In today’s betting guide, the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins battle it out for second place once again, while two hot teams in the Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs clash.
New York Rangers (-110) vs Pittsburgh Penguins (-110)
Both these teams have had a tougher time since they last met on March 29. The Rangers are 2-1-1 and have lost to two non-playoff teams while also defeating two other non-playoff teams. The Penguins are 2-3-0 but have played very difficult competition, including consecutive games against the league-leading Colorado Avalanche.
These teams have matched up three times this season already with the advantage going to the Rangers 2-1. The Rangers have taken the previous two games as well. Chris Kreider is three goals away from 50, while Artemi Panarin continues to be the assist-man, recording seven in the past five games. Keep an eye on these two while you can never sleep on Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby for the Penguins. Both teams have even odds, so go with the Penguins to even up the season series before they are set to do battle in the playoffs.
Dallas Stars (+115) vs Toronto Maple Leafs (-140)
The Maple Leafs will not be pleased with blowing a 5-1 lead against the team most known to post a comeback of that magnitude, the Florida Panthers. Regardless, the defence and goaltending need to be tightened up because every time they play we see that offence isn’t a problem. The Maple Leafs had won five in a row before losing to the Panthers in overtime, while the Stars have won four of five and won their previous game against the New York Islanders.
Auston Matthews is just one goal away from breaking the franchise record for goals in a season, while Mitch Marner has recorded the most points in a 30-game span in franchise history with 57. The Maple Leafs also tied a franchise record for most consecutive games scoring five or more goals (six games). With these two together and on the roll they are, it’s going to be very tough for the Stars to suppress that despite how they’ve played well.
This should be a game to pay close attention to as both teams are fighting for something come playoff time. Take the Maple Leafs to bounce back and the over to hit (O6.5, -115).
Odds via Yahoo and BetMGM.
