Tuesday night marks the start of the NHL season with an ESPN matchup from the Metropolitan Division between the New York Rangers and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Namely, Sidney Crosby leads a team that is declining and lacks a strong supporting cast. The future first ballot Hall of Famer is rumored to be on the NHL betting odds trading block. Pittsburgh and Crosby may agree to part ways so that he can end his career with a contender. At the same time, Pittsburgh wants to secure as much in assets for the future as possible as compensation for their marquee player.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers NHL Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 8 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penguins | +1½ ( -140 ) | 6 ( -106 ) | +191 |  |
| Rangers | -1½ ( +120 ) | 6 ( -110 ) | -219 | |
| ||||
Penguins at Rangers SBG Betting Odds Analysis
Although the Penguins are yesterday’s news, they remain an iconic NHL brand on the board. Casual gamblers still see the fading Penguins as a good and contending team. Cause by their brand popularity, the Penguins are routinely overpriced.
The Rangers are getting a decent offshore betting price because of Pittsburgh’s public cache. New York is also a popular NHL brand. Thus, they are keeping the betting odds relatively honest. Correlate that interest in this matchup is high because it is the season opener. In addition to that is the popularity of both teams.
Pittsburgh Penguins SBG Team Overview
Overall, the Penguins are an odd collection of aging stars and unproven younger players. Pittsburgh is alarmingly weak on defense and in goal. Sidney Crosby, age 38, is burdened with having to carry the offensive load. In turn, Pittsburgh lacks secondary scoring depth.
New York Rangers SBG Team Overview
Last year, the Rangers were the biggest disappointment in the NHL. New York failed to make the playoffs after being picked as a Stanley Cup contender. As a result of the disastrous season, the Rangers fired head coach Peter Laviolette in favor of Mike Sullivan.
Previously, Sullivan won two Stanley Cups as head coach of the Penguins and is arguably the greatest coach in franchise history. Ironically, Sullivan begins his Rangers career against his former team.
Certainly, the Rangers have a decided advantage in goal with Igor Shesterkin. Additionally, JT Miller, Artemi Panarin, and Vincent Trocheck give the Rangers good firepower. New York opens its 100th season in the NHL at home with renewed optimism and enthusiasm.
Penguins at Rangers Betting Trends
The Rangers failed to get the money in 10 of their last 15 games. Also, New York went over the total in five of its last six outings. New York failed to pay out in eight of its last ten home games. The Rangers went over the total in five of their last six home games.
Pittsburgh got the cash in six of its last eight games. Additionally, the Penguins went over the total in 10 of their last 15 games. Pittsburgh lost nine of its most recent 12 road games. Also, Pittsburgh went over the total in five of its last seven away games.
Overall, the Rangers saw the payout window in nine of their last 11 games against the Penguins. New York won six of their last eight home games against Pittsburgh. Finally, the Rangers and Penguins went under the total in four of their last five meetings at New York.
Penguins at Rangers SBG Free Pick
On this special occasion of Sullivan’s debut and the start of their Centennial season, the Rangers have the better team and intangible advantages with the NHL odds.
Penguins at Rangers SBG Best Bet: New York Rangers and Over the Total.