New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins Expert Predictions and Picks March 16

New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction Preview

WagerTalk NHL handicapper Kevin Dolan breaks down this New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins matchup giving expert predictions and picks before 7:00pm ET puck drop. The Penguins sit eight points back of the Rangers in the Metropolitan Division but have taken the first two head-to-head matchups this regular season.

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New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Odds

Thursday, March 16	NHL Betting Notes
Moneyline:	New York Rangers -145 vs Pittsburgh Penguins +125
Puckline:	Rangers -1.5 (+170) / Penguins +1.5 (-200)
Total:	6.5 (Over -110 / Under -110)
Arena:	Madison Square Garden in New York, NY (Odds Above From DraftKings)
Game Time:	7:00pm ET / 4:00pm PT

New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Analysis

The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers meet for the second of three games in just a six-day span on Thursday after a real back-and-forth tussle over in Pittsburgh on Sunday.

The New York Rangers battled back from two separate deficits in that game through goals by Barclay Goodrow and Chris Kreider, before the Penguins were finally able to get the win late thanks to a Kris Letang power-play goal in OT.

That win gave Pittsburgh the 2-0 edge in this series so far this year, but the Rangers will no doubt relish the chance to return home to New York on Thursday night for game three of this series, a venue in which they’ve won five of the last six head-to-head meetings against the Penguins.

Penguins Look To Make Up Ground In Metropolitan

Sitting eight points back of the New York Rangers in third spot over in the Metropolitan Division, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be looking to extend their series lead here on Thursday and as a result, close that gap on the Rangers over in the East.

However, a recent 6-11 run across their last 17 road games in all, combined with a meltdown on Tuesday night against the Montreal Canadiens also, definitely isn’t the kind of preparation you’re looking for when trying to close that gap.

Shesterkin Getting Back To His Best

Last season’s Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin, who’s penciled in to start on Thursday, is arguably finding his form again after a shaky February.

The Russian goaltender who was absolutely electric last year, posting the league’s best overall GSAA average at 44.86, had a down February overall, allowing 3.71 GA/G on average along with a .863 SV%.

Those numbers have been much improved this month however with Shesterkin allowing his second-lowest monthly average of the season so far at just 2.53 GA/G on average.

New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins Expert Prediction

It’s difficult to look past a New York Rangers victory here on Thursday given they’re not only 0-2 down in this series so far this season, but also the two teams’ combined recent home/road records as well.

The Penguins just haven’t been as effective away from home over the last few months, and face a New York Rangers team in this one that have won seven of their last nine games at MSG.

The home team has won 20 of the last 28 meetings between the two sides in this series and we expect that to continue here on Thursday night also.

Take the New York Rangers to win outright at home on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Prediction: New York Rangers Moneyline -140

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Puck Time | NHL Betting Preview March 16

Join Carmine Bianco, Andrew McInnis and Andy Lang for Thursday’s Puck Time as our panel of professional hockey handicappers break down tonight’s NHL betting card. Join the Puck Time crew every week day at 11am ET / 8am PT as we discuss the NHL betting slate from a variety of handicapping angles.

NHL Live Odds Screen

WagerTalk’s Live Odds Screen features up-to-the-minute lines from a variety of offshore and domestic sports books. Track the moneylines, pucklines, totals and betting percentages for all of Thursday’s NHL action, including this New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins showdown, from your desktop or phone.

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Meet the Author

‘The Irishman’ Kevin Dolan came to prominence by becoming the first foreigner ever to win the World Series of Handicapping tournament in Las Vegas back in 2015, something he’s since followed up by winning numerous accolades and awards. Working exclusively with Wagertalk, his systematic and analytical approach to soccer betting, among others, ensures substantial long-term profits for both him and his clients.

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