New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction, Tips & Odds – May. 04, 2022
Two bitter rivals collide in round 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs as the New York Rangers welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins. It promises to be a very tight and interesting clash despite the team from New York dominating against the Penguins in the regular season.
New York Rangers
Although the Rangers are not as efficient as the Pens, they will have their fans behind them and also a huge advantage in the goalie department in the opening game. Their netminder Igor Shesterkin has been excellent this entire season, especially at home where he is virtually unbeatable.
This season he has been tormenting the Penguins starting four games against them and saving 97 out of their 101 shots. He has definitely entered the minds of Pittsburgh´s forwards who won´t have the support of their starting goalie Tristan Jarry. A huge blow for Pittsburgh who will have to rely on their second-choice netminder Casey DeSmith against a team that averages well above 3 goals per game on home ice.
“That’s what we can control – how we prepare + how we’re going to show up. We’ll get ready as much as we can, and when the puck drops tomorrow, we’ll try to play our A game.”
More Laf: https://t.co/1QlC2KD8up
Kreids: https://t.co/8N6XJLPq1a
Coach Gallant: https://t.co/WwyUQ9fxvU pic.twitter.com/C0fWQXciPA— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 2, 2022
Pittsburgh Penguins
Undermanned in goal, the Pens will have to rely on their experience and offensive production, mainly from one of the best hockey players ever Sydney Crosby. The backbone of their team are veterans who have been with them since they won their last two titles in 2016 and 2017. Time has caught up with them but the experience they have playing crucial games and dealing with pressure should be their main asset today in Madison Square Garden.
Judging by the regular season head-to-head results and their overall record against all the playoff teams, the Penguins will have a tough time finding the net. Their legend Kris Letang will have to lead their defense like never before and hope their backup goaltender has a good performance if they want to stun the hosts.
On to New York City ✈️ pic.twitter.com/BQvfgr5blj
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 2, 2022
New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction
The Penguins know what it takes to win playoff games away from home. However, being without their ideal option in net we can´t see them getting the better of the Rangers in front of their raucous crowd. In two games in New York during the regular season Pittsburgh were routed both times and only scored a miserable one goal in those two games(5:1, 3:0).
We think the Rangers will open up the series with a home win but will take extra security with the Money Line option including possible overtime and penalties.
Pick: Money Line – New York Rangers
Odds: 1.76
Bookmaker: Bet365
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