NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Senators vs. Rangers (April 9)
David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. Pictured: Ottawa Senators goaltender Anton Forsberg.
Senators vs. Rangers Odds
| Senators Odds | +215 |
| Rangers Odds | -270 |
| Over/Under | 6 (-115 / -105) |
| Time | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
| Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
The Ottawa Senators travel to New York to take on the New York Rangers in Saturday's NHL action.
This will be the third meeting between these teams, with the total landing under six goals in both of the prior matchups.
So, will we see another low-scoring affair between these sides or can the scoring pick up this time around? Let's take a look at this latest matchup.
Ottawa Senators
The Senators enter this contest following Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Nashville Predators. That said, I expect to see another low-scoring game for Senators.
The primary reason for this thought is that Anton Forsberg is the projected starting goaltender for Ottawa and has been incredible of late. Forsberg has allowed three or fewer goals in nine consecutive starts, posting an excellent 0.925 save percentage during that stretch.
While some goaltenders struggle on the road, Forsberg's numbers actually increase away from home, as he has a 0.925 save percentage and 2.42 goals allowed average on the road this season.
Forsberg probably won't get much help in front of him, as the Ottawa ranks just 22nd in the league in 5-on-5 expected goals for per 60 minutes. Additionally, Ottawa is missing a few talented forwards, as Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson are projected to be sidelined for this contest.
Having a thin-forward group that already struggles with scoring is a dangerous recipe when going against the Rangers and goaltender Igor Shesterkin.
New York Rangers
The Rangers enter this game after Thursday's 3-0 win over Pittsburgh. That contest was yet another low-scoring contest for New York, as it has seen six or fewer total goals scored in eight of their last 12 outings.
These low-scoring matchups are due to the efforts of projected starting goaltender Igor Shesterkin. I have written about Shesterkin extensively and the Vezina Trophy favorite has rarely let me down.
This season, Shesterkin ranks first among goaltenders in 5-on-5 goals saved above expected per 60 minutes and save percentage with a stellar 0.935 mark. Shesterkin has been in great form of late, allowing three or fewer goals in five consecutive starts, including his shutout against Pittsburgh.
Shesterkin's numbers are even better on home ice, as he boasts an immaculate 0.940 save percentage and 1.89 goals allowed average in 25 starts at Madison Square Garden. In his one start against Ottawa, Shesterkin allowed one goal on 30 shots that was good for a 0.967 save percentage.
New York's offense is entirely generated on special teams, ranking just 28th in the league in 5-on-5 expected goals for per 60 minutes. This could be an issue against an Ottawa team that sits 12th in the league in penalty kill percentage.
Rangers vs. Senators Pick
There have been six or fewer total goals scored in seven of the last eight meetings between these teams, so I like that trend to continue. I feel comfortable backing the projected goaltenders, especially Shesterkin on home ice in New York.
I expect we will get another masterclass from him, as the Rangers look to keep momentum building before the playoffs. I would not play this total if it goes down to 5.5 goals before puck drop.
Pick: Total Under 6 Goals (-105 | Play to -120)
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