Betting The NY Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins Game 3 Lines

The opening round of the NHL playoffs usually delivers a mixed bag of match-ups. There are generally one or two series that look as though they are likely to end pretty quickly, but there is also always a couple that could really go either way. One of the match-ups that falls into that latter group is the series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers. These are two very good teams, and the general consensus among NHL fans and bettors prior to the series starting was that this one would most likely go 6 or 7 games. That line of thinking seems to be holding up, as the Rangers head back to New York on Tuesday night after picking up the split in Pittsburgh, meaning that they now have home ice advantage. Not really sure if that means much given how well the Penguins have played over the past couple of months. Game 3 could prove to be a pivotal one, and you can wager on it at our NHL odds page.

How To Bet The Penguins Vs NY Rangers NHL Playoff Odds, TV & Game Info

When: Tuesday, April 19 at 7 PM EST Where: Madison Square Garden, New York TV: USA NHL Odds: TBA

Why bet on the Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins opened this series with a 5-2 win that made many people begin to doubt whether or not the Rangers could hang in there against the potent Pittsburgh offense. There was a real opportunity for the Pens to make a statement in Game 2, but they were beaten more soundly than the 4-2 score suggests. Pittsburgh may have lost home ice advantage with that defeat, but they certainly have the ability to win it back, as they have won their last 2 games at Madison Square Garden. A win in Game 3 for the Penguins shifts all the pressure back to the Rangers, and I believe we may see a few of those subtle advantage shifts before this series is over and done with.

Why bet on the New York Rangers

It was the Penguins who got a lot of the press heading into this series, thanks in large part to the way they finished the regular season. All of that may have made many people forget that the Rangers were one of only 8 teams to cross the 100-point barrier in the regular season. This is a good team, and it’s almost a little disappointing that these two teams didn’t get to hook up in the later rounds. The Rangers played the Pens in the first round last year, and ended up winning in 5 after getting the split in the opening 2 games. Can they repeat history this time around? Their 27-10-4 home ice record this season suggests they have a shot at winning the next 2 games.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

I think that this series is going to go back and forth, with neither team able to land a big knockout punch until later on. I like the Penguins to deliver a solid body blow in Game 3. Pittsburgh Penguins 4 New York Rangers 2