New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins odds predictions pick betting line spread

New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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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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New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New York Rangers (37-19-9) meet the Pittsburgh Penguins (33-22-10) Saturday at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. Puck drop is scheduled for 4 p.m. (TNT). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Penguins odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Rangers are coming off an impressive 2-1 overtime win against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, and New York has picked up a pair of road wins in the last 2 outings.

The Penguins rolled up an impressive 5-1 win against the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday, and Pittsburgh has alternated wins and losses in the last 5 outings. The Pens enter play Sunday with 76 points, locked into a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 17 games remaining.

Pittsburgh won 3-2 at PPG Paints Arena against New York on Dec. 20 in the 1st of 4 regular-season meetings. These teams play Sunday, and then again Thursday and Saturday in New York.

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Rangers at Penguins odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:11 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rangers -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Penguins -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-260) | Penguins -1.5 (+185)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Rangers at Penguins projected goalies

Jaroslav Halak (8-8-2, 2.80 GAA, .900 SV%) vs. Tristan Jarry (19-7-6, 2.89 GAA, .912 SV%, 1 SO)

Halak will make his 1st start since March 2, a 29-save loss against the Ottawa Senators. He has allowed 3 or more goals in 4 of his last 5 starts.

Jarry gets the nod, and he looks to snap a 3-start streak allowing at least 4 goals. He faced the Rangers on Dec. 20 in Pittsburgh, allowing 2 goals on 28 shots.

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Rangers at Penguins picks and predictions

Prediction

Penguins 4, Rangers 3

Moneyline

The PENGUINS (-115) are the lean at home in this hugely important Metropolitan Division battle.

The Pens have picked up wins in 5 of the last 7 games overall, but there is some risk. Pittsburgh has won just twice in the last 12 games inside the Metropolitan Division since Dec. 22. Of course, the Pens did top the Rangers 3-2 on home ice prior to that on Dec. 20.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Rangers +1.5 (-260) will cost more than 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s way too expensive if you require a little bit of insurance. If you like New York, just play it straight up.

PASS.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-105) is the lean due to a number of factors.

The Rangers have to turn to Halak, the backup, and he has not been as sharp as starter Igor Shesterkin overall. And Jarry has been very giving lately, too.

In addition, both of these teams played in Saturday matinee action, and the legs should be a little tired, especially on defense, leading to more mistakes and scoring opportunities.

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New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins Game 6 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins Game 6 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New York Rangers have their backs against the wall on the road against the Pittsburgh Penguins Friday in Game 6 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series. The Pens lead the series 3-2. Puck drop from PPG Paints Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Rangers vs. Penguins Game 6 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

We projected the Rangers to force a Game 6 Wednesday, and they delivered on all our picks as they won 5-3. They actually went down 2-0 before turning it on late in the second period. The Rangers outscored Pittsburgh 5-1 in the last 25 minutes of the game. LW Alexis Lafreniere doubled his point total for the series with a goal and an assist.

C Sidney Crosby has been ruled out Friday after he left Game 5 with 7 minutes to go in the second period with an upper-body injury. He didn’t take part in the morning skate, but G Tristan Jarry did. Jarry hasn’t played in the series (right foot injury) and is out Friday, but could return if it reaches Game 7. LW Jake Guentzel, who has 7 goals and an assist in the series, will have to put the Pens on his back if they want to avoid Game 7.

Rangers at Penguins odds 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 1:12 p.m. ET.

Money line: Rangers -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Penguins +102 (bet $100 to win $102)
Against the spread (ATS): Rangers -1.5 (+185) | Penguins +1.5 (-260)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -120)

Rangers at Penguins projected goalies

Igor Shesterkin (36-13-4, 2.07 GAA, .935 SV%, 6 SO – regular season) vs. Louis Domingue (1-1-0, 2.02 GAA, .952 SV% – regular season)

According to MoneyPuck.com, Shesterkin led the NHL with 34.1 goals saved above expected in what might lead to a Vezina Trophy. He is 7th in the playoffs with 2.1. So, he hasn’t been as good, but he hasn’t been terrible either. He stopped 29 of 32 in Game 5, and he has a .905 SV% in the series. He was terrible in Pittsburgh, though, allowing 10 goals on 45 shots and hitting the showers early in both games.

Domingue allowed 4 goals on 33 shots in Game 5, and he has allowed 4 goals in 3 of the 5 games. He has actually underperformed as far as MoneyPuck’s metrics go as he’s near the bottom of the playoffs with -3.4 goals saved above expected.

[tipico]

Rangers at Penguins picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 4, Penguins 2

Money line

Take the RANGERS (-125) quickly because the news about Crosby should continue to drive New York’s price up. If you get in late, look to the puck line instead.

Against the spread

According to StatMuse, the Pens were 5-4-4 without Crosby this season. So while this is bad news for Pittsburgh, it’s not time to cash out Penguins bets to win the series. The key component here is how the Rangers responded to pressure in Game 5. They could have packed it in and called it a season after they got down 2-0 halfway through the game, but they stormed back.

Domingue is starting to crack in goal so look for the Rangers and LW Chris Kreider, who has been scoreless in 2 straight games, to take advantage. LEAN RANGERS -1.5 (+185).

Over/Under

The Over has hit in all 5 games of the series. I have a hunch that changes in this one. Shesterkin hasn’t been himself, and he’ll see an opening to hone in and shut this team down to get it back to MSG. I’d probably lean Over if it were 5.5, but since it has steamed up to 6.5, we’ll LEAN UNDER 6.5 (-120).

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New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins Game 4 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New York Rangers (1-2) and Pittsburgh Penguins (2-1) meet for Game 4 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series Monday at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. The Penguins lead the series 2-1. 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 haven’t had difficulty scoring goals, lighting the lamp 12 times through the first three games. Unfortunately, New York has allowed 13 goals so far in the series, including a 7-4 setback in Game 3.

The Pens chased Igor Shesterkin after totaling four goals in the first 20 minutes in Game 3. The third-string backstop Louis Domingue came on in relief for the win in Game 1, and he made 32 saves on 36 shots in Game 3 for the victory.

Rangers at Penguins odds 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 7:45 a.m. ET.

Money line: Rangers -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Penguins -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-320) | Penguins -1.5 (+210)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

Rangers at Penguins projected goalies

Igor Shesterkin (36-13-4, 2.07 GAA, .935 SV%, 6 SO – regular season) vs. Louis Domingue (1-1-0, 2.02 GAA, .952 SV%, 0 SO – regular season)

Shesterkin stopped 118 shots in the first two games, and he made 11 saves on 15 shots in the first period of Game 3 before getting pulled in favor of Alexandar Georgiev. There’s no way the Rangers get away from Shesterkin for Game 4, however.

Domingue has been good enough to help the Pens to a 2-1 series lead, which is nothing short of spectacular, considering he is the third-string netminder. He stopped 32 of 36 shots in the 7-4 victory in Game 3.

[tipico]

Rangers at Penguins picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 5, Penguins 3

Money line

The RANGERS (-110) should bounce back with a Game 4 victory. Shesterkin has been Vezina quality so far this season, and New York will get his best to help even the series 2-2 and send it back to Madison Square Garden for a pivotal Game 5.

Against the spread

The Rangers +1.5 (-320) would cost you over three times your potential return, and that’s just not a sound long-term betting strategy. If you like New York, and you should, just play them on the money line.

AVOID.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (+110) is the play here.

Shesterkin will be better, and I expect New York to pick up the win. But I am still not sold on Domingue being the man. While yes, the Pens won in the third overtime in Game 1 in relief, and in Game 3, Domingue is still shaky. He allowed four goals in Game 3 and five goals in Game 2. The Pens backstop is going to give up plenty, making the Over the best bet.

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New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins Game 3 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New York Rangers (1-1) and Pittsburgh Penguins (1-1) meet for Game 3 of their 1st-round Eastern Conference playoff series Saturday at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. The series is tied 1-1. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Rangers vs. Penguins odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Rangers saw Igor Shesterkin make 79 saves in a triple-overtime loss in Game 1, coming up just short in a 4-3 loss. New York bounced back with a 5-2 victory in Game 2, as the offense came alive and looked sharp.

The Penguins had a wild ride in Game 1. Already down Tristan Jarry due to a foot injury, they were forced to start backup Casey DeSmith. He lasted until double-overtime before exiting with a lower-body injury. Since, it was determined he will need core muscle surgery, and DeSmith is done for the season. Louis Domingue will make the start in Game 3 trying to keep his team in it.

Rangers at Penguins odds 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 7:55 a.m. ET.

Money line: Rangers -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Penguins +102 (bet $100 to win $102)
Against the spread (ATS): Rangers -1.5 (+200) | Penguins +1.5 (-290)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)

Rangers at Penguins projected goalies

Igor Shesterkin (36-13-4, 2.07 GAA, .935 SV%, 6 SO – regular season) vs. Louis Domingue (1-1-0, 2.02 GAA, .952 SV%, 0 SO – regular season)

Shesterkin has been nothing short of amazing in this series so far, already stopping 118 shots across the first two games with six goals allowed. That’s ridiculous, and he isn’t going to get outdueled in this one by a journeyman.

Domingue has been thrust into the starting role out of desperation, but being the No. 1 guy has never really been his thing. He made 35 saves in Game 2, but also allowed five goals. Expect more of the same here.

[tipico]

Rangers at Penguins picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 4, Penguins 2

Money line

The RANGERS (-125) are a decent play on the road in this Game 3 in the Steel City, and it’s surprising that they’re not favored by more with the Penguins (+102) down to their third-string goaltender. Take advantage.

Against the spread

The RANGERS -1.5 (+200) are worth a look on the puck line for a chance to double up. Yes, New York failed to even win outright in Game 1, but it easily covered the puck line in Game 2, getting to Domingue early and often. Look for more of the same in this one.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-130) is the best play on the board, as New York has the offensive weapons to take care of the Over all on its own. Pittsburgh will get at least a couple past Shesterkin, however, spurred on by a boisterous home crowd, at least early on. We should see at least six total goals, if not more.

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New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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.

[tipico]

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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New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The New York Rangers (10-10-3) wrap up a two-game set at the Pittsburgh Penguins (14-9-1) Tuesday for a 6 p.m. ET puck drop at PPG Paints Arena. Below, we analyze the Rangers-Penguins odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Rangers at Penguins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:35 a.m. ET.

Money line: Rangers +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Penguins -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Rangers +1.5 (-200) | Penguins -1.5 (+170)
Over/Under: 6 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Rangers at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Alexandar Georgiev (4-3-2, 3.03 GAA, .897 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Tristan Jarry (9-7-1, 3.12 GAA, .897 SV%)

Georgiev was pulled last time out after just 17:14 Sunday in Pittsburgh, allowing three goals on six shots. G Keith Kinkaid finished up, as G Igor Shesterkin is on the shelf due to a groin strain. Georgiev had been humming along prior to Sunday’s debacle, allowing three or fewer goals in each of his past four starts, going 3-0-1 in those four outings.

Jarry had a brutal start to the season, but he has started to slowly piece things together. He might not be back at his All-Star form from 2020, but he might be if he played the Rangers more often. He is 2-0-0 with a 2.40 GAA and .917 SV% in his two appearances against the Blueshirts this season.

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Rangers at Penguins: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Penguins 4, Rangers 3

Money line (ML)

The PENGUINS (-155) roughed up the Rangers by a 5-1 count Sunday, improving to 4-1 across the past five head-to-head meetings this season, including 3-0 at home. Jarry won both ends of a back-to-back in the Steel City Jan. 22 and 24, winning in a 4-3 shootout in the opener and by a 3-2 count in the second showing.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Rangers +1.5 (-200) have lost four of the five previous meetings with the Penguins -1.5 (+170), but three of those setbacks were by just one goal. Still, New York is a little too expensive, as you need to risk two times your potential return if you want to play them on the puck line. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6 (-105) is 3-0-1 in the past four games for the Penguins, with the push in Sunday’s contest. The Over is also 5-1-1 in Pittsburgh’s past seven games overall. For New York, the Over is 2-0-1 in the past three and 4-2-1 in the previous seven. The Over is also 2-0-1 in Georgiev’s past three starts.

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New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The New York Rangers (10-9-3) will pay a visit to the Pittsburgh Penguins (13-9-1) Sunday at PPG Paints Arena for a 7:30 p.m. ET puck drop. Below, we analyze the Rangers-Penguins odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Penguins and Rangers are fifth and sixth, respectively, in the East Division. Pittsburgh is 3-1-0 against New York this season, but two of those victories went beyond 60 minutes.

The Penguins topped the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 on home ice Saturday. The Rangers doubled up the New Jersey Devils in a 6-3 road win. New York enters on a three-game winning streak.

Rangers at Penguins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:27 p.m. ET.

Money line: Rangers +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Penguins -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Rangers +1.5 (-190) | Penguins -1.5 (+155)
Over/Under: 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Rangers at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Alexandar Georgiev (4-2-2, .906 SV%, 2.79 GAA) vs. Casey DeSmith (4-2-0, .893 SV%, 2.73 GAA)

Igor Shesterkin (groin) remains sidelined by injury so Georgiev will need to start for the second straight day on the road. He stopped 24 of 27 shots on goal in Saturday’s win for his third victory in his last four starts. The Bulgarian allowed 5 goals on 38 shots in an overtime loss to the Penguins Jan. 30.

DeSmith has stepped back into the clear No. 2 role with starter Tristan Jarry rounding into form. He stopped 28 of 30 shots but took the loss against the New York Islanders last Sunday.

Rangers at Penguins: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Penguins 5, Rangers 2

Money line (ML)

Both teams being on a back-to-back favors the deeper and more talented PENGUINS (-150), who should be backed for the outright win.

The Rangers remain without LW Artemi Panarin (personal) and D Jacob Trouba, and will have the tired goaltender with Georgiev making rare back-to-back starts.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Bet PENGUINS -1.5 (+155) on the puck line for a much better profit if Pittsburgh wins by 2 or more goals. The Pens hold the lead in the season series, and while all three of their victories were decided by single-goal margins, they’re in a more favorable situation Sunday.

The Rangers are also second-last in the NHL with a 5-on-5 Corsi For percentage of just 46.63%. The Penguins are ninth at 50.67% of the total shot attempts at full strength.

Over/Under (O/U)

Bet against both starting goaltenders and back the OVER 6 (-115). Defensive play slips first on tired legs.

The season series is 2-2 against the O/U with combined goal totals of 7, 5, 9 and 4.

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New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The New York Rangers (1-2-1) and Pittsburgh Penguins (3-2-0) clash for the second time in three days at PPG Paints Arena. Sunday’s puck drop will be at 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Rangers-Penguins NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Rangers at Penguins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:10 a.m. ET.

Money line: Rangers +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Penguins -135 (bet $100 to win $140)
Against the spread/ATS: Rangers +1.5 (-250) | Penguins -1.5 (+190)
Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Rangers at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Igor Shesterkin (0-1-1, .899 SV%, 2.95 GAA) vs. Tristan Jarry (1-2-0, .821 SV%, 5.28 GAA)

Shesterkin took the shootout loss against the Penguins Friday after allowing 3 goals on 28 shots in regulation time. He had previously stopped all 8 shots he faced in relief of Alexandar Georgiev Tuesday.

Jarry picked up his first win of the season Friday while stopping 31 of 34 shots in regulation. He didn’t face the Rangers during his breakout 2019-20 season when he posted a much better .921 save percentage and 2.43 goals against average in 33 total appearances.

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Rangers at Penguins: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Penguins 4, Rangers 3

Money line (ML)

The PENGUINS (-135) should complete a two-game sweep of the Rangers. New York outshot Pittsburgh 34-28 Friday, but total shot attempts at 5-on-5, including blocked and missed shots, were nearly equal and the Penguins registered two more scoring chances at full strength. The teams exchanged power-play goals with the Rangers going 1-for-4 and the Pens going 1-for-2.

Defense and goaltending are still major issues for the Penguins, but Jarry should be given the edge in this matchup with Shesterkin.

Against the spread (ATS)

PASS on the puck line. The single goal of insurance in the event of a Rangers loss is too expensive and there is little reason to trust the Penguins to win by 2 or more goals. Their last three victories were decided in either overtime or a shootout.

The last three games between the Penguins and Rangers dating back to April 2019 have gone to extra time with two decided in overtime and Friday’s contest going to the skills competition. Seven of the last 10 head-to-head clashes have been decided by a single goal with a total of five games going beyond 60 minutes.

Expect another tight decision. TIE (+300) on the 3-way alternate line could be considered at a decent value. It cashes if this game goes to a shootout.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Penguins remain very shorthanded on defense and those injuries have contributed to Jarry’s poor start. It’s also a reason why Pittsburgh is 5-0 against the Over/Under on the season with a total of at least 7 goals scored in all five of its games.

Take the OVER 6.5 (-115) until we see some better play from either of these clubs.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The New York Rangers (1-2-0) and Pittsburgh Penguins (2-2-0) square off Friday for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at PPG Paints Arena. Below, we analyze the Rangers-Penguins NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Rangers at Penguins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:55 a.m. ET.

Money line: Rangers +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Penguins -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Rangers +1.5 (-210) | Penguins -1.5 (+170)
Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Rangers at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Igor Shesterkin (0-1-0, .902 SV%, 3.09 GAA) vs. Tristan Jarry (0-2-0, .727 SV%, 7.57 GAA)

Shesterkin came made a relief appearance against the New Jersey Devils Tuesday for the ineffective Alexandar Georgiev. Shesterkin turned aside all 8 shots he faced.

Jarry has had a horrific start to his campaign, allowing nine goals on 33 shots in a pair of games against the Philadelphia Flyers last Wednesday and Friday. He has the backing of general manager Jim Rutherford, who is confident Jarry will bounce back to form.

Rangers at Penguins: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Rangers 4, Penguins 3

Money line (ML)

The RANGERS (+125) are a great value at plus-money on the road against the struggling Jarry. In addition, the Penguins have a ton of injuries on the back end, as D Marcus Pettersson is out with an upper-body ailment, D Juuso Riikola is on the mend with an upper-body issue, as well, and D Chad Ruhwedel was away from the team due to the birth of a child. While he is expected to play Friday, during COVID-19 times, coming and going always has some risk.

Until Jarry gets his act together, and Pittsburgh gets a little healthier, fade the Pens.

Against the spread (ATS)

Rarely, if ever, will I play an underdog on the puck line. Rangers +1.5 (-210) just makes no sense. I like them straight up at plus-money, so risking two times your potential return for a little insurance is not the way to go.

AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 6.5 (-120) is a solid play, although it’s a bit of a high total. But really, what’s the difference between a flat 6 or this line. You need 7 goals for a winning ticket.

The Pens have scored 2.7 goals per game while yielding 4.7 goals per outing. Jarry has gotten off to a slow start, and the Over is 4-0 for Pittsburgh overall. Keep slamming the Over until the Pens start rounding into form.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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