The New York Rangers avoided a massive series deficit with a 2-1 overtime victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals Friday night.
In my Rangers vs. Panthers prediction for May 26, I’m looking at the low-scoring trend to continue in the Conference Finals and getting the Under 5.5 at -125 early before it gets any shorter. Read why I'm playing the total that way in my NHL picks and be sure to check out our Rangers vs. Panthers prop picks.
Rangers vs Panthers prediction
My best bet
Under 5.5 (-125 at Pinnacle)
My analysis
Despite a pair of goals in the first frame in Game 2, it took about 56 minutes for either team to find the back of the net after that. Both goalies are on top of their games, and thanks to some questionable physicality from the Florida Panthers, Game 3 is going to be another battle that favors the Under significantly.
The Under 5.5 opened at -125, but with how both Conference Finals have been going, the Under should take the majority of the handle and could close as short as -135.
Combined, both power plays are 1-for-11, while the New York Rangers power play has not had any success so far in the series, which is massive as the team had been leaning heavily on extra-strength scoring in its series vs. Washington and Carolina, where it scored 11 goals.
As the playoffs get deeper, power plays become more infrequent as players know what they can get away with, and the Panthers are getting away with quite a bit.
Even if Florida plays with the lead, the Under is in good hands as it's possession numbers are in its favor, and the Aleksander Barkov line has dominated the expected-goal percentage.
There just aren’t a ton of quality chances being generated so far in the series, and neither goalie has allowed more than two tallies. The tie at +308 is certainly in play, but that tie is coming in a 1-1 or 2-2 game.
Game 3 is going to be a war with how aggressive Florida has been so far in the series, and with the home side holding the Rangers to fewer scoring chances/60 than its other two opponents in the postseason, there is no reason to expect an offensive uptick Sunday.
Both teams are also committed to blocking shots early in this series, with both teams combining for 49 blocks in Game 2 and 38 in Game 1.
Rangers vs Panthers same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 5.5
Sam Reinhart Under 0.5 points
Chris Kreider Under 0.5 points
I'm pairing the full game Under with two player point Unders. Sam Reinhart has yet to find the score sheet in the series, and his line with Barkov has been handling a lot of the defensive responsibilities, which is keeping him from getting O-zone starts and giving value to his Unders.
Chris Kreider has also been held pointless in the series and his line has not stood out through two games. He's pointed just once over his last five games and isn't a guy who touches the puck as much as guys like Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Rangers vs Panthers odds
Rangers vs Panthers live odds
Rangers vs Panthers opening odds
- Puck line: New York +1.5 (-201) | Florida -1.5 (+175)
- Moneyline: New York +137| Florida -155
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-109) | Under 5.5 (-125)
Rangers vs Panthers moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- The Panthers closed as a -115 favorite in Game 1 and a pick 'em in Game 2. The Under 5.5 has closed at -110 and -125.
- Bottom-six forward Jimmy Vesey is questionable for Game 3 after taking a questionable hit on Friday. Blake Wheeler could jump into the lineup after missing every game since February 18.
- The Panthers tighten things up late at home as the third-period Under has a 33% ROI over their last 49 home games.
- Florida is 4-2 SU at home in the playoffs scoring 3.3 goals per game with a 2.17 GAA.
Play at Pinnacle: Offering 25 + years of betting experience
Make your Stanley Cup Playoffs wagers at Pinnacle, which offers Canadians unbeatable value with the most competitive odds in the industry and high limits — come find out why Pinnacle is home to better odds and better payouts!
Rangers vs Panthers trend
The Panthers have hit the game total Under in 58 of their last 100 games (+17.80 Units / 16% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs. Panthers.
Rangers vs Panthers game info
| Location: | Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL |
| Date: | Sunday, 5-26-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ABC, ESPN+ |
Rangers vs Panthers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
