Penguins Uphill Battle, Game 3: Lines, Preview & Odds vs New York Rangers

The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers Round One series is tied 1-1. Teams that win the first game and teams that win multiple overtime games have great odds of winning the series. However, the Pittsburgh Penguins face an uphill battle with their third goalie in net, possibly missing one of their middle-six wingers and top-pair defenseman and a great goalie in the opposing net.

The Penguins split the two games in New York. Game 3 is at PPG Paints Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7 p.m.

You’re not in trouble until you lose on home ice. The Penguins claimed an advantage in Game 1. They’ll need to hold that on Saturday.

Through two games, the Penguins put 124 shots on New York goalie Igor Shesterkin. After an astounding 83 shots in the triple OT win in Game 1, the Penguins put 41 more shots on Shesterkin in the Game 2 loss.

Per head coach Mike Sullivan, top-pair defenseman Brian Dumoulin and Jason Zucker are game-time decisions. Winger Rickard Rakell, who left Game 1 after suffering a high, hard hit from New York defenseman Ryan Lindgren, skated with skills coach Ty Hennes before the morning skate. Skating with Hennes is usually a step before rejoining the team.

Also, Penguins No. 1 goalie Tristan Jarry skated for the first time in his rehab on Saturday morning. PHN was first with the story– Tristan Jarry Returns to Ice.

New York has attempted to establish a physical presence against the Penguins, especially early in the games, though the effect was more for the New York crowd than it had on the Penguins.

“It’s the playoffs. It’s going to be physical every game. So I think when the crowds are that intense and bring that much energy, I think everybody feeds off of that. So it’s a physical, tight matchup. Hopefully, we can come out and have a big one tonight.”

Penguins depth options Drew O’Connor and Mark Friedman played sparingly in Game 2. O’Connor played just under seven minutes but nearly tied the game in the third period. His shot hit the crossbar.

Friedman also had a Grade A third-period scoring chance despite playing less than 12 minutes. Friedman drew into the lineup in Dumoulin’s absence.

Catch up on Shelly Anderson’s “Playoff Jake Guentzel” coverage for PHN+.

Louis Domingue will start for the Penguins. He was solid in the Penguins’ 5-2 loss in Game 2.

Expected Pittsburgh Penguins Lines

New York Rangers Lines per PuckPedia.com:

Kreider-Zbinejad-Vatrano

Panarin-Strome-Copp

Lafreniere-Chytil-Kakko

Goodrow-Rooney-Reaves

Defense:

Lindgren-Fox

Miller-Trouba

Nemeth-Schneider

Goalie:

Igor Shesterkin

Pittsburgh Penguins Game Notes:

*New York has two power-play goals in five chances. The Penguins just one in six opportunities.

*Bryan Rust tallied an assist in Game 2. He has a team-leading (tied) four points (1-3-4) in the series.

*Sidney Crosby has amassed 195 points (70-125-195) in 176 games. That is the seventh-most playoff points in NHL history. He is just one point shy of tying Hall-of-Famer Paul Coffey (196) for sixth place on the NHL’s all-time postseason scoring list.

*Crosby has been one of the most productive players against the Rangers in the postseason in NHL history. His 18 playoff assists tie Henri Richard for most versus New York all-time, and his 25 points (7-18-25) in 24 games are tied for third-most.

*Crosby has multiple points in four straight playoff games against the Rangers.

*Evgeni Malkin is one power-play goal short of tying Mario Lemieux for most playoff power-play goals in franchise history.

Pittsburgh Penguins Betting:

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The “Bet Against Dan and Make Money” pick of the day is to bet big on one of the Penguins’ middle-six to break out. Now seems like the perfect time. Kasperi Kapanen has been playing better. Evan Rodrigues has been getting chances. Both are +350 to score.

Also–here’s the fun little bet: Jake Guentzel to score & Sidney Crosby to record 2+ points (+350).

350?! Yes, and please use your free money on that one and enjoy a steak dinner tomorrow.

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