Free NHL Picks Today: Detroit Red Wings vs New York Rangers 2/23/23

The New York Rangers (33-15-9) travel to take on the Detroit Red Wings (27-21-8) at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday. New York is coming off a 4-1 loss against the Jets on Monday.

The Rangers committed only two penalties in the game, yet still conceded a power play goal. Vincent Trocheck scored the only goal for the Rangers.

Igor Shesterkin only had 17 saves on 21 shots against (.809%) in the loss. Detroit beat the Capitals 3-1 on Tuesday. Pius Suter scored twice to lead the Red Wings. Ville Husso was impressive in the win, making 26 saves (.962%).

HEAD TO HEAD

The teams have split their two meetings this season, the most recent of which was an 8-2 victory for the Rangers in November. Adam Fox led New York with four points (1G 3A). Joe Veleno and Lucas Raymond were on the scoresheet for Detroit. Shesterkin got the win, saving 18 of 20 shots (.900%).

FACING OFF

New York is averaging 3.32 goals per game for the season, 11th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Red Wings team that is allowing 3.16 goals a game (17th).

Meanwhile, Detroit has found the net 3.09 times a game on average, 18th in the league, and the Rangers are allowing opponents to score 2.70 goals per game (7th).

Detroit averages fewer shots a game (28.8) than most teams in the league, ranking 29th, though the team’s 10.9% shooting percentage is seventh. With an average of 32.4 attempts, New York ranks 14th.

The Rangers’ 22.41% power play percentage ranks 12th in the league, while the Red Wings are 16th with a conversion rate of 21.35%. In terms of defending power plays, New York has the league’s 17th-ranked PK% at 78.75%, while Detroit is 18th at 77.78%.

TOP PERFORMERS:

Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad have been the top skaters for the Rangers this season with 65 and 60 points. Panarin is among the league leaders with his 47 assists (7th).

In the net, Shesterkin (25-9-7) is New York’s top goaltender. He has a 2.59 GAA and a .912% save percentage. Dylan Larkin leads the Red Wings in scoring with 56 points. He has 22 goals and 34 assists in 55 games. Husso (21-13-5) has the best goals against average for Detroit at 2.95. He has a save percentage of .904%.