New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction | NHL 31.01.26
Last Updated: Feb 3, 2026 2:15 AM
Saturday, 31 Jan 2026
PIT -205
New York Rangers
L
L
W
L
L
22-27-6
VS
3:30 PM
Pittsburgh Penguins
W
W
W
W
W
27-14-11
Game Spread
PIT -1.5
Total Points
Over
6.5
Detailed Analysis
New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins Game Analysis | 31-01-2026 | NHL
This regular-season matchup on January 31, 2026, pits the New York Rangers (22-27-6) against the Pittsburgh Penguins (27-14-11) at PPG Paints Arena. The Rangers arrive struggling, while the Penguins are enjoying a more successful campaign, setting the stage for a critical divisional contest.
New York Rangers Team Performance
The New York Rangers’ 22-27-6 record reflects a season of inconsistency and underperformance. Their offensive output has largely relied on a few key players, and defensively, they’ve shown vulnerabilities. The absence of Adam Fox is a monumental blow to their defensive structure and puck-moving capabilities, forcing other defensemen to step into larger roles. While Igor Shesterkin is capable of stealing games, the team’s overall defensive lapses and depth issues have often left him exposed. Their special teams will need to be exceptional to compensate for their even-strength struggles.
New York Rangers Key Players
- Points: Mika Zibanejad (51)
- Goals: Mika Zibanejad (23)
- Assists: Mika Zibanejad (28)
Injury Report New York Rangers
- Adam Fox (Injured reserve): Fox (lower body) will be placed on long-term injured reserve, Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports Tuesday.
- Conor Sheary (Injured reserve): long-term injured reserve
- Adam Edstrom (Injured reserve): Edstrom (lower body) was placed on long-term injured reserve Wednesday, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports.
Pittsburgh Penguins Team Performance
The Pittsburgh Penguins’ 27-14-11 record indicates a solid, competitive team. Their veteran core, spearheaded by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, continues to drive their offense, demonstrating high-end skill and playmaking. Defensively, the team has been generally stable, though the loss of Ryan Graves creates a void on their blueline. Goaltending has been a strength, providing the foundation for their consistent performance. The Penguins typically excel at home, leveraging their arena’s energy to dictate play and maintain offensive zone pressure.
Pittsburgh Penguins Key Players
- Points: Sidney Crosby (57)
- Goals: Sidney Crosby (27)
- Assists: Sidney Crosby (30)
Injury Report Pittsburgh Penguins
- Jack St. Ivany (Injured reserve): St. Ivany (hand surgery) was put on injured reserve Thursday.
- Ryan Graves (Injured reserve): Graves (undisclosed) was put on injured reserve Thursday.
- Caleb Jones (Injured reserve): Jones (lower body) was assigned to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Monday for a conditioning loan.
- Tanner Howe (Injured reserve): injured reserve – no specific report
Prediction: New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Considering the Rangers’ struggles and significant defensive injuries, particularly the absence of Adam Fox, against a robust Penguins squad playing at home, Pittsburgh holds a distinct advantage. The Penguins’ offensive depth and defensive structure, even with Graves sidelined, should allow them to control the pace.
Predicted Winner: Pittsburgh Penguins -1.5 (Spread)
The Rangers’ weakened defense combined with the Penguins’ potent attack, plus the Rangers’ own offensive threats like Zibanejad, suggests a game with multiple goals.
Total Goals Prediction: Over 6.5
Predicted Winner: Pittsburgh Penguins -1.5 (Spread)
The Rangers’ weakened defense combined with the Penguins’ potent attack, plus the Rangers’ own offensive threats like Zibanejad, suggests a game with multiple goals.
Total Goals Prediction: Over 6.5
Last 5 Games: NYR
Form:
LLWLL
VS
vs New York
L 2-1
PTS
22-27-6
GOL
Quick
AST
Zibanejad
VS
@ New York
L 5-2
PTS
22-26-6
GOL
Martin
AST
Gavrikov
VS
vs Boston
W 4-3 OT
PTS
22-25-6
GOL
Quick
AST
Trocheck
VS
@ San Jose
L 3-1
PTS
21-25-6
GOL
Martin
AST
Blidh
VS
@ Los Angeles
L 4-3
PTS
21-24-6
GOL
Quick
AST
Miller
| Opponent | Result | Points | Goles | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs New York | L 2-1 | 22-27-6 | Quick | Zibanejad |
| @ New York | L 5-2 | 22-26-6 | Martin | Gavrikov |
| vs Boston | W 4-3 OT | 22-25-6 | Quick | Trocheck |
| @ San Jose | L 3-1 | 21-25-6 | Martin | Blidh |
| @ Los Angeles | L 4-3 | 21-24-6 | Quick | Miller |
Last 5 Games: PIT
Form:
WWWWW
VS
vs Chicago
W 6-2
PTS
27-14-11
GOL
Silovs
AST
Mantha
VS
@ Vancouver
W 3-2
PTS
26-14-11
GOL
Skinner
AST
Kindel
VS
@ Edmonton
W 6-2
PTS
25-14-11
GOL
Silovs
AST
Silovs
VS
@ Calgary
W 4-1
PTS
24-14-11
GOL
Skinner
AST
Malkin
VS
@ Seattle
W 6-3
PTS
23-14-11
GOL
Skinner
AST
Dewar
| Opponent | Result | Points | Goles | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs Chicago | W 6-2 | 27-14-11 | Silovs | Mantha |
| @ Vancouver | W 3-2 | 26-14-11 | Skinner | Kindel |
| @ Edmonton | W 6-2 | 25-14-11 | Silovs | Silovs |
| @ Calgary | W 4-1 | 24-14-11 | Skinner | Malkin |
| @ Seattle | W 6-3 | 23-14-11 | Skinner | Dewar |
Written by Matt Dorsey
5 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Matt Dorsey turned his obsession with sports into a career five years ago, and he hasn't looked back. By combining a fan's passion with a veteran’s analytical eye, Matt provides reliable insights for the NBA, NHL, and NFL. He knows you’re looking for more than just a pick; you’re looking for a reason to trust the play. That’s why his work is always transparent, researched, and rooted in five years of proven results.
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