NHL Betting: Penguins vs Rangers First Round Game 3 – 05/07/22

The first-round matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers continues in Game 3 with the series tied 1-1 as we look at the moneyline, over/under, and player props for this game.

Pittsburgh Penguins (+100) vs New York Rangers (-120)

The series shifts back to Pittsburgh tied 1-1. Game 1 was closer than the Penguins would’ve liked, but the Rangers bounced back with a strong performance in Game 2. Igor Shesterkin has been lights out in the series thus far making 118 saves through two games. Meanwhile, on the other side, Louis Domingue has to hold down the fort as the starter after Casey DeSmith’s season is over.

Artemi Panarin New York Rangers
Artemi Panarin, New York Rangers (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Artemi Panarin finally stepped up in the playoffs and recorded a goal and two assists in Game 2. The Rangers are going to need their star players to be their best players as the Penguins have had for them. The top line of Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust, and Jake Guentzel continues to produce, and if the Penguins are going to win Game 3 and the series, they will have to keep up their pace. I expect a little better performance by Domingue and the Penguins defensively and Shesterkin hasn’t budged on the Rangers’ side, so take the under (U6, -120) as it is set a little higher than normal with the Rangers involved. Also, take the Rangers moneyline since the goaltending matchup is just miles apart.

Player Props

Jake Guentzel – Anytime Goal-Scorer (Over 0.5, +130)

Guentzel has scored three goals in the first two games of the series and his line has been the only one putting in work offensively and has combined for five of the six Penguins’ goals. Guentzel has potted three of those goals and his elevated play in the postseason continues.

Despite being surprisingly shut down in the four regular-season games against the Rangers, he and his line have stepped up their play. It is more likely that if the Penguins’ top line gets on the board, Guentzel will be there with the goal. This two-time 40-goal scorer will be looking to be set up by Crosby and Rust who have three assists apiece.

Andrew Copp – Anytime Goal-Scorer (Over 0.5, +220)

Andrew Copp has scored a goal in each of the games in this series and his linemate Panarin looks to have found an even better version of himself during the playoffs. This bodes well as Panarin had 74 assists this year and he will be looking to feed Copp the puck any chance he gets.

Andrew Copp, New York Rangers

Copp also scored eight goals in 16 games since coming over to the Rangers from the Winnipeg Jets where he scored just 13 in 56 games. You can see the difference in production when playing with an elite player. With a third-string goaltender in net for the Penguins, goals are more likely to go in and the Rangers run up the score. Copp should be in on some of that action and he has proven to us and his teammates that he can score. Expect the puck to find his stick for some good opportunities once again.

Odds via Yahoo and BetMGM.

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