In this article, we will formulate a NY Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins prediction for this NHL game on Friday, December 6th at Madison Square Garden in New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
New York Rangers Betting Preview
The New York Rangers are 13-10-1 this year after they lost to New Jersey by a score of 5-1 in their last game. New York allowed the first four goals in the game and they never were able to threaten the Devils. The Rangers outshot New Jersey by a total of 39-28, won 59% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. New York got their lone goal from Kreider, while Shesterkin stopped 23 out of 28 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Rangers defeated Montreal by a score of 4-3 but did lose the five games prior to that. New York has scored 3.17 goals per game and they have allowed 2.92 goals against per game, while also going 23.4% on the power play and 85.7% on the penalty kill this season. Artemi Panarin has led New York with 13 goals, 16 assists, and 79 shots on goal, while Igor Shesterkin is 8-9-1 with a 3.05 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins are 11-12-4 this season after they defeated Florida by a score of 5-4 in overtime. Pittsburgh blew a 4-1 lead in the third period, but they were able to rally for the win in overtime. The Penguins were outshot by a total of 41-16, won 48.6% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Pittsburgh got goals from Malkin, Rust, Letang, Pettersson, and Pickering, while Jarry stopped 37 out of 41 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Penguins won three in a row against Calgary, Boston, and Vancouver. Pittsburgh has scored 2.81 goals per game and they have allowed 3.78 goals against per game, while also averaging 22.7% on the power play and 79.5% on the penalty kill this season. Sidney Crosby has led Pittsburgh with eight goals, 18 assists, and 80 shots on goal, while Alex Nedeljkovic is 4-4-3 with a 3.31 goals-against average and a .883 save percentage this year.
Why the Penguins will beat the Rangers
- The Penguins have won each of their last four games as underdogs.
- The Rangers have lost each of their last five night games.
- The Rangers have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last eight night games at Madison Square Garden.
- The Penguins have covered the puck line in each of their last five games following a home win.
- The Penguins have won the second period in each of their last seven games following a win.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the last seven games between teams from the same division has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Penguins’ last eight Friday games as underdogs have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Eight of the Rangers’ last nine night games at Madison Square Garden following a loss have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Penguins’ last 11 road games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Rangers’ last six games.
New York Rangers Player Prop Facts
- Vincent Trocheck has recorded at least one point in each of the Rangers’ last nine games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Mika Zibanejad has recorded at least one assist in eight of the Rangers’ last nine home games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Chris Kreider has scored at least one goal in each of his last five appearances against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Facts
- Rickard Rakell has scored a goal in three of the Penguins’ last four games.
- Bryan Rust has recorded at least one point in each of his last six appearances with the Penguins as road underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Sidney Crosby has recorded an assist in each of the Penguins’ last six games against Eastern Conference opponents.
NY Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction
The Rangers come into this game after losing six of their last seven games and they continue to struggle offensively. New York is 6-5-1 at home this year, while the Penguins are 4-6-2 on the road. Pittsburgh has won four games in a row and they have scored at least five goals in three of those wins. New York is the better team and they have the better stats, but I can’t back them until I see some positive results. Take the Penguins here.