Overview
The new York Rangers are in Pittsburgh where they take on division rivals the Pittsburgh Penguins. Even though the Penguins have been one of the best teams in the NHL over the past few seasons they are just 1-5 over their last 6 meetings with the Rangers and 2-4 in the last 6 meetings played at home in Pittsburgh.
Head to Head Trends
Rangers are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Home team is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Pittsburgh Penguins (-135)
The Pittsburgh Penguins are 2nd in the Metropolitan Division with 58 points just 3 points behind the 1st place New York Islanders. The Penguins had a quick start to the season winning 13 of their first 17 games but it looks like injury issues are starting to catch up with them as they have won just 4 of their last 11 games. The Penguins have one of the best offenses in the league averaging 31.3 shots and 3.1 goals per game but that has dropped down to 2.7 goals over their last 10 games. They are also one of the best teams on defense allowing 2.5 goals per game and they have the second best penalty kill in the league.
Pittsburgh Penguins Trends
Penguins are 89-39 in their last 128 home games.
Penguins are 74-34 in their last 108 games playing on 1 days rest.
New York Rangers (+115)
The New York Rangers are 4th in the Metropolitan Division with 54 points 7 points out of 1st place. The Rangers actually got off to a super slow start this season winning just 7 of their first 18 games but they have been one of the best teams in the league since winning 18 of their last 24 games although they have lost 2 of their last 3 games so maybe that hot streak is coming to an end. The Rangers surprisingly enough are one of the higher scoring teams in the league averaging 3.0 goals per game but I have a feeling that is going to drop off in the second half and they also have one of the best defenses in the league allowing just 2.4 goals per game.
New York Rangers Trends
Rangers are 18-6 in their last 24 overall.
Rangers are 2-6 in their last 8 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation.
Conclusion
I like the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Rangers in this one. The Penguins are one of the most talented teams in the NHL so they can beat any team on any given day especially at home while the Rangers even though they have been hot it looks like that is beginning to change.
Free Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins -135
