New York Rangers (27-13-2) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (24-14-5)
New York Rangers vs. Vegas Golden Knights 1/18/24 – New York Rangers face off against Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday in an electrifying regular season NHL matchup that promises to thrill hockey fans, offering glimpses into each team’s tactics and prowess. As enthusiasts and bettors alike look for free NHL game insights via ESPN+, this matchup at T-Mobile Arena stands out as a highlight of this season.
The Rangers possess an impressive offensive lineup that presents a significant threat to the Golden Knights defense. Artemi Panarin, a left-wing powerhouse, has excelled with 27 goals and 32 assists over 42 games; teammates Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad have played key roles in orchestrating their team’s attack, contributing significantly towards creating their formidable front. Their strategic plays and consistent performances will prove crucial in breaking down Golden Knights defensive strategies.
On the opposite side of the ice, Jonathan Marchessault leads his Golden Knights squad into battle on the right wing, boasting 19 goals and 25 assists while providing dynamic flair. Mark Stone and Chandler Stephenson provide depth and versatility when it comes to attacking plays for this team; their challenge will be penetrating Rangers defenses with precise tactical acumen.
New York Rangers vs. Vegas Golden Knights 1/18/24 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | T-Mobile Arena |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Igor Shesterkin vs. Goaltender Logan Thompson
Igor Shesterkin has been the cornerstone of the Rangers goaltending team for 27 games with an astounding save percentage of 0.903. His agile and quick reflexes help prevent Golden Knights attacks from scoring goals while also reading games to make timely saves could prove crucial in this matchup.
Logan Thompson of the Golden Knights has shown incredible consistency and poise under pressure, posting an outstanding save percentage of 0.905 across 26 games played for them. Facing off against an explosive offense like that of the Rangers will put his netminding skills to the test; his performance will be key in keeping them competitive throughout this contest.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As betting odds for this matchup have yet to be set, it is critical that bettors closely observe its dynamic. Odds provide invaluable insights into perceived strengths and weaknesses of each team allowing bettors to make informed decisions when placing bets.
New York Rangers Betting Trends
The Rangers have had mixed results recently, posting a 3-2 win-loss record but an unfavorable 2-3 mark against the spread during their last five games. Their road game performance against the spread (12-10) shows resilience when entering unfamiliar environments; however, only 1 out of their last 5 totals went OVER; an indication of tighter, lower scoring games.
Vegas Golden Knights Betting Trends
The Golden Knights have also experienced similar problems recently, posting three wins out of five with just one under their belts and going 1-4 against the spread in road games against their opposition (9-12). Additionally, only one of their last five totals games saw overs; suggesting more defensive and strategic play from them.
New York Rangers vs. Vegas Golden Knights 1/18/24 Betting Picks
As both teams prepare for this thrilling contest, it has become clear that both have strengths and areas of concern. While the Rangers boast an aggressive offensive lineup that has shown them how to score goals, their recent trend indicates an inconsistency when covering spreads. Meanwhile, Golden Knights enjoy the home advantage and have proven reliable under pressure goaltending from goalkeeper Ben Bishop.
Bettors facing this matchup face an intricate yet intriguing wagering scenario, where it will be essential to monitor any fluctuations or trends as game day approaches. Current data points towards an even game, possibly with some lean toward the Rangers due to their improved overall performance and offensive capabilities.
In terms of betting picks, a premium play prediction would involve considering the Rangers for a straight win, especially if the moneyline offers value. Prop bets could focus on individual performances, particularly on players like Panarin and Marchessault, who have been pivotal for their respective teams. The over/under bet seems tricky, given both teams’ recent trends towards lower-scoring games, but a cautious approach to the UNDER might be advisable.
Free Pick and Prediction: New York Rangers 4, Vegas Golden Knights 3