Patrick Kane NY Rangers debut: Prediction vs. Ottawa Senators

The New York Rangers (35-17-9, 3rd in Metropolitan) are on the second night of a back-to-back as they take on the Ottawa Senators (30-26-4, 6th in Atlantic) Thursday at 7 p.m. at Madison Square Garden.

The matchup will be the much-anticipated debut of star Patrick Kane, who was officially traded to New York on Tuesday night.

The Senators are coming off a back-to-back sweep against the Detroit Red Wings, outscoring them 12-3.

Here are my picks and predictions for Thursday's game with odds powered by Tipico Sportsbook.

Rangers vs. Senators Puck line: Senators +1.5 (-175)

Despite having the fifth best record in the NHL, the Rangers are just 30-31 on the puck line this season and 11-20 on home ice. Ottawa has covered the puck line in 16 of 28 road games. The Senators have covered the puck line in four of their last six matchups on the road.

With Kane getting adjusted to his new team, and being without defenseman K'Andre Miller due to suspension, I'm betting on a red-hot Ottawa team to keep it close in this one.

Rangers vs. Senators total: Over 6.5 goals (-115)

This matchup has been historically good to the under. The under is 20-6-5 in the last 31 meetings in New York. However, I'm wagering on there being more than seven goals tonight.

The over is 8-3 in the last 11 overall for both the Rangers and Senators. New York has also gone over the total in four of its last five games at MSG.

With backup Jaroslav Halak most likely getting the start in net for the Blueshirts, wager on this being a high-scoring affair.

Rangers vs. Senators Moneyline: Rangers (-160)

This matchup should be an exciting one. The Rangers are inching closer to the second spot in the Metropolitan Division, while Ottawa is fighting to stay in playoff contention with just over 20 games left.

I believe we see offensive fireworks between two of the best power-play units in the league with New York ultimately pushing its win streak to three games.

If you're looking for some value on Tipico Sportsbook, take the Rangers to win in regulation at even money at +100 (Bet $100 to win $100).

My Best Bets

Place a wager on the Rangers moneyline (-155), the Senators to cover the +1.5 puck line (-175) and the over 6.5 total goals scored at -115 on Tipico Sportsbook.