New York Rangers vs Utah Mammoth Betting Picks

The New York Rangers are finally home following a six-game trip that included the Winter Classic, but home hasn't been sweet as they have won just five of 18 at Madison Square Garden this season. The Rangers are last in the NHL, scoring only 1.94 goals per game in home games while going 14-4 UNDER. New York has lost nine of its past 13 Monday games, and it lost the first meeting against Utah 3-2 on Nov. 22. The Rangers have lost four of five following a win, and they are 1-4 in their past five home games following a road trip of at least seven days. They have gone UNDER seven straight against the Central Division and 11 of 12 versus teams with losing records. Utah goalie Karel Vejmelka is 17-11-2 with a 2.72 goals-against average, and he has won five of seven starts. Take the Mammoth and the UNDER.

The Rangers have been a very good road team - until now. They opened their current three-game road swing with a 3-2 loss to the Golden Knights on Tuesday. That was followed by a 6-3 loss to the Avalanche, and now the Rangers have to stay at high altitude to conclude their away trip against Utah. New York is averaging only two goals a game during its last four games. The Mammoth can frustrate the Rangers with their conservative style. Utah gives up the fewest shots on goal. The Mammoth are 5-3 at home, which includes an overtime victory against the Avalanche. Utah, though, is a very frustrated bunch. The Mammoth have lost four consecutive games, with three of those defeats occurring in overtime. Look for Utah to take its frustration out on the Rangers, who are eager to return home after this game. Take the Mammoth on the puckline.

New York has won four of seven, with two losses in overtime. They've won two of the last three over New Jersey (3-2) and at Vegas (2-1) both times as an underdog. The defense is ninth in the NHL in save percentage (.906) and fifth in penalty killing. Meanwhile, struggling Utah is 6-10-4 at home. The offense is 15th on the power play and 25th in goals scored, while the defense is 14th in goals given up (2.98 per game) and in save percentage. Utah is 1-3 on this homestand, part of a 2-9 slide overall. Play New York. 

Utah played Thursday on the East Coast, surprising the Islanders in overtime, a 5-4 victory. They survived five penalties and 20 giveaways. They'll have to play better against a talented New York squad that blitzed Pittsburgh in the opener, a 6-0 wipeout. The Rangers won the division last season when they had the most home victories of any NHL team. New York is on a 31-11 run at home and has won the last five meetings against Arizona/Utah. Play New York.