Hurricanes vs Rangers Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Goalies Come Out Strong

New York will have a challenge on its hands when red-hot Carolina shows up at MSG. Strong goaltending has been key for both of these teams, and that's why our NHL betting picks are banking on the first period Under to hit in this matchup.

Jan 3, 2023 • 14:11 ET • 4 min read
Igor Shesterkin New York Rangers NHL
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The New York Rangers had a great start to the New Year, beating the Panthers 5-3 down in South Florida, but tonight, they welcome the hottest team in the NHL to Madison Square Garden — the Carolina Hurricanes. 

Carolina has set a franchise record of 11 straight wins and has been incredible in the defensive end. New York and the Canes will be playing for the first time since their seven-game series in the second round of the playoffs last year, and it should be a very heated battle. 

This is a matchup between very two strong defensive teams and I don’t expect to see many goals tonight, especially in the opening frame. Find out more in my NHL betting picks and predictions for the Hurricanes vs. Rangers on January 3.

Hurricanes vs Rangers best odds

Hurricanes vs Rangers picks and predictions

One of my favorite bets all season has been taking the New York Rangers' first-period Unders whenever Igor Shesterkin is in goal. I happen to like it even more tonight with how well the Hurricanes have been defensively especially in first periods. 

Carolina has allowed two goals in the first period of its last five games combined, and Antti Raanta has been playing absolutely lights out. The Rangers have also only allowed just two goals in the first period of their last five games combined, so both teams have been pretty strong in their own end out of the gate. 

The Canes enter this game allowing 0.57 goals in the opening 20 minutes, while New York is giving up 0.66. 

This also happens to be a very big game, with Carolina trying to extend its win streak to 12 and the Rangers trying to climb back up the Metropolitan division standings. The opening period might have a bit of a feeling-out process, but I love the Under in the first 20. 

My best bet: First period Under 1.5 (-120 at BetMGM)

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Hurricanes vs Rangers moneyline analysis

The Hurricanes are the hottest team in the NHL for one reason: consistency. They are rarely outworked and are so well coached under Rod Brind’Amour, so you know exactly what kind of effort you are going to get from them tonight. 

The Rangers are coming off of a big win, but they have been the opposite of Carolina this season, not knowing which team will show up. 

Playing on the road doesn’t scare Carolina: it enters this game with a 13-3-5 road record while New York hasn’t been all that good at MSG — skating to an 8-7-4 record on home ice. 

The Canes have won 11 straight because of their work ethic and consistency, which is very tough to bet against.

Hurricanes vs Rangers Over/Under analysis

The O/U is set at 5.5, which is definitely a little more concerning than just the first 20 minutes. I do think that both teams will be able to put the puck in throughout the game, so I don’t necessarily love the Under for the game as a whole. 

Like I said before, both teams are very strong defensively and in goal, but they also have some talented players up front that can put the puck in the back of the net. 

Carolina has scored 17 goals in its last four games — thanks to the help of Martin Necas — who is currently on a five-game point streak and is leading the team with 36 points in 37 games. 

For the Rangers, Kaapo Kakko has looked really good in his last two games, getting top-line minutes with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad

Shesterkin and Raanta — or Kochetkov if he gets the start — should be able to slow both offenses down, but 5.5 just seems a little low to take the Under. I’d go with the Over for the game. 

Hurricanes vs Rangers betting trend to know

The Hurricanes are 15-1 SU in their last 16 overall. Find more NHL betting trends for Hurricanes vs Rangers.

Hurricanes vs Rangers game info

Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Date: Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Puck drop: 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: Bally Sports South, MSG

Hurricanes vs Rangers key injuries

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