Penguins vs Rangers Prediction & Odds - 2/23/2025

The struggling Pittsburgh Penguins (23-26-9) will host the New York Rangers (27-25-4) at PPG Paints Arena this Sunday in what promises to be a pivotal Metropolitan Division matchup between two teams desperate to turn their seasons around.

Both teams enter the contest following difficult stretches, with the Rangers looking to bounce back from an 8-2 loss while the Penguins aim to recover from an 8-3 defeat in their previous outings.

The Rangers' offense, led by Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Mika Zibanejad who have combined for 51 goals and 80 assists this season, will test a Penguins defense that has struggled significantly, allowing 3.44 goals per game.

Pittsburgh's offensive woes have been equally concerning, with the team averaging just 2.86 goals per game despite strong performances from Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, who have contributed a combined 45 goals and 45 assists.

The goaltending battle will feature Jonathan Quick for the Rangers and Alex Nedeljkovic for the Penguins, with both netminders posting identical .900 save percentages this season.

As these longtime rivals face off in a game that could have significant implications for their playoff aspirations, fans at PPG Paints Arena can expect an intense battle between two teams looking to prove they can still compete in the Metropolitan Division.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers preview

The struggling New York Rangers (27-25-4) head to PPG Paints Arena this Sunday afternoon to face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins (23-26-9) in what promises to be an intriguing Metropolitan Division clash.

Both teams enter this matchup looking to bounce back from recent disappointing performances, with the Rangers sitting fifth in the division while the Penguins occupy one of the bottom spots.

The Rangers' offense, averaging 2.98 goals per game, has been heavily reliant on their top line, with Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Mika Zibanejad combining for an impressive 51 goals and 80 assists this season.

On the Penguins' side, the duo of Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust has been carrying the offensive load with 45 goals and 45 assists, though the team's overall scoring average of 2.86 goals per game reflects their offensive struggles.

Defensive woes have plagued both teams, with the Rangers allowing 3.05 goals per game and the Penguins surrendering an concerning 3.44 goals per game, suggesting we might see a high-scoring affair.

The goaltending battle will feature Jonathan Quick for the Rangers, who brings a .900 save percentage and 3.03 goals-against average, facing off against the Penguins' netminder Alex Nedeljkovic, who holds similar numbers with a .900 save percentage.

Rangers' defensemen Adam Fox and Braden Schneider have been bright spots on the blue line, combining for 13.9 defensive point shares, while the Penguins counter with the defensive pairing of Matt Grzelcyk and Erik Karlsson, who have accumulated 14.5 defensive point shares.

With both teams desperate to improve their positions in the Metropolitan Division, this Sunday afternoon showdown could prove crucial in their respective pushes toward playoff contention.

The odds slightly favor the Rangers at -130, suggesting a tight contest despite both teams' recent defensive struggles, with the over/under set at 5.5 goals.