In this article we will formulate a Rangers vs Penguins prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, October 7th 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 went 39-36-7 last year and they finished with 85 points, which was fifth in the Metro Division and 11th in the Eastern Conference. New York really struggled to get consistent play last year, despite starting the year by winning 12 of their first 17 games. The Rangers faded down the stretch in the playoff race, as they lost nine of their last 15 games to end the season. New York did start the 2024 season with a 6-0 win over Pittsburgh on the road in their opener. The Rangers scored 255 goals last year, which was ranked 12th in the NHL, and they also allowed 255 goals, which was ranked 19th.
In the preseason, New York went 2-4 in six games and lost four of their last five. The Rangers got their two wins against the Devils and Islanders, but lost to the Bruins (twice), Islanders, and Devils. New York was very disappointed with how last season turned out, but they have plenty of talent and return players like Panarin, Miller, Zibanejad, Fox, and Shesterkin. When Shesterkin is not in net for the Rangers, Jonathan Quick is expected to play.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins were 34-36-12 last season and they finished with 80 points, which was seventh in the Metro Division and 13th in the Eastern Conference. Pittsburgh was another team that struggled for the majority of the season and finished with a -50 goal differential. The Penguins had some flashes of strong play last year and they did win three of their first five games, despite the blowout loss to this Rangers team to start the year. Pittsburgh scored 242 goals last season, which was ranked 18th in the NHL, while they allowed 287 goals against, which was ranked 29th.
In the preseason, Pittsburgh went 5-2 overall and actually won each of their last five games. The Penguins got wins against the Sabres (twice), Red Wings (twice), and Blue Jackets, but lost to the Canadiens and Blue Jackets. Pittsburgh brings back Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin as their core, but they are both starting to get up there in age. The Penguins also have players such as Rakell, Mantha, Karlsson, and Letang. Pittsburgh will have Tristan Jarry starting in net, while Arturs Silovs will be the backup.
Why the New York Rangers will win
- The Penguins have lost each of their last six Tuesday road games.
- The Rangers have won each of their last three season openers.
- The Rangers have covered the puck line in nine of their last 11 games against the Penguins.
- The Penguins have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last 10 season openers.
- The Penguins have lost the first period in eight of their last nine road games against Eastern Conference opponents.
Why the Pittsburgh Penguins will win
- The Rangers have lost each of their last four games as home favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Penguins have won each of their last three road openers as underdogs.
- The Rangers have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last nine night games at Madison Square Garden.
- The Penguins have covered the puck line in each of their last four games as underdogs.
- The Penguins have won the third period in each of their last five games as road underdogs.
Total Goals Facts
- Eight of the Penguins’ last nine games against Metropolitan Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Rangers’ last eight night games have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Four of the last five games between two teams from the Metropolitan Division have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Penguins’ last six games as underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Rangers’ last seven games.
Matchup/League Facts
- The New York Rangers ranked 28th in the league in power play percentage last season (17.62%).
- The New York Rangers ranked 1st in the league in short handed goals last season (18).
- The Pittsburgh Penguins ranked T29th in the league for goals against per game last season (3.50).
- The Pittsburgh Penguins ranked 6th in the league in power play percentage last season (25.79%).
Rangers vs Penguins Prediction
Both of these teams come into this season looking to bounce back and find a way to return to the playoffs, so getting off to a strong start is very important. New York has the home ice advantage and is the slightly better team, but I think the Pittsburgh offense will be very solid this year. I am worried about the Penguins defense/goaltending after last year’s issues and I have to see some improvement before I back them. Take the over here.