New York Rangers (45-20-6) vs Pittsburgh Penguins (41-20-10)
Game Info: Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 7:00 pm (Madison Square Garden)
Betting Odds: New York Rangers +140 / Pittsburgh Penguins +150 --- Over/Under: 5.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The New York Rangers Rangers host the Pittsburgh Penguins in Thursday NHL Action.
The Pittsburgh Penguins come into this road contest with an overall record of 41-20-10. Through 71 games, the Penguins are 3rd in the Metropolitan Division. On the season, they have found the net 237 times, good for a rank of 8th among NHL teams. Heading into the game, Pittsburgh is the 7th ranked defensive team, allowing opponents to score at an average rate of 2.65 goals per game. So far, the Penguins have a strength of schedule rating of 26th in the league. When diving into their opponent-adjusted scoring margin, they come into this game as the 7th ranked team in the NHL.
The New York Rangers Rangers get set to host the Pittsburgh Penguins with an overall record of 45-20-6. This mark places them 2nd in the Metropolitan division. Through 71 games, the Rangers have scored 217 goals, giving them an average of 3.0. This output gives them a rank of 16th among NHL teams. On defense, New York Rangers is the 3rd ranked unit, giving up 2.58 goals per contest. So far, the Rangers have played the 21st toughest schedule in the league. And, when taking into account New York's scoring margin relative to the quality of their competition, they come in with a power ranking of 10th in the NHL.
Through 71 games, the Pittsburgh Penguins' leading goal scorer is Jake Guentzel. With his 37 assists, he is the second in overall points, coming in at 70. On the season, he is turning 14.5% of his shots into goals. In addition, the Penguins have benefited from the strong play of Sidney Crosby, who is the team's overall leader in points. In Pittsburgh's 71 games, he has come up with 26 goals on a shooting percentage of 14.9%. While on the ice, his offensive production has led to a plus-minus rating of 13.0. Pittsburgh's top goalie is Tristan Jarry, who is giving up an average of 2.39 goals per game. In his 55 games played, he has turned in 33 quality starts, giving him a quality start percentage above the league average.
Coming into this game, the New York Rangers leader in points is Artemi Panarin. In New York's 71 games, he has come up with 19 goals and 65 assists. He has scored his goals on a shooting percentage of 12.0%. The team's top overall goal scorer is Chris Kreider. Of his 47 goals, 53.0% have come during power play time. While on the ice, his offensive production has led to a plus-minus rating of +12.0. New York's top goalie is Igor Shesterkin, who is giving up an average of 2.14 goals per game. In his 46 games played, he has turned in 33 quality starts, giving him a quality start percentage above the league average.
In Pittsburgh's 71 games, the over has hit in over half of their games, going 35-35-1. So far, the team has been less likely to go over the betting line when playing on the road, going just 15-20-1. On the season, 56.0% of Pittsburgh's games have gone for at least 6 goals or more, with 56% of the scoring coming from the Penguins. Coming into this game, the Rangers have an over-under record of 28-42-1. When playing at home, the over is hitting less than half the time, going 14-19. On the season, 44.0% of New York's games have gone for at least 6 goals or more, with 48.0% of the scoring coming from the Rangers. Look for this to be a low-scoring game, as New York has benefited from some of the strongest goalie play in the NHL. I expect the Penguins to struggle on offense as this game falls below the betting line of 5.5 goals.
Joe’s Pick Under 5.5 Goals
AUTHOR: Joe Kiemen
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