New York Rangers vs Ottawa Senators Betting Picks

The Rangers are 26th in the NHL in scoring. A major reason the Rangers are a bottom-seven scoring team is that they are averaging only 2.2 goals per game at home, compared to 3.3 on the road. New York has had seven of its last 10 home games go UNDER, including the last one, a 3-2 shootout loss to the Jets yesterday. New York is averaging 2.2 goals a game in its last four matchups. The Senators have allowed three or fewer goals in 13 of their last 18 games. They give up the fewest shots on goal in the league. Igor Shesterkin is expected to start in goal for New York after being rested on Sunday. He is one of the best goalies in the league, with the numbers to back it up: his .912 save percentage ranks fifth, and his 2.56 goals-against average is tied for seventh. Shesterkin has allowed two or fewer goals in 22 games, tied for the 11th-most in the league. Take the UNDER.

Returning home after seven straight road games spread across three different time zones, Ottawa doesn't figure to bring its "A" game. The weary Senators last played at home on Nov. 15, which could impact the team's focus. The Rangers are 4-1 in their last five games. They are flush with confidence and momentum off a 3-2 overtime home victory against the Stars two days ago. The Rangers fired 41 shots on goal against the Stars and were clearly the better team. The Rangers also have the most road wins in the NHL with 11. Take the Rangers.

New York has a winning road record. The Rangers are working on two days of rest on a 7-4 run, including 3-1 on the road. The offense is 13th in the NHL in goals scored (3.03 per game), while the defense is third in penalty killing and 10th in save percentage (.905). Ottawa's offense is 19th in goals scored, 14th on the power play, and 28th in shooting percentage. The defense is 22nd in penalty killing, and they've lost six of eight. These teams me in January, and the Rangers rolled, 5-0. Play New York. 

Ottawa is playing the best it has all season, winning five of its past six games, including 2-1 at New Jersey on Sunday. The Senators are getting contributions from everyone as Zack Ostapchuk scored his first NHL goal and Artem Zub his second of the season. Anton Forsberg had 25 saves for the Senators, who likely will start Leevi Merilainen tonight. He is 6-2-1 with a 2.20 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage with two shutouts this season. Ottawa has won four in a row against teams with losing records and five of six versus the Metropolitan Division. New York is 2-10 against teams that scored two or fewer goals their previous game and 1-4 its past five in the third game of a 3-in-4 days spot. Take the Senators.