Penguins vs. Rangers Prediction & Odds: NHL Picks Today (Feb. 28)
Igor Shesterkin should make his second start after returning from injury, and my Penguins vs. Rangers prediction considers that for today's matinee at Madison Square Garden in New York (12:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
While the Penguins are the -120 moneyline betting favorite for the contest, I'm backing the Rangers to pick up the home win. Stuart Skinner will likely start for the Pens, and I expect Shesterkin to get the better of the Penguins' netminder, albeit in a game with at least six goals. In the absence of the injured Sidney Crosby, I'm also featuring an Evgeni Malkin player prop.
🏒 Penguins vs. Rangers picks & odds today: Feb. 28
See all of our experts' NHL picks based on the latest NHL odds; picks rated on a 1-to-5 star confidence scale based on betting value.
| Bet type | Prediction | Units | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game prediction | Rangers ML (+105 via BetMGM) | 0.5u -> 0.5u | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Over/Under total | Over 5.5 (-132 via FanDuel) | 0.5u -> 0.38 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Evgeni Malkin prop bet | Over 2.5 shots (+114 via FanDuel) | 0.5u -> 0.57 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Total wagered: 1.5 units | Max profit: 1.45 units
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
💰 Penguins vs. Rangers prediction & best bet
Over 5.5 (-132)
Shesterkin played a decent game in a 3-2 losing effort on Thursday. It was his first game back since suffering a lower-body injury on Jan. 5 against Utah. It will take more time to return to his best, and I expect some lingering rust to help this game bust through the 5.5-goal threshold.
I'm also expecting Skinner, who allowed 10 goals in his last two starts, to get the nod for the Pens. My projection won't change if Arturs Silovs starts, as he allowed at least four goals in three of four career starts against the Blueshirts.
Score prediction: Rangers 4, Penguins 3
🔥 Best Penguins vs. Rangers player prop bet
Evgeni Malkin Over 2.5 shots (+114)
With Crosby sidelined, the onus is on Malkin to increase his production in every facet. And that includes firing more rubber on goal. Malkin had five shots in his previous two games, including in the Pens' first game after the Olympic break.
He tested Jacob Markstrom five times on Thursday and attempted six shots. The plus-money odds on the pick at FanDuel are part of the reason I felt compelled to get involved. I'd play the bet to +110.
📊 Live Penguins vs. Rangers odds
💡 How I'm betting Penguins vs. Rangers
Follow all of our NHL analysis and expert predictions this season.
Skinner allowed five goals the last time he played at Madison Square Garden, and Silovs conceded six the previous time he faced the Blueshirts.
With Shesterkin inactive for almost two months, I can't see him playing at the peak of his powers yet. That's why I'm selecting the Over 5.5, as I don't believe Shesterkin or whoever starts for the Pens will have a standout game.
I'm only playing 0.5 units ($5) per bet, though. I'm not willing to invest more until I get a better sense of how they're performing after the Olympic break.
🚀 Penguins vs. Rangers same-game parlay
Even with Shesterkin making just his second start since Jan. 5, he provides the Rangers with the advantage I'm seeking. The Pens are without Crosby, and it's only a matter of time before they begin to feel the effect of that devastating loss.
💵 Penguins vs. Rangers SGP picks
- Rangers ML (+105)
- Over 5.5 goals (-132)
- Evgeni Malkin Over 2.5 shots (+114)
Best odds: +671 via FanDuel (0.5u -> 3.35)
📈 Penguins vs. Rangers betting trends
| Penguins | Statistic | Rangers |
|---|---|---|
| 30-15-12 | W-L record | 22-29-7 |
| 36-21 | ATS record | 27-31 |
| 6-4 | O/U record last 10 | 6-4 |
| 3-1-1 | Last 5 games | 0-4-1 |
🚑 Penguins vs. Rangers injuries
📺 How to watch Penguins vs. Rangers
- Date: Saturday, Feb. 28
- Puck drop: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Madison Square Garden (New York)
- TV: ESPN
Related Articles
