New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction: Can the Rangers Fend Off Elimination?
New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction: Can the Rangers Fend Off Elimination?
The Pittsburgh Penguins took a commanding 3-1 series lead with another 7-goal performance in a 7-2 rout of the New York Rangers on Monday night. Pittsburgh has now scored 7 goals in back-to-back games, while chasing the likely Vezina Trophy winner, Igor Shesterkin, in both of those games. Here is our prediction and odds for Game 5 of the first-round matchup between the Rangers and Penguins.
Rangers vs. Penguins Game 5 Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
Date: Wednesday, May 11
Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
Where to Watch: ESPN
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New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Game 5 Total Movement
New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Game 5 Prediction
Despite their goaltending injuries, the Penguins have not missed a beat as having full trust in 3rd stringer, Louis Dominugue, has allowed their offense to thrive. This series has been full of goals as the over has hit in all 4 games with an average of 8.5 goals per game.
Out of all the playoff teams during the regular season, the Rangers had the worst metrics, by far. New York was ranked 20th in expected goal against and 24th in high danger scoring chances against. Igor Shesterkin bailed them out all season long as he led the league in goals saved above expected and Wins above replacement (WAR) at 5.68. The playoffs have been a different story as he and the Rangers look worn down.
Pittsburgh's Power Play has been a big part of this series as well as they are 5-10, having scored a Power Play goal in every game. New York's Power play, which was 4th best in the league during the regular season, is only 1-10 in this series.
I do expect a Rangers offensive push in this game, I just don't trust their defense enough to tighten up as they have shown up in the season they are incapable of doing so. I am expecting a much better game from Igor Shesterkin but for them to win this game it is going to have to be their offense as Sid and the Pens are clicking right now.
As I wrote about on Monday night with the Nashville over bet, being an elimination game we could see goalies pulled earlier than usual in the third period. Therefore, feel safest with the Over in this game, rather than choosing a side.
New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Game 5 Pick
- Over 6 -120 (Bet $120 to Win $100)
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Article Author
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Tone has been handicapping the four major sports for over twenty years. An NHL enthusiast, Tone’s expertise lies on the ice. He’s excelled and profited finding the right angles on NHL games, particularly with player props, game props, and game totals. A contributor to several gaming sites, you can follow him on Twitter @TonesTakes.