What the Blackhawks' 3-0 shutout win over the Rangers means for the rest of December

The Chicago Blackhawks notched a well-earned win in their 3-0 shutout victory over the New York Rangers at home on Wednesday. After a rough 6-7 weekend that featured blowout losses at the hands of the Los Angeles Kings (6-0 on Dec. 6) and Anaheim Ducks (7-1 on Dec 7. Also a game that they gave up 53 shots), the Blackhawks are back in the win column.

Connor Bedard scored his 19th goal of the season and added an assist for a two-point night to lead the offense. Spencer Knight stopped all 21 shots faced in the shutout win.

With nine games left in December, the Blackhawks look to finish off December on a strong note after a great win over the Rangers on Wednesday.

A Statement Win

This is the kind of game the Blackhawks needed and the kind of games they will need to play if they want a strong finish in December.

A Big Test in the Final Nine Games

The Blackhawks have nine games left before the end of December. Their next game is in St. Louis against the St. Louis Blues on Dec. 12, the first of a back-to-back, as they will play the Detroit Red Wings on Dec. 13. Afterwards, they start a three-game Eastern Canada road trip against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Ottawa Senators.

Then, the Blackhawks return home on Dec. 23 for their final game before the holiday break against the Philadelphia Flyers. Then they will face the Stars in Dallas on Dec. 27 for a back-to-back set. Dec. 28, they play the Pittsburgh Penguins, and on Dec. 30, they play the New York Islanders.

This will be a chance to show what they're made up to close out the first half of the NHL season on a good note.

What the Hawks Must Prove

1. Steady Goaltending

Spencer Knight has shown time and time again why he is the Blackhawks' No. 1 goaltender of the future. He was composed in net in the shutout win over the Rangers. He will be tested again throughout this stretch of December, and his play could shape how the Blackhawks enter the New Year.

2. Tight Defense

The Blackhawks have played tight defense in their game against the Rangers. They will need more of that. They can't afford to suffer losses like those against the Kings and Ducks.

The Rangers game showed how the Blackhawks can defend well when they skate hard, stay in position, and make great plays. If they keep that mindset, they'll win hockey games.

3. Depth Scoring

As the Blackhawks may have noticed from Bedard's first two seasons in the NHL, he cannot contribute on his own. It has to be other players helping and stepping up to the task at hand.

Chicago has a great young offensive group of players. From Bedard to Frank Nazar to Oliver Moore to Ryan Greene and Colton Dach. Even on the back end, in Alex Vlasic, Louis Crevier, Wyatt Kaiser, and Artyom Levshunov. There are talented players all over the lineup, and they will need to score goals every night.

Four Games That Could Shape December

Dec. 12 at St. Louis

A Central Division showdown in St. Louis against the Blues. This will be the first test after the Rangers win. How the Blackhawks play there will show if the win was a true reset.

Dec. 13 vs Detroit

Second game of a back-to-back set against Patrick Kane and the first-place Red Wings. This game will show if the Blackhawks can stay sharp and look great at home.

Dec. 23 vs Philadelphia

The last home game before the holiday break. The Flyers have been a great team to watch so far this season, especially with the addition of Trevor Zegras. Philadelphia is 16-9-3 of the season. A strong game for the Blackhawks would give them momentum heading into the holiday break.

Dec. 27 at Dallas

The Stars are a tough, deep team. This will be a tough opponent for the Blackhawks as they look to pull off a Central Division upset.

As the calendar gets closer to 2026, the Blackhawks are going to have to prove how much they have improved, how far they have come, and how far they still have to go.