst record in the Western Conference. Who will win this game? Check out our Islanders vs Blackhawks prediction!
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Islanders are led by incredible defense
The Islanders are having a great season despite their offense struggling and scoring only 2.77 goals per game. Matthew Barzal and Bo Horvat have scored 30 goals and 31 assists while defenseman Matthew Schaefer has nine goals and 15 assists but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only six skaters have scored seven goals or more, and opponents can limit the top-heavy offense as a result.
The offense has struggled but the defense has been incredible, allowing only 2.67 goals per game with only five goals in the last three games. Matthew Schaefer and Ryan Pulock have combined for 5.9 defensive point shares while Adam Pelech and Scott Mayfield have combined for 4.6 defensive point shares to add depth to the unit. Additionally, goaltender David Rittich has overachieved as a backup as he’s allowed only eight goals in his last five starts.
Key injury report for Islanders
- Ilya Sorokin was placed on injured reserve. Is the starting goaltender for the Islanders.
- Kyle Palmieri (torn ACL) is on injured reserve. Had six goals and 12 assists.
Chicago has fallen apart on both ends
The Blackhawks are having a rough season with their offense letting them down and scoring only 2.76 goals per game. Tyler Bertuzzi and Andre Burakovsky have scored 28 goals and 24 assists but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only three active skaters have seven goals or more, and opponents can eliminate the offense.
The offense has struggled but the defense has also been a mess, allowing 3.21 goals per game, including 10 goals in the last two games. Wyatt Kaiser and Matt Grzelcyk have combined for 3.5 defensive point shares to add depth to the unit. In addition, goaltender Spencer Knight has struggled in his latest starts, allowing 15 goals in his last five.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Tony Karpinski | +2,976.00 |
| 2 |  Joe Duffy | +2,595.00 |
| 3 |  The Insiders Room | +2,320.00 |
| 4 |  Mark Ruelle | +1,627.00 |
| 5 |  Jackie Mack | +1,451.00 |
Key injury report for Blackhawks
- Connor Bedard (upper body) was placed on injured reserve and will be out until 2026. Has 19 goals and 25 assists.
- Frank Nazar was placed on injured reserve. Has six goals and 15 assists.
Islanders vs Blackhawks Pick
Money Line Pick For Islanders vs Blackhawks
- Islanders (-140) (4 units)
The Islanders are putting together a great season, and I see them dominating this game against one of the worst teams in the NHL. The Islanders should find the back of the net with ease against the Blackhawks, who have allowed 10 goals in their last two games, with Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone while creating open shots with quick passes. The Islanders, who allow only 2.67 goals per game, should limit the Blackhawks offense with Matthew Schaefer, Ryan Pulock, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone while limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender David Rittich to make plenty of big saves. The Islanders should win the game with a strong performance on the road.
Take the Islanders money line as road Favorites.
Over/Under Pick For Islanders vs Blackhawks
- Under 5.5 (5 Units)
Both teams have struggled on offense, and I see this game being a low-scoring one from the opening puck drop. The Blackhawks should limit the Islanders offense, which averages only 2.77 goals per game, with Wyatt Kaiser, Matt Grzelcyk, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone while limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Spencer Knight to make plenty of big saves. The Islanders, who have allowed only five goals in the last three games, should eliminate the Blackhawks offense, which averages only 2.76 goals per game, with Matthew Schaefer, Ryan Pulock, Adam Pelech, and the rest of the defensive unit forcing turnovers in all three zones while goaltender David Rittich, who has allowed only eight goals in his last five starts, blanks the shots on the net. The Under should cover in a low-scoring game with both defenses stepping up.
Take the Under on 5.5 goals.
The Islanders face the Blackhawks with both teams on opposite ends of the standings this season.
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