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The New York Rangers battle the Pittsburgh Penguins Wednesday to open up each team’s 2024-25 campaign. Puck drop from PPG Paints Arena is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT/Max). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Rangers vs. Penguins odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting of season; Rangers took 2 of 3 last season
The Rangers finished 2023-24 atop the Metropolitan Division with a 55-23-4 record (114 points). They made a push in the playoffs, sweeping the Washington Capitals in the 1st round and the defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2 in the 2nd round before falling to the eventual champion Florida Panthers 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Final. New York last won the Stanley Cup in 1994.
The Penguins finished 5th in the Metropolitan Division last season with a 38-32-12 record (88 points) and missed the playoffs. They finished middle of the pack in goals scored (253; 18th of 32) and goals allowed (248; 18th). Pittsburgh is seeking a bounce-back year after a disappointing season in 2023-24.
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Rangers at Penguins odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 5:54 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rangers -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Penguins +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers -1.5 (+170) | Penguins +1.5 (-210)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Rangers at Penguins projected goalies
Igor Shesterkin vs. Tristan Jarry
Shesterkin enters his 6th NHL season — all with the Rangers — and has been an integral part of the team’s success. He started 55 games last regular season, going 36-17-2 with a 2.58 GAA, .a 913 SV% and 4 shutouts.
Jarry enters his 9th season — all with the Penguins. He started 48 games with 3 relief appearances last season and finished with a 19-25-5 record. He had a 2.91 GAA, .a 903 SV%, with 6 shutouts.
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Rangers at Penguins picks and predictions
Prediction
Rangers 4, Penguins 3
Moneyline
BET RANGERS (-145).
New York was one of the NHL’s top teams last season and will be eager to start this season where it left off last year. With Shesterkin in the net anchoring the defense, Pittsburgh will be hard-pressed to find success on offense even at home. Expect a close matchup with the Rangers coming out on top.
Puck line/Against the spread
PASS.
The moneyline presents better value on the Rangers.
Over/Under
BET OVER 6 (-115).
Even with Shesterkin in net for the Rangers, expect Wednesday to contain a lot of energy with it being the opening night. Expect a fast pace and a good number of goals. Pittsburgh almost allowed as many goals as it scored last season, while New York had a goal differential of +53 goals vs. goals allowed.
With a total of just 6, take the OVER.
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