Rangers Set to Continue Thrashers’ Offensive Woes

The New York Rangers were my pick to go under on Saturday and I’m looking at them again for the exact same reason.  They trapped the Sabres for the final two periods of that game and relied on Henrik Lundqvist to carry the load.  As a result, the final two periods were a fierce goalie battle with the better goaltender, in Ryan Miller, coming out on top.

The Rangers haven’t scored more than 2 goals in 5 straight games, hardly the sign of an offense that is running on all cylinders.  Fortunately for us, however, the Rangers have held opponents to a stifling 2.25 goals per game – proof that their defensive system they worked on over their 5-day break is working.

The Thrashers are a team mired in an offensive slump as well.  Prior to potting 4 against the Habs on Saturday, the Thrashers averaged 1.6 goals per game in 5 games played – 4 of which were on the road, where they just happen to be tonight as well.  Defense has been a concern of the Thrashers of late, allowing 3.75 goals per game over their last 4 and they’ll turn to Johan Hedberg tonight.  Hedberg has been solid on the road all season, going 3-1 with a 1.90 GAA in 4 road starts.

If you like historical trends, 4 of the Thrashers’ last 5 visits to MSG have gone under the game total.

Pick: Under 6.0 goals -115

A 6.0 goal game total feels like a gimme the way these teams have played of late.