Rangers vs Penguins Game 4 Picks and Predictions: NYR Rides Shesterkin Bounceback to Victory

Game 3 between the New York Rangers and the Pittsburgh Penguins was an absolute emotional roller coaster.

The Rangers erased a 4-1 deficit to tie the game at four apiece going into the third period, but the Pens ultimately prevailed, winning with a 7-4 final score.

How will Igor Shesterkin respond to being pulled after the first period?

Find out in our best NHL betting picks and predictions for Rangers vs. Penguins for Monday, May, 9.

Rangers vs Penguins odds

This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.

The Rangers opened up as -120 road favorites, the line has moved in the Penguins favor as the Rangers are now -105 road underdogs. The total opened at 6 and hasn’t had any movement.

Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right until puck drop and be sure to check out the full NHL odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.

Rangers vs Penguins predictions

• Prediction: Rangers ML (-105)
• Prediction: Under 6 (-105)
• Best bet: Rangers ML (-105)

Predictions made on 5/8/2022 at 11:00 p.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.

Rangers vs Penguins game info

• Location: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
• Date: Monday, May 9, 2022
• Puck drop: 7:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN

Rangers vs Penguins series odds

Rangers: +150
Penguins: -170

Rangers vs Penguins betting preview

Key injuries

Rangers: Ryan Lindgren D (Questionable), Barclay Goodrow F (Out), Tyler Motte F (Out), Sammy Blais F (Out).
Penguins: Brian Dumoulin D (Questionable), Rickard Rakell F (Questionable), Casey DeSmith G (Out), Tristan Jarry G (Out).
Find our latest NHL injury reports.

Rangers vs Penguins head-to-head record

Rangers: 1-1-1 SU, 12 goals for.
Penguins: 2-1 SU, 16 goals for.

Betting trend to know

The Penguins are 1-5 in their last six games when their opponent allows five or more goals in their previous game. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs. Penguins.

Rangers vs Penguins picks and predictions

Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.

Moneyline analysis

The Penguins came out buzzing in Game 3, taking a 4-1 lead into the first intermission, and while the Rangers responded well, their comeback fell short in the third period. 

New York's focus for Game 4 needs to be a strong opening frame, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Igor Shesterkin had one of the worst performance of his career in Game 3, allowing four goals on 15 shots before getting pulled. However, that could prove benefical for the Rangers as he comes into Game 4 with some extra rest. 

Even though Game 3 was very sloppy for the Rangers, they were the better team after the first period. They out chanced Pittsburgh 36-30 and had 5.08 expected goals compared to the Penguins having 3.33 expected goals. 

The Penguins completely peppered the Rangers in the opening frame, but then took their foot off the gas. The difference in this game was special teams, as the Penguins were able to convert on 66.6% of their power-play chances while the Rangers were kept scoreless with the man advantage. 

The Rangers' power play is simply too talented to struggle in back-to-back games and Igor Shesterkin was the best goalie in the NHL this season. Expect him to have a strong response — and this series to to back to NYC tied 2-2. 

Prediction: Rangers moneyline (-105 at DraftKings)

Over/Under analysis

Louis Domingue deserves a ton of credit for his performance in Game 3 despite allowing four goals.

Domingue stopped 32 of the 36 shots he faced and posted a .889 save percentage, which isn’t great, but considering the fact he's technically a third-string goaltender, those are solid numbers. More importantly, he made the big saves when he needed to in order to keep his team in the game. 

Igor Shesterkin was phenomenal in the first two games of this series, but it was clear he pretty exhausted in Game 3. Despite his poor performance, Shesterkin has still put up somewhat decent numbers in this series, sporting a .928 save percentage and a 3.23 GAA. 

During the regular season, Igor Shesterkin stole so many games. This game gives the feeling he's going to stand on his head after being run out of the building in Game 3. 

I expect both goalies to be much sharper and this game to stay Under the total.

Prediction: Under 6 (-105 at DraftKings)

Best bet

The Rangers responded well in Game 2 after losing in a heartbreaking fashion. I see that happening once again for Game 4. They were the better team entering this series and now they have their backs against the wall with the fear of going down 3-1. This is the kind of game where you need your Vezina candidate goaltender to steal you a game on the road. 

Domingue has shown he's a capable goaltender, but there is no question Shesterkin gives New York an edge. There have been moments where the Rangers have dominated, but they need to find a way to put that together for a full 60 minutes. 

Don’t get me wrong, the Penguins are a great team and the Crosby line has looked incredible, but sometimes the more desperate team is the better one and that’s exactly where the Rangers stand tonight.

Pick: Rangers moneyline (-105 at DraftKings)

Pages related to this topic