New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins Picks and Predictions February 7th 2025

Rangers vs. Penguins: High-Stakes Eastern Conference Battle

The Pittsburgh Penguins (24-22-5, 53 pts) and New York Rangers (27-18-6, 60 pts) meet in a critical matchup on Friday night at Madison Square Garden. Both teams are fighting to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt, with the Penguins trying to avoid missing the postseason for a third straight year, while the Rangers look to build momentum behind their blockbuster J.T. Miller trade.

👉 Pittsburgh is 2-0-1 in its last three games
👉 New York is 9-3-3 since Jan. 5
👉 Rangers have outscored Penguins 10-2 in their two meetings this season

With Sidney Crosby questionable, will Pittsburgh have enough firepower to challenge a resurgent Rangers squad?

Penguins: Can They Stay in the Playoff Hunt?

✅ Recent Form: 2-0-1 in last 3 games
✅ Last Game: 3-2 SO loss vs. Devils
✅ Standings: Tied for second-fewest points (53) in the East

The Penguins are barely hanging on to playoff hope, sitting near the bottom of the East. Injuries to Sidney Crosby (upper-body) and Evgeni Malkin (lower-body, IR) are major concerns.

Pittsburgh needs production from depth players, especially with their stars banged up.

🔹 Key Penguins Players to Watch:

• Rickard Rakell: 2G, 6A in last 8 games – Needs to step up with Crosby and Malkin uncertain.
• Alex Nedeljkovic: 1.84 GAA, .936 SV% in last 7 starts – Keeping the Penguins in games.
• Kevin Hayes: Scored game-tying goal vs. Devils – Capable of clutch moments.

Rangers: Can J.T. Miller Provide the Playoff Push?

✅ Recent Form: 9-3-3 since Jan. 5
✅ Last Game: 3-2 win vs. Bruins
✅ Standings: Four points out of the final Wild Card spot

Since the start of 2024, the Rangers have been on a winning surge and hope the addition of J.T. Miller will push them into a playoff spot.

Miller’s impact is already noticeable, and his chemistry with Mika Zibanejad (6 pts in last 3 games) could be key.

🔹 Key Rangers Players to Watch:

• Artemi Panarin: 7G, 11A in last 15 games – One of the league’s most consistent stars.
• Mika Zibanejad: 1G, 5A in last 3 games – Gelling with Miller quickly.
• Igor Shesterkin: Bounced back vs. Boston after struggling in previous 3 starts

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Keys to Victory

Pittsburgh Penguins

✅ Survive Without Crosby & Malkin: If Crosby doesn’t play, Pittsburgh’s secondary scoring must step up.
✅ Lean on Nedeljkovic: With stellar recent numbers, he could steal a game.
✅ Avoid Falling Behind Early: The Rangers’ offense is heating up, so the Penguins must tighten their defense.

New York Rangers

✅ Miller & Zibanejad Chemistry: The duo must lead New York’s offense.
✅ Keep Their Foot on the Gas: The Rangers outscored Pittsburgh 10-2 in their two meetings this season.
✅ Shesterkin Must Be Sharp: If he plays like he did vs. Boston, New York will have the advantage.

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📍 Game: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers
📅 Date: Friday, February 9, 2024
🕘 Time: 7:00 PM ET
📺 TV: ESPN+, MSG

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