In this article, we will formulate a Hockey Club vs Rangers prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, January 16th at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Utah Hockey Club Betting Preview
The Utah Hockey Club are 18-18-7 this year after they lost to Montreal by a score of 5-3 in their last game. Utah led 2-1 in the first period and they were tied at three in the third, but they allowed the last two goals in the game for the loss. The Hockey Club was outshot by a total of 26-25, won 49.2% of the face-offs, and went 1-6 on the power play in the game. Utah got goals from Bjugstad, Cooley, and Doan, while Vejmelka stopped 21 out of 26 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Hockey Club lost to the Islanders by a score of 2-1 but did beat the Sharks by a score of 2-1 before that. Utah has lost four of their last five games and nine of their last eleven, and they are currently sixth in the Central standings with 43 points. Utah has scored 2.79 goals per game and they have allowed 81.3 points per game, while also averaging 21.5% on the power play and 81.3% on the penalty kill this season. Clayton Keller has led Utah with 14 goals, 29 assists, and 107 shots on goal, while Logan Cooley has added 12 goals, 25 assists, and 88 shots on goal this year. Karel Vejmelka is 10-12-3 with a 2.48 goals against average and a .912 save percentage this season.
New York Rangers Betting Preview
The New York Rangers are 20-20-3 this season after they lost to Colorado in overtime by a score of 3-2 in their last game. New York led 2-1 in the third period, but they allowed Colorado to tie the game and ended up losing late in overtime. The Rangers outshot Colorado by a total of 29-26, won 63% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. New York got goals from Carrick and Edstrom, while Shesterkin stopped 23 out of 26 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Rangers defeated the Golden Knights by a score of 2-1 and the Devils by a score of 3-2. New York has won three of their last five games and they are currently second to last in the Metro standings with 43 points. New York has scored 2.88 goals per game and they have allowed 3.12 goals per game, while also averaging 19.3% on the power play and 83.1% on the penalty kill this season. Artemi Panarin has led New York with 17 goals, 28 assists, and 124 shots on goal, while Adam Fox has added two goals, 31 assists, and 70 shots on goal this year. Igor Shesterkin is 13-15-2 with a 2.97 goals against average and a .907 save percentage this season.
Why the Rangers will beat the Hockey Club
- Utah has lost three of its last four games as a home favorite.
- The Rangers have won eight of their last 12 games as underdogs after coming off overtime.
- The Rangers have covered the puck line in each of their last 11 games after coming off overtime.
- Utah has failed to cover the puck line in each of its last seven games as a home favorite.
- Utah has lost the second period in eight of its last 10 night games at Delta Center.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Rangers’ last five games after coming off overtime has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Six of Utah’s last seven night games at Delta Center have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Rangers’ last four games against Central Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in 12 of Utah’s last 13 games as a favorite.
Utah Hockey Club Player Prop Facts
- Clayton Keller has scored at least one goal in each of his last four appearances against the Rangers.
- Clayton Keller has recorded at least one point in each of his last 10 appearances against the Rangers.
- Nick Schmaltz has recorded at least one assist in each of his 10 previous appearances against the Rangers.
New York Rangers Player Prop Facts
- Reilly Smith has recorded at least one point in each of his last nine Thursday appearances against Central Division opponents.
- Artemi Panarin has recorded at least one assist in each of the Rangers’ last nine Thursday games against Central Division opponents.
- Vincent Trocheck has scored at least one goal in three of the Rangers’ last four games against Central Division opponents.
Hockey Club vs Rangers Prediction
Utah comes into this game struggling over the last few weeks, but they will look to bounce back at home here. The Hockey Club is 6-10-4 at home this year, while the Rangers are 11-11-1 on the road. New York is towards the bottom of their division, but they have shown improvement recently. The Rangers might not be scoring a ton of goals, but their defense has been much improved. Utah has scored two goals or fewer in four of their last five games and I think they are going to struggle against this Rangers defense. Take New York to get the win.