On Saturday, the New York Rangers (5-2-0, 1st in Metropolitan Division) cross-sticks with the Vancouver Canucks (4-2-0, 2nd in Pacific Division). The Rangers, riding high on a three-game win streak, are on a western road trip that has treated them well so far. On the other side, the Canucks aim to continue their strong start to the season after a recent win against the Nashville Predators. This showdown at Rogers Arena will be enjoyed by all that attend.

Rangers on a Roll

The New York Rangers, currently boasting a 5-2-0 record have played well to start the season. Their recent 3-0 shutout victory against the Edmonton Oilers underlines the team’s form. In that game, defensemen Adam Fox and Braden Schneider showcased their offensive capabilities by notching a goal and an assist each. Jonathan Quick, the 37-year-old veteran goalie, recorded his 59th career shutout with 29 saves, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable last line of defense. Quick’s recent statistics are jaw-dropping, featuring a 0.41 goals against average (GAA) and a .982 save percentage in two appearances. 

On the offensive end, the Rangers have multiple weapons. Chris Kreider is the team’s leading goal-scorer with five goals, while Artemi Panarin has been the architect of most plays with seven assists. Panarin also leads the team in points, boasting an impressive 10 points so far. Special teams have been a notable strength for the Rangers, who have converted on 30.4% of their power-play opportunities. The penalty kill has been effective as well, operating at an 81.8% success rate. However, the team’s 83 penalty minutes could be a concern against a Canucks team that thrives on power plays.

Trends favor the Rangers in this matchup. The Rangers are currently on a three-game win streak and have shown a remarkable ability to have success on the road, recording a 4-1-0 away record. This is crucial as the game is at Rogers Arena, the Canucks’ home ice. Moreover, Quick’s career numbers against Western Conference teams are noteworthy, making him a solid pick for this game. In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Rangers have historically held the upper hand against the Canucks.

New York Rangers Team Facts

• The Rangers have won each of their last eight games as favorites against Pacific Division opponents.
• The Rangers have covered the puck line in each of their last eight games against Pacific Division opponents.
• The Rangers have won the second period in each of their last seven games against Pacific Division opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Rangers’ last seven games as favorites against Pacific Division opponents.

Canucks Riding High

The Vancouver Canucks, currently with a 4-2-0 record, are also in an enviable position. The most recent outing resulted in a 3-2 victory against the Nashville Predators, highlighting the team’s ability to grind out close wins. Phillip Di Giuseppe and Nils Hoglander demonstrated their knack for timely goals, while Thatcher Demko stood tall in net with 15 saves. Demko’s season stats are quite impressive, featuring a 2.42 GAA and .923 save percentage. The numbers make him a formidable opponent for any team, particularly when playing at home where crowd energy often serves as the sixth man.

Offensively, the Canucks are playing well. Brock Boeser is the team’s leading goal-scorer with six goals, while Elias Pettersson has been the primary playmaker with eight assists and ten points, equal to Panarin’s total on the Rangers. The Canucks have been particularly deadly on the power play, converting a whopping 35.3% of their opportunities. However, the penalty kill has been a bit shaky, standing at 78.3%. Given the Rangers’ own potent power play, special teams could be the difference-maker in this matchup.

When it comes to trends, the Canucks have shown they can handle pressure, particularly in tight games. They have a knack for pulling out wins in close contests, as evidenced by their latest victory against the Predators. Finally, the Canucks have been strong starters this season, often taking the lead in the first period. Quick starts could be crucial against a Rangers team that also knows how to lock down a lead. All these aspects make the Canucks a formidable opponent, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.

Vancouver Canucks Team Facts

• The Canucks have won each of their last seven Saturday games as underdogs.
• The Canucks have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games as underdogs against opponents on a winning streak.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Canucks’ last nine games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The Canucks have won the first period in seven of their last eight games at Rogers Arena.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Vancouver Canucks are one of three teams to rank in the top 10 for both goals scored and goals conceded per game this season.
• The Vancouver Canucks ranks 4th in the league for goals per game this season (4.00).
• The New York Rangers ranks 2nd in the league for goals against per game this season (1.86).
• The New York Rangers ranks 5th in the league in power play percentage this season (30.43%).

David’s Pick – New York Rangers (-128)

Both teams are in solid form, but the Rangers have the slight edge, especially between the pipes. Jonathan Quick’s incredible stats can’t be ignored, and the Rangers’ offensive firepower, led by Chris Kreider and Artemi Panarin, could very well turn this into a high-scoring affair. While the Canucks have a lethal power play, the Rangers’ PK unit is no slouch either. Add in the Rangers’ current form and momentum, and the Rangers appear to look like the safer bet in this matchup. In a game that promises fireworks, I expect the Rangers to keep their win streak alive and come out on top.