NHL Give and Go: Revenge for Rangers in Montreal?

HNIC Saturday Preview and Odds

When this abbreviated season began, the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins were two of the favourites. Just one of those teams has held up to its lofty billing so far – the retooled Penguins.

Pittsburgh not only leads the Eastern Conference, but looks like a playoff-ready squad after acquiring veterans Douglas Murray, Brenden Morrow, and Jarome Iginla over the past week. The Pens have drawn a line in the sand, challenging the rest of league to cross it.

Meanwhile, John Tortorella’s Rangers seem just about ready to start drawing some lines of their own. With Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik struggling all year, New York desperately needs to find some consistent offence. The Rangers have brought Mats Zuccarello and Jesper Fast over from Europe, but it remains to be seen if they’ll provide the boost New York needs.

Time is getting short for the Rangers. Nine of their 15 remaining games are on the road, during which they will face Pittsburgh twice, New Jersey twice and Toronto twice. That means that if they’re going to solidify their playoff position, they need to make a statement at the Bell Centre Saturday. The last time New York visited Montreal, Tortorella saw his club play what is likely its worst game of the season. The Blueshirts had no jump outside and didn’t respond physically when a couple of their stars were pushed around.

Torts won’t let that happen this time around. As good as Montreal looks right now, New York is coming back for revenge. The Rangers finally broke out with five goals against Philadelphia but laid an egg in Ottawa Thursday night. That won’t sit well with Tortorella. Look for a strong game from Derek Stepan, Rick Nash and Ryan Callahan. Final score: New York 3, Montreal 2.

New York Islanders at Pittsburgh Penguins (-225, 5.5)

It’s still unlikely Iginla will make his debut with the Penguins this afternoon, but it’s not like Pittsburgh should need him against the Isles. While, New York comes in riding a three-game winning streak, beating up on the Flyers, Panthers and Capitals isn’t anything to write home about. With Pittsburgh the big favorite here, take a look at this one playing over the 5.5-goal total. Final score: Pittsburgh 5, New York 3.

Vancouver Canucks at Edmonton Oilers (+130, 5)

The Edmonton Oilers enter Saturday’s action three points back of eighth place in the Western Conference. After dropping three straight, the Oilers have rebounded with nice wins over St. Louis and the hot Columbus Blue Jackets. Every home game means a ton at this time of the year and tonight’s tilt with the Canucks could be the team’s biggest of the season. Hard to turn down a home dog at this price. Final score: Edmonton 4, Vancouver 2.
Last week’s record: 2-1
Season record to date: 9-3