Subscribe
Follow Us
The Pittsburgh Penguins will try to take a commanding 2-0 series lead as they play the New York Rangers in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden. It's time to continue our NHL odds series with a Penguins-Rangers prediction and pick.
The Penguins defeated the Rangers 4-3 in a triple-overtime thriller in Game 1. The Rangers started the scoring when Adam Fox slapped a power-play goal from the top of the crease to give New York a 1-0 lead. Later, Andrew Copp delivered on net after a beautiful pass from Ryan Strome to give New York a 2-0 lead. The Penguins fought back when Jake Guentzel redirected a Sidney Crosby shot to put Pittsburgh on the board. Then, Crosby capitalized off a defensive mistake to find Guentzel ahead of the defense and free to secure the game-tying goal.
Chris Kreider connected on a short-handed goal when Mika Zibanejad stole a pass and found him in open space to put the Rangers up again. Conversely, Pittsburgh countered with an equalizer on a rebound that Bryan Rust tapped in. The Rangers appeared to have scored the go-ahead goal on a majestic pass from Kappo Kajjo to Flip Chyntil. However, the referee ruled it goalie interference and waved off the goal. The game went into overtime, and the teams battled for two more before Evgeni Malkin struck. Consequently, he scored the game-winner off a pass from Kasperi Kapanen to give the Pens the win and the series lead.
Casey DeSmith made 48 saves before leaving the game with an injury. Louis Domingue entered in relief and stopped all 17 shots he faced. Also, Igor Shesterkin played a masterful game for the Rangers, stopping 79 shots. Unfortunately, he could not stop the final shot in the third overtime.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Penguins-Rangers NHL Playoffs odds:
NHL Playoffs Odds: Penguins-Rangers Odds
Penguins: +1.5 (-205)
Rangers: -1.5 (+172)
Over: 5.5 (-122)
Under: 5.5 (+100)
*Watch NHL Games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)
Why The Penguins Could Cover The Spread
Pittsburgh stole Game 1 due to a barrage of shots. Additionally, Crosby played like the elite hockey player that he has been throughout his career. Now, the Penguins will try and take a 2-0 series lead back home to Pittsburgh.
Article Continues Below
The Penguins flung 83 shots on goal in Game 1. In addition to that, they won the faceoff battle, conquering 53 percent of the draws. The Pens had four power-play opportunities, converting on one of them. Now, the Penguins will attempt to do it again and steal another at the Garden. Pittsburgh might have to play Game 2 without DeSmith.
DeSmith got hurt in Game 1 after a collision with Artemi Panarin. Also, the Penguins are already without all-star goalie Tristan Jarry, who is out with a lower-body injury. Pittsburgh likely will turn to Domingue, hoping he can deliver excellent quality goaltending until their top-two goalies are ready to return. The Pittsburgh defense will have its hands full defending in front of Domingue.
The Penguins will cover the spread if Crosby and Guentzel continue to play spectacular hockey. In addition to that, Malkin must continue to thrive. However, the Pens must continue to win faceoffs, and the defense must protect their goalie.
Why The Rangers Could Cover The Spread
New York did plenty right in Game 1. The Rangers converted on its lone power-play opportunity and outhit the Penguins by 10. Unfortunately, they could not put any past Domingue, and Panarin did not convert on any of his shots. The Rangers need Panarin at his best to have a chance to defeat the Penguins. Additionally, New York needs Shesterkin to continue his elite-level play in the net and stop every shot the Pens throw at him.
The Rangers must do better at faceoffs to give their offense a better chance to succeed. In addition to that, winning the draw can help prevent a situation where the defense is scrambling in their zone attempting to make a stop. The Rangers turned the puck over a few times and must control possession better. Doing this would ensure better opportunities for their offense and limit the damage the Penguins could inflict.
The Rangers will cover the spread if Panarin comes through and scores. New York needs its best player to perform at that level in the playoffs to have any hope. Additionally, Shesterkin will be a significant factor in whether the Rangers cover or not. His defense in front of him must play quality hockey. The Rangers would be wise to limit mistakes in their zone.
Final Penguins-Rangers Game 2 Prediction & Pick
This game will be pivotal to the Rangers as the series will shift to Pittsburgh. The Rangers went 3-1 against the Penguins in the regular season, including 2-0 at the Garden. New York won both regular-season home games by more than one goal. Expect New York to come out desperate, and ready to even up the series.
Final Penguins-Rangers Game 2 Prediction & Pick: Rangers: -1.5 (+172)
