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The New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins will open their NHL regular seasons today (Wednesday). After a long offseason, both teams are eager to get back on the ice. The Rangers made the playoffs last season and had some success before being eliminated by the Florida Panthers, who won the Stanley Cup. Meanwhile, the Penguins narrowly missed a playoff spot.
Everything is new for both teams this season. Their records stand at 0-0-0, and they theoretically have a chance to truly contend this year. That potential will be put to the test tonight. Here's what you need to know for the matchup.
New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins: Head-to-head & key numbers
- The Pittsburgh Penguins are 137-126-23-13 all-time against the New York Rangers.
- The Penguins allowed 3.02 goals per game last year.
- The Rangers allowed 2.76 goals per game last season.
- The Rangers scored 3.39 goals per game last year.
- The Penguins scored 3.09 goals per game last season.
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New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins: Preview
The New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins are in slightly different positions this season. The Rangers, after falling short in the playoffs last year, are looking to take the next step and reach the Stanley Cup Finals. Meanwhile, the Penguins are looking to get over the hump and return to the playoffs.
The Penguins have some aging veterans, including Sidney Crosby, who may not have a lot of time left in the NHL. The Rangers are a bit younger, though their situation with Igor Shesterkin needs to be monitored moving forward.
New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins: Odds and Predictions
Unsurprisingly, the Penguins are the underdogs at +120. The Rangers have significantly better odds at -142. The over/under is set at six goals today.
The Penguins last season were both worse in allowing goals and scoring goals. They have added pieces, but the Rangers have done that as well. The gap was fairly significant between these two teams, and nothing immediately suggests that the Penguins closed the gap.
The Penguins are at home, however. Igor Shesterkin is not expected to sit out despite his ongoing contract dispute, which gives the Rangers one of the best goalies in the league to help them. If he was sitting out, this might be a very different game.
Rangers vs Penguins: Betting Tips
- Tip: Take the Rangers' moneyline.
- Tip: Take the over, as the Rangers will likely put up a lot of goals.
- Tip: Over on Kris Letang points, which is set at 0.5.
