In a thrilling encounter poised to electrify fans, the New York Islanders are set to face off against the Chicago Blackhawks on a crisp December evening, the 12th, 2024. The puck drops at 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT within the hallowed confines of UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
As they step onto the ice, the teams’ season narratives paint contrasting pictures. The Blackhawks, grappling with a record of 9-17-2, have found the road particularly treacherous, managing only 5 wins in 16 attempts (5-9-2). In stark contrast, the Islanders, currently at 11-12-7 with a home record of 5-7-2, are looking to turn the tides in their favor.
Delving deeper into their tactical prowess, one must note the Blackhawks’ power play, currently languishing among the league’s worst, converting a mere 13.3% of opportunities, placing them at 31st overall. This uphill battle is unlikely to lighten, especially against the formidable Islanders’ penalty kill, which boasts a robust sixth-place ranking with an impressive 82.5% success rate.
On the other hand, the Islanders could exploit a glaring weakness in the Blackhawks’ defense during power plays, as Chicago ranks a dismal 32nd in the league, allowing goals on 65.6% of penalty kills. With the Islanders’ power play humming at 10th overall and converting 23.3% of the time, the potential for fireworks is palpable.
Date and Puck-Drop Time
Mark your calendars for this highly anticipated showdown on December 12, 2024, with a decisive start at 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT.
How to Watch
Television: CHSN, MSGSN
Streaming: ESPN+
For those eager to catch the game live, an ESPN+ subscription starts at a wallet-friendly $10.99 per month.
Streaming via VPN
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Team News
New York Islanders
In the crease, Ilya Sorokin has achieved a record of 8-8-4, coupled with a solid 2.58 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage, including one glorious shutout. The captain, Anders Lee, adds firepower with 24 points—13 goals and 11 assists—fueling the Islanders’ offensive efforts.
Chicago Blackhawks
Arvid Soderblom, the Blackhawks’ sentinel in net, carries a 2-6-1 record with a 2.41 goals-against average and a commendable .921 save percentage. Noteworthy is the emergence of rookie Connor Bedard, who contributes significantly with 21 points—5 goals and 16 assists. Veteran Ryan Donato adds to their attacks with 10 goals and an impressive total of 66 blocked shots.
Historical Head-to-Head Record
A glance at the recent rivalry shows a tight contest, with the Islanders edging slightly higher as they’ve won three out of their last five bouts. Their last clash on April 3, 2024, saw a razor-thin 2-1 win for New York, while previous seasons reflected victories for the Islanders by scores of 3-0 and 3-1. Conversely, the Blackhawks managed two narrow triumphs: a thrilling 4-3 win in January 2024 and a 3-2 success back in December 2021. The Islanders’ strength in special teams and a stable offense provide them with a strategic upper hand, sure to challenge the Blackhawks, whose reliance on Bedard’s offensive flair could turn the tide.
Prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable night on ice as these two storied franchises battle it out for supremacy!
