Edmonton Oilers vs New York Rangers Pick – 3/16/2025

The Edmonton Oilers are set to face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. ET. This encounter features two teams with contrasting recent performances, each aiming to solidify their standings as the regular season progresses.

Edmonton Oilers vs New York Rangers Game Preview

The Edmonton Oilers enter this game with a 38-24-4 record. Despite a challenging stretch where they've lost eight of their last twelve games, the Oilers remain competitive in the Pacific Division, trailing the Los Angeles Kings by one point and the division-leading Vegas Golden Knights by six points. Their offensive prowess is evident, averaging 3.20 goals per game, ranking them tenth in the league. Leon Draisaitl leads the team with 100 points (49 goals, 51 assists), while Connor McDavid contributes significantly with 85 points (24 goals, 61 assists). Defenseman Evan Bouchard adds depth with 53 points (13 goals, 40 assists).

In goal, Calvin Pickard is expected to start. This season, Pickard has a 16-7-0 record, a 2.67 goals-against average (GAA), and a .898 save percentage. The Oilers' defense allows an average of 2.91 goals per game, placing them 14th in the league.

The New York Rangers hold a 33-28-6 record. After enduring a four-game losing streak earlier this month, they've rebounded with consecutive victories over the Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets, including a shutout in Columbus. The Rangers are fourth in the Metropolitan Division with 72 points, trailing the division-leading Washington Capitals by 24 points. Offensively, they average 3.01 goals per game, ranking 13th in the league. Artemi Panarin leads the team with 71 points (29 goals, 42 assists), while defenseman Adam Fox and forward Mika Zibanejad each have 49 points.

Igor Shesterkin is anticipated to start in goal. He has a 23-22-4 record this season, a 2.79 GAA, and a .907 save percentage, including five shutouts. The Rangers' defense allows an average of 3.00 goals per game, ranking 19th in the league.

Betting Insights

As of the latest available information, the betting odds are as follows:

• Moneyline: Edmonton Oilers -148, New York Rangers +124
• Over/Under: 6.5 goals

Recent trends indicate a tendency towards lower-scoring games for both teams. Ten of the Oilers' last eleven night games against opponents on a winning streak have gone under the total goals line. Similarly, six of the Rangers' last seven home games have also gone under the total goals line. These patterns suggest a potential for a lower-scoring game.

Edmonton Oilers vs New York Rangers Prediction

Considering the current form and statistical analysis, this matchup presents a compelling case for a closely contested game. The Oilers have dominated recent head-to-head encounters, winning seven of the last ten meetings, including a decisive 6-2 victory earlier this season. However, the Rangers' recent defensive improvements, highlighted by Shesterkin's solid performances, suggest they could effectively neutralize the Oilers' offensive threats.

Given the recent trends and defensive capabilities of both teams, the under 6.5 goals appears to be a prudent betting option. While the Oilers have the offensive firepower to challenge any team, the Rangers' home advantage and recent form could lead to a tightly contested game with limited scoring opportunities.

In conclusion, while the Oilers have the edge in recent matchups, the Rangers' defensive resilience and home advantage make this game a potential low-scoring affair. Bettors should consider the under 6.5 goals as a viable option for this matchup.