Check out a top prediction and pick for tonight’s New York Rangers vs. Vegas Golden Knights matchup in an early-season NHL battle.

The New York Rangers and the Vegas Golden Knights came into this season with playoff expectations. With each holding .500 records, they’re hoping for bigger and better things as we near the quarter point of this NHL season. It’s an East vs. West showdown on a loaded Tuesday slate.

Here’s a Rangers vs. Golden Knights prediction and pick on DraftKings Sportsbook for Tuesday’s contest.

Rangers vs. Golden Knights prediction, preview

The Rangers have a true grind-it-out style under new bench boss Mike Sullivan. New York is top-10 in goals allowed while being bottom-10 in goals scored. So far, none of their players are on a point-per-game pace; Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox are the only players who are close. It’s a veteran-laden roster and with some young talents on the way, this feels like a transition year for New York. But that doesn’t mean the Rangers will be out of the playoff picture.

The Golden Knights have also boasted a strong defense, ranking in the top 10 in goals allowed. The top offensive talents, such as Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner, have performed well. The main issue has been luck since through 20 games, Vegas has suffered a whopping six overtime losses. Some better puck luck would have them at the top of the Pacific Division.

They’re also sorely missing the captain, Mark Stone. An exceptional two-way player, his absence over the past couple of weeks has been a drag on both ends of the ice. As a team with championship aspirations, they have to keep their heads down and keep grinding until their most important player returns to the lineup.

Rangers vs. Golden Knights pick, best bet

DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Golden Knights as -155 favorites to win on the Moneyline, while the Rangers hold +130 odds to win outright. The total sits at 5.5 goals.

This one feels like a grinder of a game. If New York’s defense can keep a lid on Eichel and Marner, they could stick in this one. Igor Shesterkin is also playing great hockey with a 2.39 GAA and .913 SV%, but the Golden Knights have plenty of offensive firepower. With Vegas favored at -155, there isn’t much value on taking the home team. The value here is on the under.

Best Bet: Under 5.5 Total Goals (+110)