The 2024 Presidents’ Trophy-winning New York Rangers drop the puck on their season Wednesday night against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Rangers are once again projected to contend for the Stanley Cup while Crosby & Co. will be in tough simply to qualify for a playoff spot.
My Rangers vs. Penguins predictions expect this all to shine through in the season opener for both clubs. Let’s dive into why with my NHL picks for October 9.
Rangers vs Penguins prediction
My best bet
Sidney Crosby Under 3.5 shots (-125 at bet365)
My analysis
Sidney Crosby is still a fantastic player but this line feels a little steep for the 37-year-old. He averaged 2.8 shots per game over his last 20 games of the 2023-24 campaign, clearing only five times (25%) in that span.
Without Jake Guentzel in the fold, opponents can cheat towards Crosby and take his shooting lanes away knowing he is by far the biggest threat on his line. That’s especially true with Bryan Rust also sidelined due to injury.
Crosby is expected to play with Anthony Beauvillier and Drew O’Connor. Those two combined for 50 points a season ago and neither classifies as a Top-6 forward, let alone top-line winger.
I think those two will struggle to make high-level plays and sustain possessions, and many will fade long before the Pittsburgh Penguins have a chance to set up shop in the offensive zone. That’s going to make it difficult for Crosby to generate shots in bulk.
So will the matchup. The New York Rangers ranked in the top half of the league in shot suppression a season ago and they’re returning mostly the same roster.
They’ve also enjoyed a ton of success limiting Crosby’s shot volume in the past. Crosby recorded four shots in only five of the last 16 head-to-head meetings against the Rangers.
Another aspect I love about this play is special teams. The Rangers don’t take many penalties and they’re very adept at killing them off.
Crosby likely needs to do the heavy lifting at 5-on-5 and that will be difficult with the linemates he’s expected to skate with.
Rangers vs Penguins same-game parlay (SGP)
Sidney Crosby Under 3.5 shots
Adam Fox Over 0.5 points
Rangers +1.5
Adam Fox has put up 70+ points in three consecutive seasons and just produced more than a point per game for the first time in his career. He is a top-tier offensive defenseman who is a threat to find the scoresheet every night.
He recorded at least one point in 64% of his games last season and he’s done so in four straight against the Penguins and 12 of the last 17 (71% hit rate) vs. the Metro Division rivals.
The Rangers should comfortably be a Top-10 team this season while I don’t see the Penguins making the dance. The difference between the two sides is even larger than normal with Guentzel out of the picture and Rust — the top winger on the team — out with an injury.
If the Rangers fall in this game, it’ll be by the slimmest of margins.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Rangers vs Penguins odds
Rangers vs Penguins live odds
Rangers vs Penguins opening odds
- Puck line: New York -1.5 (+195) | Pittsburgh +1.5 (-226)
- Moneyline: New York -128 | Pittsburgh +113
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-117) | Under 6 (+102)
Rangers vs Penguins moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- The Rangers have won seven of the past 10 head-to-head matchups, including four of five.
- Given season-long expectations, and the unavailability of Rust and Alex Nedeljkovic, it’s no surprise the Rangers have taken money and are now trading as -136 favorites at Pinnacle.
- Four of the past five meetings have featured six goals or more.
- The Rangers have covered a +1.5 puck line in nine of the last 10 meetings.
Rangers vs Penguins trend
Sidney Crosby has averaged only 2.63 shots per game over his past 11 games against New York. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs. Penguins.
Rangers vs Penguins game info
| Location: | PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date: | Wednesday, 10-9-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TNT |
Rangers vs Penguins latest injuries
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