The New York Rangers (0-1-1) face the Montreal Canadiens (0-2-0) Saturday at Bell Centre in Montreal. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Rangers vs. Canadiens odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Rangers were dropped 3-2 in overtime against the Dallas Stars in the home opener, following up a 5-1 drumming from the Washington Capitals on the road in the opener. An average of 1.5 goals per game (GPG) is not going to cut it.
The Canadiens have also struggled to light the lamp, falling 2-1 at the Toronto Maple Leafs in the opener, before heading down the QEW and across the Peace Bridge for a 5-1 beatdown from the Buffalo Sabres Thursday.
Rangers at Canadiens odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:05 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Rangers -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Canadiens -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-320) | Canadiens -1.5 (+210)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -122 | U: -102)
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Rangers at Canadiens projected goalies
Igor Shesterkin (0-0-1, 2.92 GAA, .885 SV%) vs. Jake Allen (0-1-0, 2.04 GAA, .933 SV%)
Shesterkin saved 23 of Dallas’s 26 shot attempts in New York’s 3-2 overtime home loss against the Starts Thursday. This will be Shesterkin’s first career start vs. the Canadiens.
Allen was sharp, making 28 saves on 30 shots in a 2-1 setback in Toronto Wednesday. He is expected to make a majority of the early-season starts with Carey Price away from the team for personal reasons.
Rangers at Canadiens odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Canadiens 3, Rangers 2
Money line
The CANADIENS (-110) will get their first victory of the season in this battle between offensively challenged teams. The Rangers (-110) have plenty of firepower, but they just haven’t gotten off to a very good start. As long as the defense is a little better than last time out, the Habs are the play. Allen played well enough to win in his first appearance.
Against the spread
The Rangers +1.5 (-320) are way too expensive if you don’t trust them to win outright and want a little insurance. You can’t risk more than three times your potential return.
AVOID.
Over/Under
UNDER 5.5 (-102) is the best value on the board, as each of these teams has struggled to cobble together much in the way of offense.
The Rangers are averaging just 1.5 GPG through two games, while the Canadiens are averaging 1.0 GPG.
The sample size is obviously super small and can change dramatically, but keep thumping the Under until these teams get on track.
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