The Detroit Red Wings are surging. Winners of six of their last seven, the Wings have played themselves into the combination for a Wild Card spot within the Eastern Conference. Detroit is 2 points behind the Florida Panthers for the last playoff berth, however the Wings have 4 games in hand on the Cats and five on the Islanders, who’re five points in front of Detroit.
Despite their hot form, the Red Wings are a +142 underdog at home against the Latest York Rangers.
Rangers vs. Red Wings prediction
7 p.m. ET. ESPN+
Things are quite interesting on Broadway immediately.
The Rangers are 7-1-2 of their last 10, 16-5-4 of their previous 25, and made a giant splash within the trade market by bringing in Vladimir Tarasenko. The hype machine needs to be buzzing.
But there may be some concern at Madison Square Garden in regards to the dip in the shape of goaltender Igor Shesterkin. While his overall numbers are solid, Shesterkin has a .912 save percentage and +14 Goals Saved Above Expected in 41 outings. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner has struggled recently. Shesterkin is 5-2-1 in his last eight starts, but he’s allowed 26 goals on 230 shots (.887 SV%) in that span.Â
With Shesterkin out of shape, Gerard Gallant will start Jaroslav Halak in goal on Thursday night. Halak has been lights out in a limited role for the Blueshirts, posting a 7-0-1 record and a .924 save percentage in his last eight outings. Shesterkin is much and away the higher goaltender, but Halak is in higher form, and you’ll be able to feel pretty protected that he’ll provide stable netminding for the Rangers on this spot.
While the Rangers are outscoring their recent goaltending issues to remain hot, the Red Wings are getting results by grinding out some low-event games. The Wings’ 5-on-5 metrics look poor during this 10-game stretch, but what’s working is the defense. Detroit has generated a league-low 72 high-danger scoring probabilities at 5-on-5 over its 7-2-1 run, however the Red Wings have conceded just 102. Detroit is popping games into rock fights, and it’s working.
It will make little sense for Detroit to desert the script of playing stodgy hockey with how things are going. The Red Wings must bank points any way they’ll to remain within the hunt, and that may mean doing all the things they’ll to decelerate this high-flying Rangers offense. Expect a fairly jam-packed neutral zone, and Detroit selling out to maintain this game close, while the Rangers could also adopt a more conservative approach with their backup in goal.
Betting on the NHL?
The Rangers can turn any game on its head quickly, but this game has the makings of a rigid contest, with each teams specializing in keeping things tight. The 60-minute draw needs to be in reach throughout the competition and there’s value backing the sport to go past regulation at +320.
Rangers vs. Red Wings pick
60-minute tie (+320, BetMGM)
