The set-up: The Rangers opened the season just 3-7-2 but are now 9-7-2 and looking for a seventh consecutive win when they visit the United Center Chicago Wednesday night to take on the 8-8-2 Chicago Blackhawks. New York has turned its season around by netting at least tree goals in 10 of its last 12 games (8-2-2), while Chicago has gone just 4-7-1 over its last 12 contest. However, maybe there is a 'light at the end of the tunnel' for the Blackhawks, as they have scored nine goals in their last two games, after mustering only 19 in their previous 10.

NY Rangers: Special teams have been key for the Rangers over their last six games, going 8-for-19 on the power play and 13-for-14 on the penalty kill. "Any skill player will tell you when you're having success on the power play, it will drive the rest of your game," said defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, who has collected a point on four of the eight power-play goals. "The ability to just get touches on the puck, positive touches, making passes and having a little time and space out there, it allows you to slow the game down in your mind." Mika Zibanejad, who already has a career-high five power-play goals in 18 games, has recorded 12 of his team-leading 18 points in his last nine contests.

Chicago: The Blackhawks are looking to break out of a slump which has seen them lose three of their past four games, squandering a three-goal lead in their most recent contest, a 7-5 Sunday home loss to the Devils. Goalie Corey Crawford endured a night he'd like to forget, allowing six goals (four in the 1st period!) on just 26 shots before being pulled. Chicago is led in scoring by Brandon Said, who has seven goals. Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat and Artem Anisimov have six goals apiece. The 19-year-old DeBrincat has seven points (five goals, two assists) in his last seven games. "Well, we've been encouraged every single day we've seen him this year," head coach Joel Quenneville said of him. "The fact he's starting to score a little bit more gives us an added sniper. But he does a lot of good things, not just scoring. He complements your team game."

The pick: The Rangers have enjoyed visiting the United Center lately, as they've won five in a row at Chicago. Henrik Lundqvist is likely to start in goal fro New York and he's 8-4-2 record with a 2.92 GAA and .905 save percentage this season. In 10 career games against Chicago, he is 6-2-2 with a 2.19 GAA. Crawford is expected to start for Chicago and I predict a huge bounce-back from that 'ugly' Sunday game. He's just 7-7-0 on the season but his 2.21 goals-against average and .932 save percentage on the season are better than that of Lundqvist. In six career games against the Rangers, he is again just 2-3-1 but with solid numbers like a 2.37 GAA and .921 save percentage. Make Chicago a 10* play.