Yet another game seven kicks off tonight as the Pittsburgh Penguins will head into New York to play against the Rangers for the last time in this entire season. The Penguins were down t their third-string goaltender in Louis Domingue, but that didn't stop them from taking a 3-1 lead early in the series. Now the Rangers have fought back from the 3-1 deficit and are forced a game seven in their own arena. Who will step up for either team as they look to win the series? It’s time to continue our NHL odds series with a Penguins-Rangers prediction and pick.
Here are the Penguins-Rangers NHL Odds, Courtesy of FanDuel
NHL Odds: Penguins-Rangers Odds
Pittsburgh Penguins: +1.5 (-220) (+105 ML)
New York Rangers: -1.5 (+180) (-126 ML)
Over: 6 (-120)
Under: 6 (-102)
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Why The Penguins Can Cover The Spread/Win
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been dealing with some injuries in this series, starting with goaltender Tristan Jarry and superstar captain Sidney Crosby. The good news coming out of the Penguins camp though is that both players (along with Rickard Rakell) are game-time decisions for tonight's very important game. If Crosby ends up playing, the entire game will shift directions. If Jarry ends up playing, that would be a huge step in the right direction for their goaltending. Of course, it'll come down to a game-time decision, but it's game seven, who wouldn't want to be out there for that?
The Penguins have now blown a sizable 3-1 lead but could still win the series with an all-or-nothing win tonight. They've scored 4.33 goals per game so far in these playoffs, which is the second-highest in the postseason behind the Avalanche. The Penguins do a very good job at possessing the puck, even in their losing efforts. If they can control the pace of play and stay find ways to score goals without Crosby (just in case), they'll win this series.
Why The Rangers Can Cover The Spread/Win
The New York Rangers dominated the Penguins in the regular season and were big favorites heading into this series, rightfully so. However, they've been outworked and outplayed so far in this series. They went down 3-1 in the game totals simply because they couldn't keep solid possession of the puck. But that Rangers are back on home ice where they'll keep that momentum flowing after tying the series up at three and forcing a game seven. Superstar goaltender Igor Shesterkin hasn't played his best so far this postseason, getting replaced in two separate games, but he's stepped it up when the Rangers were down. If he can keep up his normal routine, the Rangers will have a very good chance at walking away with a victory tonight and moving on.
Final Penguins-Rangers Prediction & Pick
This is one of those scenarios that genuinely matter based on injuries. If Crosby does not play for the Penguins (which, there's no way right he misses game seven in the playoffs right?), give me the Rangers all day long. Crosby is the glue to that team and if he's out, believe that the Rangers will easily take advantage. If Jarry remains out, it would hurt the Penguins ultimately since they'd have to start Domingue, but I feel like the Pens are kind of used to it at this point so it wouldn't be a huge factor for game seven. With that said, if Crosby makes it back out to the ice tonight, hammer the Penguins.
Final Penguins-Rangers Prediction and Pick: If Crosby plays: Penguins ML (+105), If Crosby does not play: Rangers ML (-126)
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