NY Rangers vs. Arizona Coyotes odds, picks, predictions for Monday
The New York Rangers (1-1-0) make their home debut for the 2023-24 regular season as they host the Arizona Coyotes (1-0-0) at Madison Square Garden on Monday night at 7 p.m.
After a dominant 5-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres last Thursday evening, the Rangers had some unfortunate luck in their lone matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets this weekend. The Blueshirts had two goals disallowed and struggled defensively in a 5-3 defeat at Nationwide Arena on Saturday night.
For the Coyotes, they pulled off a massive upset with a 4-3 victory in the shootout over the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center in their first game of the season.
Here are my picks for the puck line, total and moneyline for this contest at MSG this evening.
Rangers vs. Coyotes Puck line: Rangers -1.5 (+106), Coyotes +1.5 (-125)
Between both team performances to start the season, it shouldn't be a surprise the Rangers to cover the puck line isn't that juiced with the best price as of Monday afternoon only at +106 (Bet $100 to win $106).
However, I'd still bet on the Rangers to cover this puck line especially at slightly over plus money (+100) odds in this spot.
The Blueshirts have already registered 73 shots this season, the fourth-most attempts in the NHL of teams that have played two or fewer games.
Meanwhile, the Coyotes jumped out to a 2-0 lead 25 minutes into the game in New Jersey but were careless towards the end of the second period as they surrendered three goals to the Devils in less than 10 minutes, including two power play goals.
The Rangers have the ability and star-power to take an advantage if those opportunities arise tonight and I'm backing them to cover the puck line especially at a solid price of +106 on BetRivers Sportsbook.
Prediction: Rangers -1.5 (+106)
Rangers vs. Coyotes total: Over 6.5 goals (+100), Under 6.5 goals (-110)
Albeit a small sample size, both these teams have shown the ability to get pucks in the back of the net through the first week of the season.
The Rangers have found the back of the net eight times while the Coyotes scored four goals in their aforementioned opener.
With that being said, I'm betting on the under in this one. There's been six or fewer goals in five of the past six meetings including both matchups last season.
I expect Igor Shesterkin, who gets his third start in between the pipes this season, to have his first clean outing and this being a low-scoring affair at Madison Square Garden this evening.
For the best available price, bet on the under 6.5 goals at -110 on multiple sportsbooks in New Jersey.
Prediction: Under 6.5 goals (-110)
Rangers vs. Coyotes moneyline: Rangers (-225), Coyotes (+192)
It's no surprise the Rangers' are massive favorites here. It'll be a raucous crowd for a home opener between one of the youngest teams in the NHL -- in the Coyotes -- taking on an organization that only added and got more of a veteran presence this offseason in the Rangers.
If you're going to be in attendance at MSG this evening, all fans will have some new team apparel waiting for them at their seats.
The favorite in this matchup is a whopping 21-2 in the past 23 games and the Rangers are 7-2-1 in the prior 10 contests. Madison Square Garden has not been kind to the Coyotes in recent memory. The team has dropped 11 of the last 13 meetings in the Big Apple.
It's early in the season and the Coyotes could make a huge statement by beating two of the best Eastern Conference on the road, however I think after some sloppy play this weekend, the Rangers make a statement here tonight and get the victory in their first game on home ice.
Bet on the Blueshirts to get back in the win column even at a hefty price of -225 (Bet $225 to win $100) on BetMGM.
If you want better value, I'd place a small wager on the Rangers' moneyline in regulation at -145 (Wager $145 to net $100) or for New York to win the game and under 6.5 goals scored at +165 (Bet $100 to win $165) on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Prediction: Rangers 4, Coyotes 1
