New York Rangers (52-24-6, second in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (46-25-11, third in the Metropolitan Division)
Pittsburgh; Monday, 7 p.m. EDT
LINE: Rangers -116, Penguins -104; over/under is 6
NHL PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND: Penguins lead series 2-1
BOTTOM LINE: The Pittsburgh Penguins host the New York Rangers in the first round of the NHL Playoffs with a 2-1 lead in the series. The teams meet Saturday for the sixth time this season. The Penguins won the last matchup 7-4. Evan Rodrigues scored two goals in the victory.
Pittsburgh is 46-25-11 overall with a 13-8-3 record against the Metropolitan Division. The Penguins have an 18-7-4 record in games they score one or more power-play goals.
New York is 52-24-6 overall with a 14-8-1 record against the Metropolitan Division. The Rangers are 19-6-2 in games their opponents serve more penalty minutes.
TOP PERFORMERS: Sidney Crosby has 31 goals and 53 assists for the Penguins. Jake Guentzel has nine goals and five assists over the last 10 games.
Artemi Panarin has 22 goals and 74 assists for the Rangers. Andrew Copp has six goals and two assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Penguins: 6-4-0, averaging 3.8 goals, 6.3 assists, 3.5 penalties and 7.2 penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game.
Rangers: 5-4-1, averaging 3.5 goals, 6.4 assists, 3.1 penalties and 6.5 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game.
INJURIES: Penguins: Tristan Jarry: out (foot), Rickard Rakell: day to day (head), Brian Dumoulin: day to day (undisclosed), Casey DeSmith: out for season (core).
Rangers: Barclay Goodrow: out (lower body), Keith Kinkaid: day to day (upper body), Sammy Blais: out for season (lower body), Tyler Motte: out (upper body), Ryan Lindgren: day to day (lower body).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by
