The New York Rangers jumped out to a 1-0 series lead over the Carolina Hurricanes and the two Metropolitan Division rivals hit the ice again for Game 2 at Madison Square Garden tonight.
The last time Carolina lost consecutive games was February 25, and my Hurricanes vs. Rangers predictions discuss why that won't happen again tonight.
Find out all the details below in my NHL picks for this May 7 affair.
Hurricanes vs Rangers prediction
My best bet
Hurricanes moneyline (-116 at Pinnacle)
My analysis
Striking twice with the man advantage and blocking 28 shots were two keys to victory for the New York Rangers in Game 1 on Sunday.
The Carolina Hurricanes failed to score a power-play goal despite spending 8:06 up a man, and while they won the possession battle with a 56.7 Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5, it was N.Y. winning the shot share (57.6%) and holding Carolina to just 14 shots at 5-on-5.
Special teams were a primary focus for the Hurricanes during Monday’s practice, and I also anticipate them carrying over their third-period momentum in Game 2. Unfortunately, shot blocking is as much will as skill, and the Rangers are both willing and able.
Still, Carolina registered 13 shots on 29 attempts compared to six on 10 from New York in the final frame Sunday. There also wasn’t a top-six forward in blue who won the possession battle or expected goals battle at 5-on-5 in Game 1.
While the Canes have allowed five shorthanded goals with a costly 61.5% penalty kill through six postseason games, they did post a top-ranked 86.4 PK% during the regular season and an even better 93.1% mark following the trade deadline.
On the flip side, the Rangers are up to a 44.4 PP% with a postseason-high 29.6 team shooting percentage across five playoff games compared to respective 26.4% and 15.7% marks during the regular season.
In addition to the pending highlighted statistical correction, look for Carolina to play a more disciplined game tonight.
This is going to be a back-and-forth series, and I expect Carolina to have another strong 5-on-5 showing while making the necessary special-teams adjustments to even the score heading back to PNC Arena for Game 3.
Hurricanes vs Rangers same-game parlay (SGP)
Hurricanes moneyline
Jake Guentzel Over 2.5 shots
Carolina winger Jake Guentzel only registered seven shots on 25 attempts across five Round 1 games against the New York Islanders, so recording five shots on nine attempts against the Rangers in Game 1 was a welcomed return to form. Guentzel averaged 3.7 shots per game across his previous five trips to the postseason, too.
I also value Guentzel and linemates Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov posting a 60.0 CF% at 5-on-5 in Game 1, and an even better 66.2 CF% when adjusted for score and venue. Of course, Guentzel is also set for top-line minutes and a go-to shooting role on the No. 1 power-play unit.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Hurricanes vs Rangers odds
Hurricanes vs Rangers live odds
Hurricanes vs Rangers opening odds
- Puck line: Carolina -1.5 (+219) | New York +1.5 (-256)
- Moneyline: Carolina -120 | New York +106
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (+104) | Under (-118)
Hurricanes vs Rangers moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- There hasn’t been a meaningful adjustment to this moneyline through Pinnacle. The shop opened with Carolina priced as a -120 road favorite, and the Hurricanes are trading at -118 as of Tuesday morning.
- This is a moneyline to prioritize betting at Pinnacle, with the Hurricanes (-118) and Rangers (+106) both carrying better odds than the numbers available at most books.
- The total for Game 2 is a consensus 5.5, with the Under carrying the higher vig. With limited line movement as of Tuesday morning, I’m not anticipating an actionable adjustment to the odds ahead of puck drop.
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Hurricanes vs Rangers trend
The Hurricanes have won seven consecutive games following a loss dating back to the regular season. Find more NHL betting trends for Hurricanes vs Rangers.
Hurricanes vs Rangers game info
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date: | Tuesday, 5-7-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN, SN |
Hurricanes vs Rangers latest injuries
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