The New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks share a few things in common, most of which make for gruesome reading. They face each other at the United Center on Sunday (3 p.m. ET, ABC) after both teams have lost five of the last six games. 

Both squads have been allowing at least four goals per game since Dec. 20. Neither team is in sight of the Stanley Cup odds contenders, while both are among the bottom five in win percentage when conceding the opening goal. 

The Rangers, who lost 7-4 in Washington on Saturday, are undeservedly the -150 favorites for the contest, and I can't back the Blackhawks considering their recent abject form. That's why our Rangers vs. Blackhawks prediction focuses on individual performances from Mika Zibanejad and Connor Bedard. 

Today's Rangers vs. Blackhawks prediction

원타임 카지노 데일리 보너스 via our best NHL betting sites; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale.

My best pick: Mika Zibanejad Over 2.5 shots ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best odds: | Implied probability: 54.13%

While Zibanejad is enduring one of the worst seasons of his career, there are signs he might be coming back to life. The 31-year-old scored a goal in his last two games, and he's hit the Over on this shot prop in four of his previous six and three of the last four.

He's averaging 3.25 shots per game in the veteran's last four outings, and confidence appears to be finally returning to his game.

Scoring two goals in as many contests could ignite his season. Even if he isn't able to turn his latest uptick into something meaningful long term, Zibanejad should be in a shooting mood in Chicago.  

Zibanejad tallied seven shot attempts in Washington, building on the seven he fired toward Jeremy Swayman in the previous game. He dominated that tilt against the Bruins with an expected goals percentage of 68. 

A winning $10 bet here will lead to an $8.47 profit. 

Rangers vs. Blackhawks player prop pick

NHL picks made Sunday; odds subject to change.

Conor Bedard prop pick: Over 2.5 shots ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best odds: -134 via Betway | Implied probability: 57.26%

Aside from the Rangers' four-goal explosion in Washington yesterday, neither team has been enjoying an easy time lighting the lamp lately.

That's why I prefer backing Bedard to register at least three shots rather than notching an assist. However, his assist prop is still appealing, as the Blackhawks' sophomore has logged at least one helper in three of his last four games.  

Bedard has also come to life recently, and he's letting loose far more often.

He's registered four shots in three of the last four games and has hit the Over on this prop in four of the Blackhawks' previous six contests. He's also playing a Rangers team that will be fatigued from playing on Saturday, and it allows the third-most shots per game in enemy rinks (32.3). 

A winning $10 bet will lead to a $7.46 profit. 

Rangers vs. Blackhawks live odds & info

• When: Sunday, Jan. 5
• Puck drop: 3 p.m. ET
• Where: United Center (Chicago)
• How to watch: ABC
• Favorite: Rangers (-150 via Betway)

Rangers vs. Blackhawks injuries

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