Rangers vs. Panthers Odds
| Rangers Odds | -145 |
| Panthers Odds | +125 |
| Over/Under | 6.5 |
| Time | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
| Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
Two Eastern Conference powerhouses take the ice Tuesday at Madison Square Garden when the New York Rangers host the Florida Panthers. These teams have faced off twice, withee each securing a win.
It’s almost laughable how good the Florida Panthers have been. From losing head coach Joel Quenneville eid-season, they have brought themselves to have the most points in the league. Florida has also gone 8-2 in its last 10 outings, winning its last four games.
New York is dealing with a recent rough patch, losing two out of its last three games and is missing ket parts of its roster. They have been 6-4 in their last 10 contests, but were very close to losing three consecutive matchups after a heart-stopping battle against Seattle.
Florida Panthers
It’s not even a question that the Panthers are the best team in the NHL. Jonathan Huberdeau is solidifying himself as a superstar in this league scoring at a point per game, while Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov are as well. Mason Marchment even had himself a day with six points on Monday in Columbus. They’re as deep of a team you will find in this league, and easily can be viewed as top contenders for the Stanley Cup.
Being the best team obviously comes with its perks. Florida drives play with the best of them, leading the league in not only high danger chances but also a 3.48 xGF/60 (expected goals per 60 minutes) this season. The Panthers do have a decent power play as well, as they score 20.6% of the time.
While the defense could be better, it’s the goaltending that saves them in the end. Florida allows the eighth-most high danger chances, and 17th in goals allowed.
After a disappointing first two seasons with the Panthers, Sergei Bobrovsky is starting to live up to his contract. The former two-time Vezina Trophy winner is posting a .920 SV% and a second best 22.2 GSAx (Goals Saved Above Expected). While backup Spencer Knight has fared well, he played on Thursday, so expect Bobrovsky to take the net.
New York Rangers
The Rangers are definitely bearing the fruits of their rebuild as they’ve become one of the top teams in the Metropolitan Division. With a deadly lineup featuring Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad and Ryan Strome, teams often fear squaring up with New York. The injury bug has hit though, with Norris winner Adam Fox out for several weeks, as well as Kaapo Kaako and Filip Chytil.
One of the main reasons why the Rangers have been so successful has been their power play. With a 10th-ranked power play at 24.6, the Rangers are tough to stop when they have a man advantage. What’s surprising is the ability, or lack thereof, to drive play. They’re ranked 22nd with a 2.26 xGF/60 and 15th in high-danger chances created. The power play definitely amplified their high-danger chances, because that is a decent difference.
New York surely could be better on defense. They allow the second-most high danger chances, while ranking ninth in goals allowed. It’s also been concerning that they’ve blown three two-goal games in a row.
Igor Shesterkin has been the rock the Rangers have needed since Henrik Lundqvist retired. With a poor defense, the Russian netminder has posted elite numbers with a .937 SV% and a league leading 23.1 GSAx. He will most likely take the net in this matchup.
Rangers vs. Panthers Pick
This will be a fun one to watch. Each game that both of these teams played ended in a 4-3 result, so you know this won’t be an easy win for either team.
Florida is a team capable of netting three-plus goals a night, and with the Rangers talent on the front end, I can see value taking the over on the total.
Pick: Total Over 6.5 Goals (+100)
