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Penguins vs. Rangers Prediction and Odds (Penguins To Take Advantage of Struggling Shesterkin)

By Joe Summers

Evgeni Malkin of the Penguins
Evgeni Malkin of the Penguins / Christian Petersen/GettyImages
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After an upset loss to Buffalo snapped a three-game winning streak, the 39-16-10 Pittsburgh Penguins head to New York as they take on the 40-19-5 Rangers at 7:00 PM EST tonight.

New York is coming off a stunning 4-7 loss to the Devils in one of goalie Igor Shesterkin's worst performances of the year.

These squads are neck and neck in the Metropolitan Division standings and know a win tonight is paramount. The Penguins beat the Rangers 1-0 last month - can they build off that momentum to get back in the win column or will New York get their revenge?

Let's check out the odds over at WynnBET to find some value in this pivotal Penguins vs Rangers matchup:

Penguins vs Rangers Odds and Total

Moneyline:

  • Penguins: -115
  • Rangers: -105

Puck line:

  • Penguins -1.5 (+200)
  • Rangers +1.5 (-250)

Total:

  • 6 (Over +105/Under -125)

Penguins vs Rangers Prediction and Pick

BetSided's Iain MacMillan has been screaming it from the rooftops for a while now, but Rangers fans should be concerned. Their underlying metrics are poor but Igor Shesterkin's sensational play in goal has kept New York afloat all year. The problem though, is that he's no longer playing like the best goalie on the planet. He's given up 16 goals in his last five starts, including at least four goals in three of those games.

Without Shesterkin playing at an otherworldly level, the Rangers profile as one of the worst teams in the league. They rank third-to-last in the NHL in CORSI percentage, a stat that measures shot differential against your opponent, while the Penguins rank ninth.

I think this line should be bigger in favor of Pittsburgh and I love the value we're getting. The Penguins are 15-3 in their last 18 as a road favorite and have scored at least four goals in three straight. New York has one of the weakest offenses in the sport and have scored two or fewer goals in three of their last four.

Give me the Penguins to take advantage of a struggling Shesterkin and get their second straight win over the Rangers.

Pick: Penguins ML(-115)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.

For picks and analysis on the Sweet Sixteen and reaction to the NFL offseason, check out Bet & Breakfast below!

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