New York Islanders vs. Chicago Blackhawks Prediction and Picks - December 30, 2025
Use Code SSWC The New York Islanders (21-14-4) face the Chicago Blackhawks (14-18-6) this Tuesday at the United Center. Both teams are looking to shake off recent struggles: the Islanders are fighting to end a four-game road losing streak, while the Blackhawks have dropped three straight on home ice. A massive storyline for this game is the status of the league's brightest young star, Connor Bedard, who is currently on Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury sustained in mid-December. For New York, the return of star goaltender Ilya Sorokin to practice on Monday offers hope that their defensive anchor could be back in the crease for this Metropolitan-Central clash.
New York Islanders: Seeking Stability on the Road
The Islanders enter this matchup as favorites, sitting second in the Metropolitan Division but hungry for points to stay ahead of a surging division pack. The biggest news for New York is the potential return of Ilya Sorokin (lower body), who was eligible to return from IR as of December 28. Head coach Patrick Roy noted that Sorokin practiced Monday and will be a game-time decision; if he cannot go, David Rittich will start. Rittich has been excellent in relief, posting a 2.30 GAA and recently shutting out the Rangers.
Offensively, the Islanders have been bolstered by the return of top-line center Bo Horvat, who has 32 points on the season. Alongside Mathew Barzal, Horvat provides the veteran leadership needed to stabilize a team that has looked shaky away from home. The Islanders' primary goal will be to utilize their 10th-ranked penalty kill to stifle any momentum Chicago's power play attempts to build.
Chicago Blackhawks: Life Without Bedard
Chicago continues to navigate a difficult stretch without Connor Bedard (44 points). While Bedard returned to the ice for light skating on Monday, he has not yet been cleared for game action and remains out for this contest. Without their primary offensive engine, the Blackhawks have struggled to find consistent scoring, averaging just 2.0 goals per game over their last ten outings.
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The burden of production now falls on Andre Burakovsky and rookie Frank Nazar, though Nazar is also a game-time decision after sustaining a facial injury earlier this month. In net, Spencer Knight is expected to get the nod. Knight has been a workhorse for Chicago but has faced a high volume of high-danger chances behind a defense that ranks 29th in shots allowed per game.
Expert Picks and Predictions
Islanders vs Blackhawks Moneyline Pick
- New York Islanders Moneyline (-155)
I am backing the Islanders to end their road skid tonight. Even on the road, New York is the more complete team, especially with Chicago missing Bedard. The Islanders have a clear goaltending advantage whether Sorokin or Rittich starts, and their top-six forward group is significantly more seasoned. Chicago has a 2-8-0 record over their last 10 games, and without the dynamic playmaking of Bedard, they simply lack the firepower to break through the Islanders' structured defensive system.
Islanders vs Blackhawks Total Pick
- Under 5.5 (+105)
I am taking the Under in what projects to be a low-scoring affair. The Islanders are 25th in goals scored this season, and Chicago is 26th; both teams rely on a "defense-first" mentality to stay competitive. With Bedard out for Chicago and the Islanders likely playing a conservative road game to snap their losing streak, I don't see many high-danger chances being converted. Expect a gritty, physical game that likely ends in a 3-1 or 3-2 final score.
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