New York Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant remains best known as the hockey coach kicked to the curb. Once upon a time, when the Florida Panthers fired Gallant, he was forced to hail a cab to the airport instead of flying home with his team. Forgotten in those memories is the record of an outstanding coach. For example, Gallant led the Vegas Golden Knights to the Western Conference championship in their first year as a franchise. And now, this year, Gallant is leading the New York Rangers to a massive improvement with the NHL betting odds.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will host the New York Rangers at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This game will take place on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 3 p.m. ET with television coverage on ABC and ESPN+.
NHL Betting at BookMaker.eu
Odds Analysis
On balance, the Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the most improved teams on the Sports betting board. Additionally, Pittsburgh is one of the most popular teams on the NHL market. However, the Rangers' dominant record will keep the Penguins’ price lower than usual.
In most cases, casual fans prefer teams on home ice. Especially powerful teams like the Penguins. But Wise Guys also like a strong home team when they get a cut-rate price. And that is going to be the case for Pittsburgh against a strong and respected Rangers team.
New York Rangers
New York has four payouts in its last five games. The Rangers are 1-5 under the total in their most recent six outings. As a result, New York is 32-13-5 straight up and 17-31 over/under. NYR ranks 16th for goal scoring and 3rd for power play efficiency. While defensively, the Rangers are 3rd for goals against and 8th for penalty killing. Gerard Gallant has made the Rangers one of the NHL’s best defensive teams. And it is defense and goaltending that travel well in the NHL.
Specifically, New York is 9-4 against the spread on the road. As an underdog, New York is 6-10 vs. the line. In conference games, the Rangers are 15-5 on the board. And then on the road, New York is 2-6 under the total. As an underdog, New York is 6-4-2 over the total. In conference games, the Rangers are 4-3 over the number.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh has dropped four of its last ten games. And then three of its most recent five matchups stayed under the total. Now Pittsburgh is 31-13-8 straight up and 27-24 over /under. The Penguins rank 10th for goal scoring and 12th for power play efficiency. While defensively, the Penguins rank 4th for goals against and 2nd for penalty killing. Of great concern is that the Penguins were too hot on the board in recent weeks. It couldn't last in the long run. However, it was indicative of the Penguins' potential power as a true Stanley Cup contender.
In sum, Pittsburgh is 1-5 against the spread at home. As a favorite, Pittsburgh is 1-5 vs. the line. In conference games, the Penguins are 14-5 on the board. Meanwhile, the Penguins are 8-3 over the total at home. As a favorite, the Penguins are 8-3 over the number. In conference games, the Penguins are 7-4 over the total
New York vs. Pittsburgh Prediction
Overall, New York is 2-6 against Pittsburgh vs. the spread. The Rangers and Penguins are 14-4-2 over the hockey betting total. At PPG Paints Arena, the Rangers are 1-6 vs. the number. Also, this series is 5-1-1 over the total at Pittsburgh.
In this situation, Pittsburgh will get a more favorable NHL betting price on home ice than normal.
BookMaker Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins
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