The New York Rangers (42-19-5) face division-rival Pittsburgh Penguins (40-17-10) Tuesday at PPG Paints Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we look at the Rangers vs. Penguins odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Rangers are rolling as winners of 4 of the last 5, including a 5-1 home victory against the Penguins Friday. This will be the 6th game in 10 days for the Rangers, and that’s something to be wary of.
Following the aforementioned loss to the Rangers, the Pens exploded for an 11-2 hedgeclipping of the Detroit Red Wings Sunday. C Evgeni Malkin had a hat trick, and he has lit the lamp 6 times during a 4-game goal streak. Pittsburgh has won 4 of the last 6, and the Pens will also be playing their 6th game in 10 days.
Rangers at Penguins odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:01 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Rangers +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Penguins -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-205) | Penguins -1.5 (+155)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)
Rangers at Penguins projected goalies
Igor Shesterkin (31-9-3, 2.11 GAA, .936 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Tristan Jarry (33-13-6, 2.31 GAA, .922 SV%, 4 SO)
The front runner for the Vezina Trophy, Shesterkin hasn’t played since Friday’s victory over the Pens when he stopped 20 of 21 shots. He has been a lot more susceptible of late as his 2.76 March GAA is his worst for any month this season. He has stopped 45 of 47 shots in 2 games against Pittsburgh this season.
The 5 goals Jarry allowed to the Rangers last week account for 25 percent of the pucks that have slipped past him this month. He has been fantastic with a 7-2 record, a 2.23 GAA and a 926 SV% in March. He shut out the Rangers Feb. 26, stopping all 27 shots in a 1-0 victory.
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Rangers at Penguins odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Rangers 4, Penguins 3
Money line
This is a tough one to project as both teams are evenly matched and playing fairly well. Both starting goalies have been confirmed. The Rangers trail the Pens by a point in the Metropolitan Division, and that urgency could be the difference – possibly in overtime.
Back the RANGERS (+145) for a HALF UNIT.
Against the spread
The Pens are 14-19 on the puck line at home this season, which gives a ton of pause against a strong team. The Rangers are 19-16 ATS on the road, and they simply need to keep it a 1-goal game to cover. That seems pretty reliable here, and it needs to be with the gallon of juice attached.
Take the RANGERS +1.5 (-205)
Over/Under
The Over is 18-5-3 in the last 26 meetings between the two. Both teams have played a ton during the last 10 days, and tired legs could lead to premium scoring chances on each side.
Take away the Penguins’ 11-goal outburst Sunday and Pittsburgh is averaging 2.9 goals per game in their last 10 outings, while the Rangers averaged 3.4 goals over the last 10. So, let’s roll with the OVER 5.5 (-120).
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