Pittsburgh Penguins (46-25-11, third in the Metropolitan Division) vs. New York Rangers (52-24-6, second in the Metropolitan Division)
New York; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EDT
LINE: Rangers -135, Penguins +113; over/under is 6
NHL PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND: Penguins lead series 3-1
BOTTOM LINE: The Pittsburgh Penguins look to clinch the first round of the NHL Playoffs over the New York Rangers in game five. The teams meet Monday for the sixth time this season. The Penguins won the previous matchup 7-2.
New York has a 52-24-6 record overall and a 14-8-1 record in Metropolitan Division games. The Rangers have a 17-6-3 record in games decided by a goal.
Pittsburgh is 46-25-11 overall with a 13-8-3 record against the Metropolitan Division. The Penguins are 34-7-5 in games they score at least three goals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Chris Kreider has 52 goals and 25 assists for the Rangers. Andrew Copp has scored six goals and added two assists over the past 10 games.
Kris Letang has 10 goals and 58 assists for the Penguins. Jake Guentzel has scored eight goals with four assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Rangers: 4-5-1, averaging 3.3 goals, 5.9 assists, 3.3 penalties and 6.9 penalty minutes while giving up 3.4 goals per game.
Penguins: 6-4-0, averaging 3.9 goals, 6.4 assists, 3.2 penalties and 6.4 penalty minutes while giving up 2.8 goals per game.
INJURIES: Rangers: Barclay Goodrow: out (lower body), Sammy Blais: out for season (lower body), Tyler Motte: out (upper body), Ryan Lindgren: day to day (lower body).
Penguins: Tristan Jarry: out (foot), Rickard Rakell: day to day (head), Brian Dumoulin: day to day (undisclosed), Casey DeSmith: out for season (core).
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