The Panthers will try to steal their second game of the series against the powerhouse Rangers after claiming a 3-0 shutout victory over the Blueshirts in Game 1.
Let’s take a closer look at our analysis before cashing in at top-rated sportsbooks.
For more of our betting analysis, check out:
NHL Pick
- Panthers ML (+100) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Florida Panthers vs. New York Rangers
Friday, May 24, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at Madison Square Garden
Key Facts
- Florida is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games.
- Florida is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road.
- Florida is 3-1 against the Rangers this season.
Bob Shuts Down the Rangers
It was a hotly contested first two periods on Wednesday night’s Game 1 between the Panthers and the Rangers with Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk producing the only goal entering the final frame. However, things began to heat up when the Rangers fired 11 shots on the Panthers’ veteran netminder, Sergei Bobrovsky, who would not be denied.
When the dust settled, the 35-year-old Russian turned aside all 24 shots and notched his first shutout of the postseason. Carter Verhaeghe put the Panthers in front, 2-0, with his seventh tally of the playoffs while Sam Bennett put the game on ice with an empty-netter with just over a minute remaining.
Home Ice Hype
The oddsmakers at Caesars Sportsbook have installed the Rangers as slight favorites in this one because they are the home team and this is a “must-win” for the Broadway Blueshirts. However, a must-win doesn’t mean they will win. The Panthers have a way of grinding a team down, making them second guess, and sucking the life out of them because they are a physical team and can play dirty when called upon.
The Panthers have defeated the Rangers in 3 of 4 games this season and although New York has an excellent goalie in Igor Shesterkin, the Panthers’ Sergei Bobrovsky has been solid in the postseason and on occasion, a game-stealer.
The Pick
Based on the NHL odds, I don’t think New York has the physicality to stay with the Panthers, and although this should be another tight-checking affair, the game will be won and lost in the corners where the Panthers do some of their best work outmuscling opponents and getting the puck in front of the opponent’s net.
Take even money with the visitors on Friday night.
NHL Pick: Panthers ML (+100) at Caesars Sportsbook
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
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