Penguins vs Rangers Game 2 Odds, Picks And Predictions

• The New York Rangers are -140 home favorites to win Game 2 of the opening-round series over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, May 5
• Third-string goalie Louis Domingue projects to be the Pittsburgh Penguins’ starter in Game 2
• See the Game 2 Penguins vs Rangers odds below plus betting picks

The Pittsburgh Penguins might consider a pregame meal of spicy pork and broccoli to prepare for Game 2 against the New York Rangers. Third-string goalie Louis Domingue enjoyed a plate of that combination not long before he replaced Casey DeSmith (lower body injury) in the second overtime of Game 1. Domingue made 17 saves and the Penguins won 4-3 in triple overtime.

But a tasty meal may not save the Penguins in Game 2. Pittsburgh goalie DeSmith and forward Rickard Rakell are both listed as day-to-day.  Penguins No. 1 goalie Tristan Jarry is already on the injured list. The possibility that the Penguins will use their No. 3 goalie in Game 2 against odds-on Vezina betting favorite Igor Shesterkin is one reason why the Rangers are -140 favorites to bounce back in Game 2.

The Rangers’ solace after the Game 1 loss was they didn’t play well and still came close to winning the game.

Penguins vs Rangers Odds

Odds as of May 4 at Caesars Sportsbook.

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PIT vs NYR: NHL Betting Trends

Based on the odds, the favored Rangers are given a 56.2% chance of beating the Penguins in Game 1. In public wagering splits, 57% of the bets placed against the spread are on the Rangers -1.5. The moneyline splits show 57% of the moneyline bets are on the Rangers at -142 odds; 88% of the public bets are on the Over (5.5)

As called on Pittsburgh Penguins radio: pic.twitter.com/O69EuZ2Odj

— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) May 4, 2022

Penguins vs Rangers Recent Results

Pittsburgh vs New York Injury Report

Already missing starting goalie Tristan Jarry, the Penguins are facing the possibility of playing Game 2 without back-up Casey DeSmith.  He wasn’t at the optional practice Wednesday.  He left Game 1 with a lower body injury during the second overtime and was replaced by Louis Domingue.

If DeSmith can’t go, Domingue is the logical choice to start. But he has never played a full NHL playoff game. Pittsburgh is expected to call up Alex D’Orio, another indication that DeSmith won’t play. The Penguins also may be without forward Rickard Rakell who left Game 1 with an undisclosed injury. His status is also unknown.  Jason Zucker, who didn’t play Game 1, did practice Wednesday.

Meanwhile, New York Rangers coach Gerard Gallant said defenseman Ryan Lindgren is “banged up.” However, he will play Game 2. Rangers forward Tyler Motte remains sidelined.

The Penguins are holding a well-attended optional practice at MSG this afternoon. Casey DeSmith and Rickard Rakell are not taking part. Louis Domingue and Rangers emergency backup goalie Reid Robertson are the two netminders for today's session.

— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) May 4, 2022

Penguins vs Rangers Projected Starting Goalies

The Rangers have Igor Shesterkin who may win the Vezina Trophy this season. He’s coming off a 79-save, three-overtime performance. It wasn’t his fault the Rangers lost Game 1. He broke Gump Worsley’s 60-year-old franchise record of 59 saves in a playoff game. Shesterkin’s 79 saves were only six short of the NHL record of 85 set by Columbus Blue Jackets’ Joonas Korpisalo who posted 85 in 2020.

Igor Shesterkin playing one (1) playoff game and immediately breaking a Rangers record that's existed since the Kennedy administration is real sicko stuff.

— Adam Herman (@AdamZHerman) May 4, 2022

Meanwhile, the Penguins may have to go with third-stringer Louis Domingue. He had the winning relief appearance in Game 1. However, Domingue, 30, has mostly been a career minor leaguer. He has only played four NHL games over the past three seasons and only has 35 minutes of NHL playoff experience.

Penguins vs Rangers Game 2 Prediction

History shows that strong goaltending is essential to NHL playoff success. The Rangers have a distinct advantage in net going into Game 2. The Penguins played a strong road game in the three-overtime Game 1, and the Rangers showed some sloppiness. We would expect the Rangers to clean up their defensive play to make their goaltending advantage even more pronounced. They had plenty of success against the Penguins in the regular-season.

Pick: New York Rangers ML (-140)