Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. In tonight’s matchup, the Pittsburgh Penguins look to start the season 3-0, while the New York Rangers try to gain momentum following a 4-0 shutout win against the Buffalo Sabres.
NHL Predictions
New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh; MSGSN2; Sportsnet+,
Head-to-Head: Rangers 0-1 Penguins
The Penguins and Rangers face off for the second time this season. Pittsburgh won the season opener in New York 3-0 off a shutout from goaltender Arturs Silovs.
The Penguins’ Story
For a team expected to be in the lottery conversation for potential generational prospect Gavin McKenna, the Penguins have gotten themselves off to a far better start than anyone could have guessed. The team has won both of its games to start the season, looking like a revitalized, poised, and fast team. A lot of the offence has come from the second line of Justin Brazeau, Evgeni Malkin, and Anthony Mantha. Brazeau has scored three goals in two games, while Mantha has picked up two assists. Penguins’ star Evgeni Malkin has five points in two games to lead the team in scoring early on.
Both Penguins netminders, Arturs Silovs and Tristan Jarry, have been impressive. Silovs pitched a shutout against the Rangers, and Jarry followed this up with a .920 save percentage performance in the win against the New York Islanders. With these players performing well, the spotlight will begin to shine on the younger talent like Ville Koivunen and Ben Kindel, both of whom have yet to produce.
The Rangers’ Story
The 3-0 shutout loss to the Penguins got the Rangers’ season off to a worrying start. Questions began to surface quickly as to whether the team was truly different with new head coach Mike Sullivan. Some of these questions have tempered following the win against the Sabres. Former first overall pick Alexis Lafreniere led the way for the Rangers, scoring the first goal of the season. Will Borgen, J.T. Miller and Adam Fox also scored in the win.
Heading to Pittsburgh for the first time this season, the Rangers look to continue building momentum in a make-or-break season. As the team missed last season’s playoffs, upcoming free agents like Artemi Panarin will be cautious in recommitting to the organization if it’s unable to viably compete. These early games are crucial for the team to carry momentum through the season.
Prediction
The Pittsburgh Penguins are clicking. Their offence is doing well, their power play looks revitalized, and the team is throwing hits at a faster pace than they have in many years. Expect another win for the Penguins at home.
NHL Prediction: Penguins win 5-3.
Prop Bet for the Night
A popular prop bet is the total goals over seven, with odds of +200. Both the Rangers and Penguins play a high-octane offensive style, expect a high-scoring game here. For the Penguins, we suggest picking Malkin as an anytime-scorer. For the Rangers, we suggest Panarin to light the lamp. In a game between two rivals meeting for the second time in less than a week, the stars are aligning for the stars to shine for both teams.
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Main Photo: Brad Penner- Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: October 11 Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Rangers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.