Trail Blazers, Rockets & More

Our analysis of goaltending advanced metrics shows a clear advantage for the Rangers that is not properly reflected in the current price, making this a true pick’em at MSG. We are capitalizing on a critical rest advantage for New York, as Pittsburgh travels for this divisional clash without captain Sidney Crosby, who was placed on IR on February 25 with an Olympic-sustained lower-body injury. While the Rangers are navigating the indefinite absence of Igor Shesterkin, they benefit from a stagnant Penguins transition game that struggled for consistency in their recent stretch without their primary playmaker.

Our quantitative model’s 92% projection is heavily supported by Washington entering the second leg of a back-to-back without top defender John Carlson, who is confirmed out for tonight's contest. Montreal’s fourth-ranked scoring offense (3.45 GPG) is currently bolstered by a healthy Cole Caufield (33 goals), while Pierre-Luc Dubois’ two-goal performance yesterday and the return of Tom Wilson ensure the Capitals have the firepower to exploit a Canadiens defense allowing 3.22 goals per game.