Teams have come back down 3-1 just 30 times in NHL history. The New York Rangers have done it twice, once against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and they’re one game away from doing it again.
Games 5 and 6 were the same exact story. The Penguins jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. The Rangers responded by scoring three unanswered goals to take the lead.
Pittsburgh scored to tie it up 3-3 heading into the third period, but New York scored in the third to take the lead and closed the game out with an empty-net goal. However, in Game 6, the Rangers took the lead with 1:28 left on the clock.
The series heads to New York for a deciding Game 7. Will the Rangers complete the comeback, or will the Penguins win on the road to advance to the next round?
Rangers vs Penguins Game 7 Odds
All NHL gameday odds are current as of Saturday, May 14, at 10 a.m. ET from BetMGM Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Rangers (-160), Penguins (+135)
- Puck Line: Rangers -1.5 (+155), Penguins +1.5 (-190)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+100) / Under 6.5 (-120)
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Rangers vs Penguins Game 7 Prediction
The Penguins were without their captain Sidney Crosby, but you wouldn’t have known, as they came out firing in the first period and took a 2-0 lead.
New York didn’t back down, as Mika Zibanejad scored twice in a 1:16 span to tie the game at 2-2. The Rangers took advantage of the power play, as Chris Kreider scored to give them their first lead of the game.
After the Penguins responded to close out the second period, it looked like this game was heading to overtime for the second time this series until Kreider scored again to give New York its final lead of the game.
Louis Domingue looked good and made some big saves, but the Rangers’ offense was too much for him, as he allowed four goals on 37 shots. Igor Shesterkin improved after allowing two first-period goals, making 31 saves en route to the win.
The Rangers, again, lost the faceoff battle, but limited the giveaways and capitalized on the power play, going 2-for-3. On the other hand, the Penguins were blanked on three power-play opportunities.
Rangers vs Penguins Game 7 Pick
Rangers 5, Penguins 2
Game 7 will play out similarly to Games 5 and 6. When the Rangers take the lead back from the Penguins, they won’t give it back.
The home crowd at Madison Square Garden will be the loudest it’s been this series, giving the Rangers momentum throughout the game. Sure, Pittsburgh will take the lead early in the game, but New York loves to come from behind in this series.
There are question marks surrounding Crosby and Tristan Jarry, and even if both end up playing in Game 7, they won’t be fully healthy. The Rangers will ultimately take advantage of the Penguins’ mistakes to win the series.
Rangers vs Penguins Game 7 Best Bets
OVER 6.5 Total Goals (+100)
WAGER: 2 Units
The total has finally reached 6.5 for this series, and we’re still going to take the Over. We’re undefeated when taking it, so let’s ride it out.
No other first round matchup has scored as many goals as the Rangers and Penguins have, and with it all on the line in Game 7, the scoring will continue.
Rangers Cover -1.5 Puck Line (+155)
WAGER: 1 Unit
New York has covered the puck line in all three of their wins in this series. We’ve had some close calls, but the empty-net goals saved us in the end.
The Rangers are playing in front of their home crowd in Game 7, so they won’t let things get out of hand. Pittsburgh is out of energy after blowing leads in back-to-back games, so most of the scoring will be done by New York.
Rangers vs Penguins Game 7 Best Parlay
Rangers-Penguins Parlay (+450) at DraftKings
- Rangers -1.5 Puck Line (+150)
- Over 6.5 Goals (+100)
- Rangers to Score Last Goal (-145)
WAGER: 1 Unit
For the Game 7 same-game parlay, we’re taking the Rangers to cover the -1.5 puck line, Over 6.5 total goals, and the Rangers to score the last goal.
The Over is 6-0 this series, so we’re riding it until the end. The Rangers have covered the puck line in back-to-back games, and with Game 7 at home, they’ll do the same.
With the Rangers in the lead, the Penguins will leave an open net just for New York to put one in to close the series out.
PREVIOUSLY: Penguins vs Rangers Game 6 Prediction
Just when all hope was lost, the New York Rangers won a critical Game 5 at home to force a Game 6 in Pittsburgh. After being pulled in two straight games, Igor Shesterkin bounced back and had 29 saves.
The Penguins jumped out to a 2-0 lead, and when it looked like this series was over, the Rangers scored three unanswered to take the lead. After Jake Guentzel scored his second of the game to tie it (7th of the playoffs), Filip Chytil scored the tiebreaking goal early in the third period.
Pittsburgh has the Rangers right where they want them when they play at home for Game 6. New York has been outscored 14-6 in the two games they played on the road in this series. They’ll need to play near-perfect hockey if they want to force a Game 7.
Penguins vs Rangers Game 6 Odds
All NHL gameday odds are current as of Thursday, May 12, at 1 p.m. ET from Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Rangers (-125) / Penguins (+105)
- Puck Line: Rangers -1.5 (+190) / Penguins +1.5 (-230)
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-120) / Under 6 (+100)
Penguins vs Rangers Game 6 Prediction
Adam Fox opened up the scoring for the Rangers, while Alexis Lafreniere scored a goal and had an assist. New York scored three goals on three shots in a 2:42 span to take their initial lead.
The defense stepped up big in Game 5, silencing the Penguins on all three of their power play opportunities, including when they had a 5-on-3 advantage. Oppositely, the Rangers scored on the man up to take a 4-3 lead.
Louis Domingue struggled in his fourth postseason start as New York took advantage of his playoff inexperience. Sidney Crosby left the game with an upper-body injury, leaving Pittsburgh without their captain for the third period.
The good news for the Penguins is that Tristan Jarry is making good progress in returning, and they desperately need him. He might not be available for Game 6 but could return for a critical Game 7 if the Penguins can’t close it out at home.
New York still had their struggles, as they lost the faceoff battle by 20 and had 34 giveaways. They’ll need to correct their mistakes if they want to force a Game 7.
Penguins vs Rangers Game 6 Pick
Rangers 5, Penguins 3
Game 6 will end the same as how Game 5 ended. It’ll be a tight game throughout, with both teams taking the lead at some point. However, the Rangers will ultimately take the lead and score an empty-net goal to put the cherry on top.
Though they’ve had bad luck in Pittsburgh, there is a resurgence in this team. The defense looked better while Shesterkin returned to his regular season form.
The Penguins could be without Crosby, which would be a massive blow. The Rangers have come back down 3-1 twice before and once against the Penguins. They’ll look to have that opportunity by forcing a Game 7.
Penguins vs Rangers Game 6 Best Bets
OVER 6 Goals (-120)
WAGER: 2 Units
We’re bumping this pick up one unit because the Over is, dare I say, an absolute lock.
The Over has floated between 5.5 and 6 goals this series, and it has hit every time. The Penguins hit the Over on their own twice, both times at home.
This first-round matchup has been the highest-scoring one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and that isn’t going to change in an elimination game.
Rangers -1.5 Puck Line (+190)
WAGER: 1 Unit
With 16 seconds left in Game 5, the Rangers scored an empty-net goal to cover the puck line. Kudos to those who took the puck line with how poorly New York has played in the last two games.
The Rangers played well last game, bouncing back from a two-goal deficit in the second period. If Game 6 is as close as Game 5 was, Pittsburgh will have to pull their goalie to give them a fighting chance, thus allowing New York to put in a freebie.
Even if this game is a blowout in favor of the Rangers, the puck line will still cover.
Penguins vs Rangers Game 6 Best Parlay
Penguins-Rangers Parlay (+750) at DraftKings
- Rangers -1.5 Puck Line (+185)
- Over 5.5 Goals (-170)
- Rangers to Win from Behind (+300)
WAGER: 1 Unit
For the Game 6 same game parlay, we’re taking the Rangers -1.5 Puck line, Over 5.5 goals, and the Rangers to win from behind.
The Over continues to hit, so we’re going to keep riding it. The Rangers puck line has hit in both of their wins in the first round, and they’ll do whatever it takes to force a Game 7.
Pittsburgh will jump out to an early lead at home, but New York will come from behind to win.
PREVIOUSLY: Rangers vs Penguins Game 5 Predictions
The Pittsburgh Penguins have fully taken over this first-round matchup, grabbing a 3-1 series lead with a resounding 7-2 victory in Game 4. Facing one of the best goalies in the NHL, the Penguins have now forced the Rangers to pull Igor Shesterkin early in back-to-back games.
Against all odds, Pittsburgh third-string goaltender Louis Domingue won his second straight playoff game, getting plenty more offensive support from Pittsburgh’s top line.
Sidney Crosby extended his assist streak to four games — and tied Red Wings legend Nicklas Lidstrom for fifth on the NHL’s all-time postseason assist list (129) — while Jake Guentzel continued his streak of scoring in every game of the series.
Teams have overcome a 3-1 series deficit 30 times in NHL history. The Rangers have done so twice since 2014, including once against the Penguins.
Coming back to Madison Square Garden for Game 5 gives New York a chance to at least start the process.
Rangers vs Penguins Game 5 Odds
All NHL gameday odds are current as of Tuesday, May 10, at 4 p.m. ET from Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Rangers (-135) / Penguins (+115)
- Puck Line: Rangers -1.5 (+190) / Penguins +1.5 (-230)
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-120) / Under 6 (+100)
Rangers vs Penguins Game 5 Prediction
After Alexis Lafreniere struck first for New York, the Penguins scored four unanswered goals to take a commanding lead in the second period. The Rangers got one back, but Pittsburgh scored two more times in final 67 seconds of the second period, ultimately silencing New York’s comeback hopes.
There were doubts about how Domingue would fare in net after an overtime relief appearance in Game 1. The Rangers put five past him to tie the series in Game 2 and added four more in Game 3, but Domingue was bailed out by the high-scoring Penguins offense.
This time around, Domingue made 22 saves and only allowed two goals. Pittsburgh outshot New York 41-24 and dominated the faceoff battle, winning 60%.
The Rangers were outplayed throughout in a game that they needed to win. Now they have a tough mountain to climb.
On the injury front, Tristan Jarry is continuing his on-ice rehab but most likely won’t be ready for Game 5. Still, that’s good news for Pittsburgh moving forward.
Rangers vs Penguins Game 5 Pick
Penguins 5, Rangers 2
Even though the Rangers return to MSG for Game 5, the Penguins just have their number in this series.
After a hard-fought Game 1 and a strong Game 2 victory, New York has been outscored 14-6 over the last two games and their star goalie has been pulled in two straight contests. The Rangers can go as far as Shesterkin takes them, but he has taken them nowhere in the last two games.
The Penguins will close this series out on the road, with that extra rest being vital, given they are one of the older teams in the league.
Rangers vs Penguins Game 5 Best Bets
OVER 6 Goals (-120)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The total sitting at 6 goals again makes the Over an absolute lock. This has been one of the highest-scoring matchups in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and will surely continue in Game 5.
The Penguins went over the game total by themselves in each of the last two games, so we know there are plenty of goals to be had. New York will put some pressure on the Penguins in an elimination game, so expect this to be a high-scoring contest.
Penguins Moneyline (+115)
WAGER: 1 Unit
With how the Penguins have played in the last two games, taking them to win an elimination game and advance to the next round makes sense.
From top to bottom, Pittsburgh has outplayed New York. While the Rangers won the regular-season series against the Penguins, that doesn’t matter much now. The Penguins have gotten scoring contributions up and down the lineup and don’t need to rely on their superb top line.
Domingue has gotten better throughout this series, while Shesterkin has gotten worse. If that trend continues in Game 5, it will be to the Rangers’ detriment.
Rangers vs Penguins Game 5 Best Parlay
Rangers-Penguins Parlay (+600) at DraftKings
- Penguins Moneyline (+105)
- Over 5.5 Goals (-150)
- Rangers to Score First Goal (-125)
For the Game 5 Same Game Parlay, we’re taking the Penguins Moneyline, the Over, and the Rangers to score the first goal.
The Over continues to be our friend in this series, hitting every game so far. Pittsburgh has dominated New York in the last two games and will be victorious on the road.
The Rangers have scored the opening goal three times this series and in six of their last ten games.
PREVIOUSLY: Rangers vs Penguins Game 4 Predictions
When Igor Shesterkin is outstanding, it looks as if the New York Rangers are unstoppable. However, when Shesterkin is less than that, even slightly, the Rangers are very beatable. We saw that in Game 3 as the Pittsburgh Penguins won 7-4.
The Penguins have a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4 at home. They exposed a tired Shesterkin in Game 3, scoring four goals in the first period and having him pulled for Alexandar Georgiev.
Coming back in a series from down one game is very doable, but the Rangers don’t want to fall behind 3-1. Teams have overcome a 3-1 series deficit just 30 times in NHL history.
Penguins vs Rangers Game 4 Odds
All NHL gameday odds are current as of Monday, May 9, at 10 a.m. ET from Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Rangers (-115) / Penguins (-105)
- Puck Line: Rangers -1.5 (+210) / Penguins +1.5 (-260)
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-110) / Under 6 (-110)
Penguins vs Rangers Game 4 Prediction
Pittsburgh jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the first period of Game 3 and forced Shesterkin out of the game. New York answered with a scoring barrage of its own, however, scoring three times in the second period to tie the game. The Penguins took the lead back in the third and tacked on a pair of empty-net goals late to seal the victory.
The top line of Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel, and Bryan Rust has been terrific through three games, combining for six goals and eight assists. New York held that group off the scoresheet in Game 3 until the two empty-net goals, indicating how well the rest of the Penguins played.
Even though Louis Domingue got the win for Pittsburgh in Game 3, he’s still a liability in net compared to Shesterkin. While we probably won’t see Shesterkin allow four goals again, you can’t say the same for Domingue, who blew a 4-1 lead.
Tristan Jarry (lower body) has returned to the ice as part of his rehab program, but we won’t see him in Game 4. That’s good news for New York, which will look to take advantage of Domingue.
Penguins vs Rangers Game 4 Pick
Rangers 4, Penguins 3
While Game 1 was a close one that went to triple overtime, Games 2 and 3 were blowouts. Look for Game 4 to be competitive all the way to the final horn.
Andrew Copp has been consistent for the Rangers, scoring a goal in each game this series, while Chris Kreider has recorded a point in each game. Domingue allowed four goals last game, including three in one period, showing how vulnerable he is.
Game 4 is a must-win game for the Rangers, who don’t want to fall behind 3-1 in the series. If they can tie the series up, they’ll have the momentum heading into Game 5 back in New York.
Penguins vs Rangers Game 4 Best Bets
OVER 6 Goals (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Round 1 matchup of the Penguins and Rangers has been the highest-scoring series of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Through three games, these two teams have combined for 25 goals.
With that said, it’s no surprise the Over is 3-0 in this series and I think that streak will continue in Game 4. Both teams can pour on goals, whether the game is a blowout or not.
Even with Shesterkin likely having a bounce-back game for New York, the Penguins will find some creative ways to put the puck in the back of the net.
Rangers Moneyline (-115)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I would’ve taken the Penguins Puck Line, but the Rangers Moneyline has better odds.
While Pittsburgh can afford a loss in Game 4, New York just doesn’t have that option. Of course, it’s possible to come back from 3-1 to win a series (the Rangers have done it twice since 2014, including once against the Penguins), but it’s highly unlikely.
Game 3 was an uncharacteristic one for Shesterkin, who will look to bounce back in Game 4. New York is nearly unbeatable when he’s on top of his game.
Penguins vs Rangers Game 4 Best Parlay
Penguins-Rangers Parlay (+525) at DraftKings
- Rangers Moneyline (-130)
- Over 5.5 Goals (-145)
- Andrew Copp Anytime Goalscorer (+240)
For the Game 4 same game parlay, we’re taking the Rangers Moneyline, OVER 5.5, and Andrew Copp to score.
The Rangers enter Game 4 in a must-win situation, and they’ll have a bounce-back game. The Over has hit every game this series, so there’s no reason to believe it stops in Game 4. Copp has a goal in each game of this series, including a short-handed goal on Saturday night. He’ll find a way to score.
PREVIOUSLY: Penguins vs Rangers Game 3 Predictions
After a tough triple-overtime loss in Game 1, the New York Rangers had a major bounce-back victory in Game 2, beating the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2. Artemi Panarin and Frank Vatrano each contributed a goal and two assists, while Igor Shesterkin continued his strong play with 39 saves.
Even with Jake Guentzel scoring his third goal of the playoffs and Sidney Crosby getting his first, the Penguins’ biggest weakness was Louis Domingue in net. The third-string goalie allowed five goals, including two in the third period when the game was still within reach for Pittsburgh.
With the series heading to Pittsburgh, the Penguins will look to take at least one game in this two-game homestand.
Penguins vs Rangers Game 3 Odds
All NHL gameday odds are current as of Friday, May 6, at 3 p.m. ET from Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Rangers (-125) / Penguins (+105)
- Puck Line: Rangers -1.5 (+205) / Penguins +1.5 (-250)
- Over/Under: Over 6 (+100) / Under 6 (-120)
Penguins vs Rangers Game 3 Prediction
Home-ice advantage belongs to the Penguins for the next two games, which will be crucial for them. However, while Pittsburgh has played well at home, New York has played well on the road. So Pittsburgh’s home-ice advantage isn’t as strong as it may seem.
The Penguins will be without Casey DeSmith for the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as he has undergone core muscle surgery. And with Tristan Jarry yet to begin the on-ice part of his rehab, Domingue will be the starter in Pittsburgh, which is bad news for them and good news for the Rangers.
After coming off of basically two games in one night, the Rangers put five in the back of the net while Shesterkin continued to prove how he is the best goalie in the NHL. New York’s penalty kill was on top of their game, and they limited their giveaways to 23 versus Game 1 when they had 75.
Penguins vs Rangers Game 3 Pick
Rangers 4, Penguins 2
Pittsburgh is at a significant disadvantage with Domingue in net. While he’s a serviceable goalie, Domingue has only played in 20 games over the last three seasons, and Game 2 was his first start in the playoffs. That’s the one position the Penguins don’t have veteran experience.
The top line for the Penguins scored the two goals last game, but that was it, as the Rangers held the rest of the lines in check. You have to give credit to the defense, but Shesterkin continued to play on top of his head in net.
Even though Pittsburgh is back home for Game 3, New York will continue to take advantage of Domingue.
Penguins vs Rangers Game 3 Best Bets
Rangers -1.5 Puck Line (+205)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Game 1 was a close battle, while the Rangers ran away with Game 2. The latter will likely be the case in Game 3.
Domingue did well to close out the triple-overtime victory, saving all 17 shots he faced. However, he struggled in his first playoff start in Game 2, allowing five goals to the Rangers.
With Shesterkin in net for New York and Domingue in net for Pittsburgh, it’s the perfect recipe for the Rangers to cover the Puck Line.
Rangers Moneyline (-125)
WAGER: 2 Units
This is a whole new series with Domingue in net for Pittsburgh. I know I keep hammering that home, but it’s true. The better goalie will win the series, and that’s clearly Shesterkin.
Even though Domingue has been in the league five years longer than Shesterkin, he only has 31 more starts than the New York netminder. The Rangers stars are starting to come alive, and pairing that with the tremendous goalie play, it’s hard to imagine them losing, which makes this our NHL bet of the day.
Penguins vs Rangers Game 3 Best Parlay
Penguins-Rangers Parlay (+425) at DraftKings
- Rangers -1.5 Puck Line (+185)
- Over 5.5 Goals (-150)
- Rangers to Score First Goal (-120)
WAGER: 1 Unit
For the Game 3 same-game parlay, we’re taking the Rangers -1.5, Over 5.5 total goals, and the Rangers to score the first goal of the game.
When it was thought Game 2 would go Under, New York almost hit the Over on their own. The Rangers are hot and will continue to pour on goals. They also scored first last game again, so let’s continue to ride them scoring first.
PREVIOUSLY: Rangers vs Penguins Game 2 Predictions
In what was the most exciting Game 1 of the NHL Playoffs, the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the New York Rangers 4-3 in triple overtime. The Rangers took a 2-0 lead early in the second period, but an explosion of goals led to the score being 3-3 heading into the third.
Evgeni Malkin buried the game-winner to give Pittsburgh the 1-0 series lead. Jake Guentzel scored back-to-back goals in the five-goal second period. Though he came away with the loss, Igor Shesterkin was outstanding, recording the second-most saves in a playoff game with 79.
Game 1 was a situation where the Penguins’ experience outlasted the Rangers’ skill. But as the second-oldest team in the league, will the short rest hurt the Penguins in Game 2?
Rangers vs Penguins Game 2 Odds
All NHL gameday odds are current as of Thursday, May 5, at 10 a.m. ET from Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Rangers (-160) / Penguins (+140)
- Puck Line: Rangers -1.5 (+170) / Penguins +1.5 (-200)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-125) / Under 5.5 (+105)
Rangers vs Penguins Game 2 Prediction
Pittsburgh only scored four total goals during the regular season in the four games these two played. However, they tied that in Game 1 alone, showing how this playoff team is different from their regular season team.
The Rangers had every opportunity to put this game away but just couldn’t. Chris Kreider even had a shorthanded goal to put them in the lead, but Bryan Rust scored on the powerplay a minute later to tie the game back up.
It was a physical game, as the teams combined for 76 hits. But again, Pittsburgh’s experience paid off, as New York had four penalties to their one and had 75 giveaways - 30 more than Pittsburgh.
Rangers vs Penguins Game 2 Pick
Rangers 3, Penguins 1
After playing essentially two games in one night, both teams haven’t gotten much rest heading into Game 2. That will definitely contribute to a low-scoring affair in Game 2.
It’s hard to imagine a goalie getting 79 saves and still losing the game. Shesterkin is the best netminder in the NHL, and he’s one of the few healthy ones in this series. Tristan Jarry is still out for the Penguins, and they could miss Casey DeSmith, who exited Game 1 with a lower-body injury during the second overtime period.
The Rangers are still at home, and having the best goalie in the NHL is a massive advantage after a long game like Game 1.
Rangers vs Penguins Game 2 Best Bets
UNDER 5.5 Goals (+105)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Over hit last game thanks to a five-goal second period. But we won’t be seeing that kind of goal explosion in Game 2. As mentioned before, they just played a triple-overtime game and now have to play again on one day’s rest.
Not good for the Over.
The defense will hang tough, and the goalies will continue their strong play. This game looks to have four or five total goals. At plus-money, this is our NHL bet of the day.
Rangers Moneyline (-160)
WAGER: 1 Unit
It should have been a 1-0 series lead for the Rangers heading into Game 2, but not even Shesterkin was able to bail them out. Too many mental mistakes led to their downfall.
Playing at home after a game like Game 1 is massive, and New York will most likely face Pittsburgh’s third-string goalie in Louis Domingue. The only way the Rangers lose is by beating themselves in Game 2.
Rangers vs Penguins Game 2 Best Parlay
Rangers-Penguins Parlay (+310) at DraftKings
- Rangers Moneyline (-165)
- Under 5.5 Goals (-105)
- Rangers to Score First Goal (-140)
WAGER: 1 Unit
For the Game 2 same-game parlay, we’re taking the Rangers Moneyline, Under 5.5 Goals, and the Rangers to score the first goal of the game.
We discussed how New York would win Game 2 and this game going Under the total. I’m taking the Rangers to score first for a few reasons. They scored first last game, and in their last 10 games, they were the first to strike in seven of them.
PREVIOUSLY: Rangers vs Penguins Game 1 Best Bets
With the NHL regular season over, we enter the month of May with the start of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In this Eastern Conference first-round matchup, the No. 2 team in the Metropolitan Division, the New York Rangers take on the No. 3 Pittsburgh Penguins.
New York finished 7 points ahead of Pittsburgh in the Metro to secure home ice for the first-round matchup.
After failing to qualify for the third time in four years last season, the Rangers look to win their first playoff series since 2017. On the other side, the Penguins continue their 16-year playoff streak as they look to get out of the first round for the first time in four years.
This will be an exciting first-round matchup between two of the NHL’s most storied franchises. The series has the chance to go a full seven games, but there’s also the possibility of one team sweeping the series.
New York will host Pittsburgh in Game 1 on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
Rangers vs Penguins Game 1 Odds
All Stanley Cup playoff odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and are current as of Tuesday, May 3, at 9:30 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Rangers (-130) / Penguins (+110)
- Puck Line: Rangers -1.5 (+205) / Penguins +1.5 (-250)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (+105) / Under 5.5 (-125)
Rangers vs Penguins Game 1 Prediction
The last time these two teams met in the regular season, there was a big scrum following a questionable hit by Anthony Angello on Tyler Motte, and both teams exchanged words at center ice after the game was over. That animosity towards each other is still there, which will bleed into Game 1 of this series.
The Rangers took the season series against the Penguins, beating them in three of four games and outscoring them 11-4. New York has four players with over 70 points (Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox), while Pittsburgh only has two (Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel).
Offensively, the Rangers are around the middle of the pack in the NHL, averaging 3.05 goals-for per game during the regular season. The defense is their bread and butter, though, as they had the second-fewest goals-against per game (2.49) thanks to their stellar netminder in Igor Shesterkin.
The Penguins have one of the better offenses in the league while also keeping up to par with the Rangers’ strong defense. Pittsburgh averaged 3.28 goals per game and 2.71 goals-against per game, good for 11th and 5th in the NHL.
Pittsburgh has their own brick wall in the net, with Tristan Jarry, but he will miss the start of the playoffs with a lower-body injury.
Rangers vs Penguins Game 1 Pick
Rangers 5, Penguins 2
While both teams are evenly matched, the Rangers just have the Penguins’ number. After losing the first game to them, New York has beaten Pittsburgh in three straight.
Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are dangerous and should be a top priority for the Rangers in this series, but the duo has only combined for two goals against them during the regular season. New York boasts not only a top defense in the NHL but also the best goalie in the league.
If the Rangers can keep Pittsburgh’s top players in check, they’ll frustrate the team enough to make mistakes. The Penguins are at a huge disadvantage playing Game 1 at MSG, as the fans will let them hear it from puck drop to final horn.
Rangers vs Penguins Game 1 Best Bets
Over 5.5 Total Goals (+105) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
In four regular-season games this season, the total has only gone over 5.5 once, resulting in a 5-1 Rangers victory. However, this is the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where the stakes are at their absolute highest.
Both Shesterkin and Jarry have been strong all season long, but Pittsburgh will be without Jarry for the start of the playoffs. Instead, Casey DeSmith will get the start.
DeSmith posted a 2.79 goals-against average and .914 save percentage. Even though DeSmith has been good for Pittsburgh this season, not having Jarry in net is a huge blow.
The Penguins will do their part by putting up two goals of their own. This will be a 4-2 game late in the 3rd period, and an empty-net goal from the Rangers will save the Over.
Rangers -1.5 Puck Line (+205)
WAGER: 1 Unit
By predicting the Rangers to win 5-2, taking their -1.5 spread only makes sense.
New York is 7-5 in their last 12 games against the spread and is a perfect 4-0 ATS when facing Pittsburgh this season. While I believe this series will be a close one, it won’t be in Game 1 when the Rangers are home at MSG.
With the puck line being at plus odds, it’s worth putting a unit on it.
Rangers vs Penguins Game 1 Parlay
Rangers-Penguins Parlay (+425) at BetMGM Sportsbook
- Rangers -1.5 Puck Line (+200)
- Over 5.5 Goals (+100)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Since I’m predicting the Rangers to not only cover the spread at -1.5 and for this game to go Over the 5.5 goal mark, I put the two together in a parlay at BetMGM at +425 odds.
You can create a one-game parlay over at BetMGM, with the option to choose alternate spreads and totals.
Rangers vs Penguins Odds To Win Series
All NHL gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and are current as of Sunday, May 1, at 11:30 p.m. ET.
- New York Rangers (-120)
- Pittsburgh Penguins (+100)
Rangers vs Penguins Series Prediction
As mentioned above, the Rangers and Penguins met four times during the regular season. The Penguins took the first game 1-0, but have lost three straight to their Metropolitan Division rivals, 5-1, 3-2, and 3-0.
New York is more equipped for the playoffs, having a 15-8-0 record against Eastern Conference playoff teams and outscoring them 68-51. Pittsburgh is 10-10-3 against the same opponents, having been outscored 65-66 against them.
The Penguins have a slight edge on offense, but the Rangers have the advantage on defense and have a commanding edge in goaltending.
Also, the Rangers’ special teams have the edge over the Penguins, as New York is 4th in power-play percentage (25.46) and 8th in penalty kill (82.35), while Pittsburgh is 19th in power-play percentage (20.41) and 3rd in penalty kill (85.02).
Rangers vs Penguins Series Pick
Rangers In 5 Games
Neither side is heading into the playoffs hot, as the Rangers are 6-4-0 in their last 10 games, and the Penguins are 5-4-1 in their previous 10.
This series will come down to goaltending, and Shesterkin is clearly not only the best goalie in this series, but the best goalie in the NHL. DeSmith is solid, but he’s not as good as Jarry, and it will show. The MSG crowd will get in his head, forcing him to make critical mistakes.
Jarry will come back, as he’s only expected to miss the first two games, but at that point, the Penguins will be in a 2-0 hole. They’ll take one at home, but the Rangers will put the nail in the coffin in Game 5 when they’re back at MSG.
Rangers vs Penguins Series Best Bets
Rangers to Win the Series 4-1 (+550)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Jarry being out the first two games of this series is massive for New York, who should take advantage of DeSmith’s inexperience at home. The Rangers will head to Pittsburgh up 2-0 in the series, with the chance to put it away there.
The Penguins will win one at home once Jarry makes a return and with the momentum from the home crowd. The Rangers will adjust and win Game 4 by a close margin.
Back at MSG for Game 5 and up 3-1 in the series, the Rangers will have a lockdown performance to put the series away and head to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
