NY Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and predictions

The New York Rangers (38-19-10, 3rd in Metropolitan) take on the Pittsburgh Penguins (34-23-10, 4th in Metropolitan) for the second time in four nights at 7 p.m. Thursday at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers picked up a point for the fourth straight game in a 3-2 overtime loss in Pittsburgh last Sunday afternoon.

The Penguins control the first wild-card spot with 78 points and have three games in hand over the New York Islanders (76 points).

Here are my picks and predictions for Thursday night's Metropolitan Division showdown with odds powered by Tipico Sportsbook.

Rangers vs. Penguins Puck line: Penguins +1.5 (-190)

New York has struggled all season long to cover the puck line. The Rangers are 12-21 against the spread (ATS) on home ice and a sluggish 18-32 in their last 50 when favored to win by two or more goals.

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is 19-14 on the puck line on the road this season, including covering the +1.5 in five of its past six road matchups.

This matchup has been decided by one goal in each of the first two games this year and I expect that to continue Thursday night. Lay the juice of -200 for the Penguins to cover the +1.5 spread.

Rangers vs. Penguins total: Over 6.5 goals (-110)

If there's anything certain in this matchup, it's that there's usually goals aplenty.

The total has gone over in 31 of the prior 51 matchups and in 15 of the past 22 meetings in Madison Square Garden.

Seven of the previous 10 games have featured seven or more goals between these division rivals including three straight at MSG.

Don't hesitate to bet on the over here as there should be at least seven goals scored for these teams as they each average 3.3 goals per game this year.

Rangers vs. Penguins Moneyline: Rangers (-145)

While Pittsburgh has won the first two meetings this season, the Penguins have lost five of the last six meetings in New York, and the home team is 20-8 in the past 28 matchups.

I expect we see a close, high-scoring affair with the Rangers coming out on top.

If you're looking for some added value at Tipico Sportsbook, take the Blueshirts to win in regulation at +107 (Bet $100 to win $107).

My Best Bets

Place a wager on the Rangers moneyline (-145), the Penguins to cover the +1.5 spread (-190) and the over 6.5 total goals scored at -110 on Tipico Sportsbook.