NHL Picks: New York Rangers at Anaheim Ducks
The New York Rangers have been incredibly inconsistent this season. For long stretches the Rangers appear to be one of the best teams in hockey. At other times, like right now, they cannot get out of their own way. Against one of the hottest teams in the NHL, the New York Rangers have their work cut out for them with the Anaheim Ducks.
The Anaheim Ducks are in a little bit of a slump here, losing three of four. That said, they were on a bad stretch of the schedule and rebounded nicely in their last game to win 7-1 after a small rest and returning home. The New York Rangers also have a little bit of rest following a back to back, but on the road headed all the way across the country, this is an unfavorable situation for the Rangers.
Making matters worse for the Rangers, my big fear in this game by picking the Anaheim Ducks, Henrik Lundqvist, is getting the day off and the Rangers have decided to go with their backup goalie. Again, against such a hot offense, now properly rested and at home on the pond, the Rangers are at a significant disadvantage against the Anaheim Ducks.
While the Ducks may not have momentum right now, I think that is explained by the grueling schedule they had coming into that three-game skid. With a big win against the Devils, they have turned things around. Rested and home, I think they look good here. They’re the better team. Moreover, at this point in the season, the New York Rangers are going to have difficulty going all the way to California. Fatigue and the difficulty with traveling across the country gives the better team another edge. Throw in a backup goalie, and I like the Anaheim Ducks.
Z-Code gives a 56% chance of victory to the Anaheim Ducks with 2.5 stars of value and a slight signal for the New York Rangers in conflict with the overall pick. As such, this is not a high-confidence prediction for us. The score predictor says 2-1 Ducks with 75% confidence. Ultimately, most signs point to the Ducks with one weak sign that slightly conflicts. I think that’s enough for a wager.
Again, nothing crazy… but we’re on the Ducks.
Ducks 3 – Rangers 2
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