Rangers vs Hurricanes Odds
| Rangers Odds | +120 |
| Hurricanes Odds | -145 |
| Over/Under | 6 (+100 / -120) |
| Time | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | BSSO |
| Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
In a rematch of last year's second round playoff matchup, there is a Metropolitan Division tilt between the first-place Carolina Hurricanes and the third-place New York Rangers.
Not only did these clubs play each other in the Stanley Cup playoffs last year, but they just squared off on Tuesday night as Carolina grabbed a 3-2 win at Madison Square Garden.
Here's a look at the odds, as well as my Rangers vs. Hurricanes preview and betting pick.
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers hit the road after dropping the first installment of this home-and-home series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite acquiring forwards Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko at the trade deadline, this club is still primed for regression in the scoring department.
At 5-on-5, the Rangers rank 22nd in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60). While special teams is typically New York's greatest offensive threat, the Canes should be able to neutralize the power play as they rank second in the league in penalty kill goals against.
While the Rangers' offense is primed for regression, their defense still typically gets bailed out by reigning Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin. This season, New York ranks 15th in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5-on-5.
No doubt, the biggest concern in fading the Rangers in this contest is Shesterkin, who is a top-three goaltender in the world and seeing the puck well recently. With that said, he is just 2-3 with a .901 save percentage (SV%) and a 3.07 goals against average (GAA) across five career regular season appearances against Carolina.
Carolina Hurricanes
Coming straight off Tuesday's win over New York, the Canes return home in an attempt to take care of business once again. Frederik Andersen is slated to start between the pipes. Andersen stopped 29 of 31 shots for a .935 SV% en route to that victory against the Rangers on Tuesday.
The Canes have now won five of Andersen's past six outings, which is both a product of his solid performances and the brilliant play of the defense in front of him. At 5-on-5 this season, Carolina ranks first in the league in xGA/60.
The Canes are just as good offensively. This season, Carolina ranks second in the league in xGF/60 at 5-on-5.
Ranking as a top-two team in terms of offensive and defensive metrics, it is not surprising the Canes find themselves with the second-best record in hockey.
Rangers vs. Hurricanes Pick
Boasting the better offense and defense, the Canes should once again take care of business against the Rangers. Considering Carolina's stingy defense and a penalty kill that ranks among the best in the league, the Hurricanes should once again shut down a New York offense due for regression.
The biggest concern in backing the Canes is Shesterkin, who is projected to get another crack Thursday. However, his defense bleeds high-danger scoring chances that keep him busy all night, which is why he has lost three of the past four meetings against Carolina.
Pick: Hurricanes Moneyline |
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