NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Underdog of the Day: Rangers Overvalued at Home Versus Pittsburgh
By Matt De Saro
The Pittsburgh Penguins already have one epic win in their Metropolitan Division series against the New York Rangers. Game 1 went to the visiting team, but it took three overtimes for the Penguins to put away the Rangers.
The Penguins won the game but might have lost their starting goalie for this game in the process. Casey DeSmith went down with a lower-body injury and is considered day-to-day. His uncertainty for this game is likely the reason the Penguins are underdogs after taking Game 1 on the road 4-3.
Here are the odds for tonight’s matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.
Penguins vs. Rangers Odds and Total
Moneyline:
- Penguins +135
- Rangers -155
Puck line:
- Penguins +1.5 (-210)
- Rangers -1.5 (+170)
Total:
- 5.5 (Over -130/Under +110)
Penguins vs. Rangers Prediction and Pick
DeSmith exited Tuesday’s Game 1 in the second OT after saving 48 of 51 shots. Let’s assume the worst, is that DeSmith doesn’t set foot on the ice tonight. That leaves the Penguins with Louis Domingue. And while this is not the spot you want a backup, Domingue stopped all 17 shots thrown at him down the stretch.
Frankly, the Penguins didn’t play well and shouldn’t have even been in the OT situation, to begin with. They also got a lucky break as the Rangers’ would-be go-ahead goal was called back due to a goalie interference call. Domingue would be on his own tonight if DeSmith is with Tristan Jarry also out. The team is expected to call up Alex D’Orio just in case.
But, despite all of this, I still like the Penguins to go up 2-0 at MSG before heading back to Pittsburgh this weekend. I will admit that the Rangers have an advantage between the pipes with Igor Shersterkin making the start for New York. But, despite this, I think the Penguins are a team better suited for a playoff run. Furthermore, there is still a chance that DeSmith is fine and suits up tonight.
Pick: Penguins +135
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