The New York Rangers are on a Three Game Win Streak; Can they Keep it Up?

Photo Credit: Madison Square Garden Entertainment

The New York Rangers are currently on a three-game win streak and have the best standings in the Eastern Conference. On Feb. 9, they’ll head to Chicago to face the Blackhawks, who currently have the worst record in the National Hockey League.

The last time the Rangers had a three-game win streak was between Dec. 15-19, 2023, when they defeated the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Since Jan. 27, 2024, the Rangers have played and won against the Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, and Tampa Bay Lightning. They’ll have the chance to extend their win streak to four games if they beat the Blackhawks on Friday, Feb. 9.

The Blackhawks are currently on a five-game losing streak and have the second-lowest goal differential in the NHL. The last two times these teams faced each other, the Rangers emerged victorious. The last time the Blackhawks defeated the Rangers was on Dec. 3, 2022, in a home game for New York.

The home-field advantage may play a key role in Friday's game. The Blackhawks have won six out of their last ten home games, while the Rangers have only won three of their last ten away games. Over the last five games, Jonathan Quick has maintained an average save percentage of .901 for the Rangers, whereas Blackhawks goalie Petr Mrázek has averaged a .934 save percentage. Mrazek, however, only won one of his last five games. Although the Blackhawks are on a five-game losing streak, only one of those games was played at home. Before the losing streak, the Blackhawks defeated the New York Islanders at home with a score of 4-3.

It is often said that hockey is one of the most unpredictable sports statistically. Determining a winner for the game on Feb. 9 is nearly impossible. However, with the Rangers on a three-game winning streak with a poor away game record, and the Blackhawks on a five-game losing streak but boasting a strong home-field advantage, it might be Chicago's first win in over three weeks.