New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Prediction: Will the Canes Home Dominance Continue?
New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Prediction: Will the Canes Home Dominance Continue?
The Hurricanes defeated the Bruins in 7 games as they finally got over the Boston hurdle as the Bs had eliminated them in two of the three previous playoff seasons. The Rangers overcame a 3-1 series deficit, while notching come from behind wins in Games 5,6 and 7, against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Hurricanes played the entire first round without their starting goalie, Freddy Andersen. Anti Raanta filled in admirably as he went 3-2 in the first round with a 2.37 GAA and a .927 Save percentage. Andersen's status for this series is uncertain as he is listed as day to day. Let's get into our prediction, picks, and odds for Game 1.
New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Line Movement
New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Prediction
These teams met four times during the regular season. The Canes took the season series 3-1 and outscored the Rangers 14-10. Carolina's Power Play went 2/9 and New York's Power Play went 2/12. The Canes outshot the Rangers 140-105 during the series. During the Playoffs, the Hurricanes are averaging 3.43 goals per game and allowing 2.85 goals per game. It is important to note that the Canes went 4-0 on home ice in round 1 and had a +12 goal differential.
The Rangers are averaging 4.00 goals per game in the playoffs and they are allowing 4.14 goals per game. Likely Vezina trophy winner Igor Shesterkin struggled in round 1 as he had a 3.66 GAA and a .910 Save %, getting pulled in Games 3 and 4. In his career, Shesterkin is 1-2 against Carolina, with a 3.07 GAA and a .899 Save%. Raanta has 1 career start against the Rangers, coming in 2018 while he was in Arizona, giving up 1 goal on 25 shots.
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Eliminating the Bruins was a big monkey off the backs of this Hurricanes team, who have been Stanley Cup contenders for the past few seasons. Carolina's relentless puck possession style is going to give the Rangers fits in this series. The Canes have been a great home team all season as they had a 29-8-4 record during the regular season, which has continued into the playoffs. I like Carolina to get off to a fast start in this series and will back them on the -1 puck line tonight.
New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Pick
- Carolina Hurricanes -1 -105 (Bet $105 to win $100)
Article Author
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Tone has been handicapping the four major sports for over twenty years. An NHL enthusiast, Tone’s expertise lies on the ice. He’s excelled and profited finding the right angles on NHL games, particularly with player props, game props, and game totals. A contributor to several gaming sites, you can follow him on Twitter @TonesTakes.