NHL: New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks, and predictions

At Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers face off in game one of the West First Round NHL Playoffs. The Pittsburgh Penguins have split their last ten games heading into the playoffs. The New York Rangers have won eight of their previous 12 games as they head into the playoffs. The Pittsburgh Penguins are scoring on 20.2 percent of their power play attempts, averaging 3.3 goals per game. Jake Guentzel has 40 goals, Kris Letang has 58 assists, and Evan Rodriguez has 243 shots on goal to lead Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Penguins allow 2.7 goals per game on defense and kill 84.4 percent of their opponents' power plays. On 1,711 shots faced, Tristan Jarry has given up 138 goals, while Casey DeSmith has given up 66 goals on 769 shots.

The New York Rangers are scoring on 25.2 percent of their power play attempts, averaging 3 goals per game. With 52 goals, Artemi Panarin has 74 assists, and Mika Zibanejad has 219 shots on goal, Chris Kreider leads New York. The New York Rangers allow 2.5 goals per game on defense and kill 82.3 percent of their opponents' power plays. Igor Shesterkin has allowed 106 goals on 1,622 shots, while Alexandar Georgiev has allowed 85 goals on 832 shots.

For much of the second half, the Pittsburgh Penguins were a hit-or-miss team, and their offensive effort was hit-or-miss at best. The New York Rangers have been on a tear at home in the second half of the season, winning their previous three games against the Penguins, outscoring them 11-3 in the process.

New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins picks and predictions

My Pick: New York Rangers