Last year the Rangers exceeded expectations. New York arrived far ahead of schedule. A rebuild scheduled for several years seemed on the cusp of success. At the onset of the 2021 campaign, the Broadway Blueshirts were touted as a team to watch. New York is receding under the spotlight. An offense that became an NHL betting asset has fallen behind. While defense and goaltending remain the same problems, they were in 2019-20. It follows that the Rangers aren’t catching anyone napping after doing so one season ago. Pittsburgh always faces high expectations. Early on, they’ve had to outscore opponents.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers Betting Information
| Date: |
Monday, February 1, 2021 |
| Time: |
7:00 p.m. ET |
| Location: |
Madison Square Garden, New York, New York |
| TV Coverage: |
NBCSN |
Penguins vs. Rangers Betting Odds
| Team |
SP/RL |
TOTAL |
ML |
|
| Penguins |
-1½ (+215) |
6 (-123) |
-113 |
Place Bets |
| Rangers |
+1½ (-255) |
6 (+103) |
-107 |
| Place Bets |
Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers CashBet Wagering Analysis
It is true that the Penguins are one of the most popular teams on the NHL board. That popularity affects their sportsbook odds value. But as the road team, they will offer a more reasonable price. New York is a famous brand in NHL betting too. However, their lousy start will chase gamblers away. The Rangers haven’t been a serious contender for several years. Gamblers no longer see New York as a hot property.
Penguins Overcome Weak Goaltending
The Penguins have a Betting on NHL record of 4-2-1 with 5-1 over the total. Pittsburgh ranks 10th for goal scoring but 31st for goals against. It follows that the Pens are 9th on the power play but 22nd for penalty killing. Pittsburgh is in fourth place in the East Division.
Center Sidney Crosby leads Pittsburgh with three goals and four assists but a -2. Meanwhile, center Evgeni Malkin is struggling with one goal and two assists with a -3. Top defenseman Kris Letang is slumping, too, with one goal, two assists, and a -1.
Of major concern is the Pittsburgh goaltending. Tristan Jarry has a dreadful .868 save percentage and 3.91 goals-against average. Jarry is in his first formal year as the number one goaltender. Previously he split time with the departed Matt Murray. Worries are mounting about his ability to handle the pressure.
Rangers Sliding Back Amidst Increased Expectations
At the beginning of the season, the Rangers are in free fall. New York has a pro hockey betting record of 1-4-1 with 4-2 over the total. That puts them dead last in the East Division. Accordingly, the Rangers rank 21st for the power play and 23rd for penalty killing.
So too is New York struggling between the pipes. Igor Shesterkin has a .886 save percentage with a .298 goals-against average. In comparison, Alexander Georgiev is at .896 with a 2.66 goals-against average.
The Rangers’ potent goal scoring from last year has disappeared. First on the stat sheet is left-wing Artemi Panarin with two goals and four assists.
Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers Against the Spread
Pittsburgh has dropped seven of their last nine hockey betting matchups on the road. Only four of their last 11 away games cleared the total. Meanwhile, the Rangers have lost six of their last ten games at Madison Square Garden. Seven of New York’s last 11 home games stayed under the total.
Overall, in this head-to-head series, Pittsburgh has managed the cashier’s cage. The Penguins have won 13 of their last 19 against the Rangers. Only three of the last 19 games in this series went over the total. Specifically, at Madison Square Garden, Pittsburgh has paid in seven of their previous ten visits. Six of the last eight between these teams at New York went over the total.
Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers CashBet Free Pick
As was previously noted, the Penguins have had the better of this NHL gambling Series. Pittsburgh is in far better form than the Rangers.
Penguins at Rangers CashBet Best Bet:
Pittsburgh Penguins
