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Penguins vs. Rangers Predication and Odds for Game 7 (Pittsburgh in a Tough Spot with Sydney Crosby Injured)

By Matt De Saro

Pittsburgh Penguins v New York Rangers - Game Five
Pittsburgh Penguins v New York Rangers - Game Five / Bruce Bennett/GettyImages
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This series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers have been wild. It all comes down to Game 7 tonight at Madison Square Garden. Not only are the Rangers on their home ice, but they also have the momentum right now after winning two in a row to stay alive. 

The Penguins had this series in the bag before Sydney Crosby took a Macho Man Randy Savage elbow to the head from Jacob Trouba in the second period of Game 5. He missed Game Six and is unlikely to suit up for Game 7. This is a massive problem as the Pens have been outscored by six goals in the 4.5 periods they’ve played without Crosby. 

Here are the odds for tonight’s matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Penguins vs. Rangers Odds and Total

Moneyline:

  • Penguins +125
  • Rangers -145

Puck line:

  • Penguins +1.5 (-205)
  • Rangers -1.5 (+170)

Total:

  • 6.0 (Over -125/Under +105)

Penguins vs. Rangers Prediction and Pick

While Mike Sullivan insists that his team can advance without Crosby, I am not so sure. There has been an obvious drop-off in production from this team top-to-bottom without Crosby on the ice.

It puts a lot of extra pressure on Evgeni Malkin to lead this team into the next round of action. In his time with Pittsburgh, Malkin is averaging 1.13 points per game with Crosby on the ice and 1.34 in games where Crosby is out. In the postseason, Malkin's PPG average without Crosby is 1.5. With Crosby out again, it will be interesting to see how the Penguins make offensive adjustments after failing to do so in Game 6. 

While I am not sold on the Penguins pulling off this Game 7 upset on the road, I am convinced that this game will be a high-scoring affair. The total has gone over six goals in each of the last six games in this series thanks to some iffy goaltending. I think that trend continues tonight and we have a high-octane game to enjoy. 

Pick: OVER 6 (-125) / Lean: Rangers -145 to Win

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE

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