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New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
The New York Rangers head to PPG Paints Arena on Saturday night for an emotional early-season matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins — a reunion that sees Rangers coach Mike Sullivan return to Pittsburgh for the first time since taking over in New York.
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The Penguins blanked the Rangers 3–0 in both teams’ season opener earlier this week, but New York rebounded strongly with a 4–0 win over Buffalo on Thursday. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh (2–0–0) continued its strong start, edging the Islanders 4–3 behind another standout showing from Justin Brazeau, who already has three goals this season.
Oddsmakers list the Rangers as -144 favorites, the Penguins at +120, and the total set at 6.0 goals (Over -109, Under -112). To see how these early matchups could impact each team’s postseason outlook, check out our NHL Conference Odds & Predictions
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Line Movement and Odds
The Rangers opened -135 and have been bet up to -144 behind early action from the public. About 63% of tickets are backing New York, but sharp bettors are siding with the Under 6.0 (-112) — expecting both goaltenders, Igor Shesterkin and Tristan Jarry, to keep scoring chances limited.
New York has won six of its last nine games as a road favorite, while Pittsburgh has hit the under in four of its past five at home versus divisional opponents.
“We were a little quicker, I think, and defended better,” said Rangers forward Alexis Lafrenière. “We weren’t perfect, but we played hard, and Shesty was unbelievable.”
Matchup Breakdown
New York Rangers Outlook:
The Rangers’ bounce-back win over Buffalo showcased the balanced, hard-nosed identity Sullivan is building. J.T. Miller and Lafrenière each tallied a goal and assist, while Igor Shesterkin recorded a 31-save shutout. The Blueshirts’ physical play has been evident through their first two contests, ranking top-five in hits (62) and blocks (33). Depth scoring remains a question, particularly if Vincent Trocheck (upper body) can’t go, but New York’s defensive discipline and goaltending give them an edge.
“J.T. plays the way we want to play,” Sullivan said. “He competes, he’s honest, and he’s relentless on both sides of the puck.”
Pittsburgh Penguins Outlook:
The Penguins’ youth infusion under new head coach Dan Muse is paying off. Brazeau’s size and net-front presence have been a revelation, while Evgeni Malkin leads the club with five assists through two games. Sidney Crosby continues to drive play, and Jarry has provided steadiness in net (2.50 GAA, .915 SV%). The Penguins have scored seven goals in two games, but defensive lapses remain — particularly late in periods. Expect a heavy forecheck and plenty of offensive zone cycling in this rivalry tilt.
“To be that size with those hands is tough to handle,” Muse said of Brazeau. “He’s been playing the right way.”
Injuries and Conditions
| New York Rangers | Pittsburgh Penguins |
|---|---|
| Vincent Trocheck – Questionable (Upper Body) | Bryan Rust – Out (Knee) |
| Blake Wheeler – Out (Lower Body) | Drew O’Connor – Questionable (Illness) |
| Erik Gustafsson – Probable (Rest) | Ty Smith – Out (Healthy Scratch) |
| — | Lars Eller – Probable (Maintenance) |
| Rangers Injury Report | Penguins Injury Report |
Venue Conditions: PPG Paints Arena, indoor facility.
Best Bets and Prediction
This is a classic revenge spot for Sullivan and the Rangers, who should tighten up defensively after being blanked in their opener against Pittsburgh. Shesterkin’s elite form and New York’s forecheck should wear down the Penguins’ defense over three periods. Expect another tight, physical game with limited scoring chances.
Pick: Rangers ML (-144)
Projected Final Score: Rangers 3, Penguins 2
Best Bet: Under 6.0 (-112)
Lean: Rangers ML (-144)
For more NHL Moneyline Picks, Puck Line Insights, and Game Forecasts, visit the ScoresAndStats NHL Previews Page.
Saturday Rivalry at PPG Paints Arena
Two Eastern powers collide in an early statement game — expect playoff-style intensity from the opening puck drop. Track expert puck line and total trends here →
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best Bet | Rangers ML (-144) |
| Confidence Rating | ★★★★☆ |
| Projected Score | Rangers 3, Penguins 2 |
| Total Lean | Under 6.0 (-112) |
| Market Split | 63% bets Rangers, 58% sharp money Under |
ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks
The ScoresAndStats Handicappers Leaderboard ranks every verified hockey expert based on profit, win percentage, and streaks. Bettors tracking early-season NHL trends will notice one key pattern: sharp action favors under plays in divisional games where elite goalies face off — and Shesterkin vs. Jarry fits that mold perfectly.
Use the Service Plays section for daily pro picks, player prop analysis, and data-driven models focusing on shot attempts, expected goals, and special teams conversion rates.
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