The New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins face off on Wednesday in an NHL showdown at PPG Paints Arena.
Rangers Defense Looks to Bounce Back
The Rangers have had a big season but they are coming off a pretty bad loss. The Rangers gave up six goals against the Dallas Stars and that led to the three goal defeat. In the first two periods they gave up only one goal, but in the 3rd period it all fell apart. The Rangers are averaging 3.38 goals while their defense is giving up 2.44 goals per game. The offense is ranked 13th in the league while the defense is ranked 3rd. In this game the defense is going to need to be good.
Rangers Betting Trends
- The Rangers have won each of their last eight games as favorites.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in six of the Rangers' last seven games at PPG Paints Arena.
- The Rangers have won the third period in six of their last seven games following a road loss.
- The 'Over 1.5 Goals Period 2' market has hit in 15 of the Rangers' last 16 games as favorites against the Penguins.
Can the Penguins' Defense Step Up Again?
The Penguins are coming off one of their most impressive games of the season on Sunday. The Penguins gave up zero goals to the Vegas Golden Knights and they won by three goals. Nolan Acciari had a strong game scoring a goal. The Penguins are averaging 3.41 goals while their defense is giving up 2.71 goals per game. If the defense steps up, the Penguins are going to be in good shape to secure the win. Sidney Crosby has scored 12 goals and added 10 assists. Jake Guentzel scored six goals and added 15 assists.
Penguins Betting Trends
- The underdogs have won five of the Penguins' last six games at PPG Paints Arena.
- The Penguins have covered the puck line in nine of their last 10 games as home underdogs against opponents on a winning streak.
- The Penguins have lost the third period in each of their last four home games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The 'Over 1.5 Goals Period 3' market has hit in each of the Penguins' last eight home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
Shane’s Free Pick
The Penguins defense stepped up in the last game giving up 2.71 goals per game and they are going to lockdown again in this game. The Penguins are averaging 3.41 goals per game and they are going to have no issue scoring four or five goals here. Look for this game to be a 3-1 or 4-2 type of game and the Penguins are going to get the job done. Back the Penguins on the puck line.
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
