The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the New York Rangers Rangers in a rivalry game. 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 game, the Penguins look to snap rebound from a loss, while the Rangers are trying to build some momentum in the midst of a playoff race.
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh; MSG Network; ESPN+
The Penguins and Rangers face off for the third time this season in a matchup at Madison Square Garden. New York has won both previous meetings, including a 4-2 victory on December 6, 2024, where Artemi Panarin scored two goals.
The Penguins are 22-24-9, sitting third-last in the East. With this record, the team is eight points back of Detroit for the second wildcard spot. Captain Sidney Crosby leads the team in scoring, with 58 points in 55 games. However, Crosby was injured in the Penguins last game against New Jersey. Although he practiced yesterday morning, there hasn’t been word on if the captain will be playing against the Rangers. With Evgeni Malkin also out with injury, the Penguins already weak depth will be tested.
With both Crosby and Malkin potentially being out with injury, the team will have to rely on other players. Rickard Rakell is second in scoring on the team with 46 points in 54 games. Bryan Rust has also reached the 40 point mark, with 20 goals and 20 assists through 47 games. Defenceman Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang will be important from the back-end as well. Both defenceman have a penchant for offence.
With a 26-23-4 record, the New York Rangers have had an up and down season. Following a disappointing playoff exit last season, the Rangers had high expectations coming into the season. Instead of continued excellence, the team struggled to preform up to their standards. Following a rough patch in January, New York took advantage of another teams very public issues and acquired JT Miller for relatively cheap from the Vancouver Canucks.
JT Miller has scored two goals and two assists for four points since returning to New York. The team is 2-1 since his return, and have begun picking up momentum at a critical point of the season. In addition to Miller, Artemi Panarin will be expected to perform well against Pittsburgh. The superstar winger has 57 points in 51 games to lead New York in scoring.
With the Rangers playing well and the Penguins struggling defensively, New York has a clear advantage in this matchup. Pittsburgh would need a near-perfect performance to steal a win on the road. Which isn’t likely to happen.
Prediction: Rangers win 5-2.
FanDuel’s Total Goals Over 6 (+104) – The Penguins are near the bottom of the league in goals against, while the Rangers have some of the best offensive weapons in hockey. Expect either one of the Penguins goaltenders to struggle.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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