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Rangers vs. Penguins Prediction and Odds (Look for NY to Continue Hot Streak in Pittsburgh)

By Matt De Saro

The New York Rangers are rolling right now and face off against a struggling Pitt team this afternoon.
The New York Rangers are rolling right now and face off against a struggling Pitt team this afternoon. / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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Metropolitan Division action heats up tonight when the New York Rangers hit the road to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins at the PPG Paints Arena. These two teams are neck-and-neck right now in the standings with the Rangers taking the second spot in the division and the Penguins third just one point back. The Rangers are coming off a big win over their rival Washington Capitals and will try to bring the pain again tonight. The Penguins, on the other hand, are fighting to avoid a fourth straight loss after getting beat by the Maple Leafs, Hurricanes, and Devils in recent action. While the Penguins are a very good home team (14-8-5) they look worse than they have all season right now and home/road splits might not matter as much. Here are the odds for tonight’s Metropolitan Division matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Rangers vs. Penguins Odds and Total

Moneyline:

  • Rangers +140
  • Penguins -160

Puck line:

  • Rangers +1.5 (-170)
  • Penguins -1.5 (+140)

Total:

  • 5.5 (Over -120/Under +100)

Rangers vs. Penguins Prediction and Pick

This feels like a game between two good teams heading down different paths. One of the biggest advantages the Rangers have right now over the Penguins is the play of goaltender Igor Shesterkin. He is currently in the lead in the race for the Vezina Trophy and has been dominating the ice since his return from an extended layoff. I am not sure with the way they are playing right now that Pitt can break through Shesterkin’s human wall. 

Having said that, this feels like a game that the Penguins need to win. They are sliding out of the top 3 in the division with haste and need to stop the bleeding quickly. 

I just don’t see it in the cards for Pitt tonight. Between Shesterkin’s play and the Rangers offense scoring 15 goals in their last three games, I think NY comes to town and beats the Penguins outright as road dogs. 

Pick: Rangers +140 to win

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE

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