The NHL playoffs continue this afternoon as the New York Rangers host the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of this second-round series.
A top-shelf goalie matchup takes center stage in my Hurricanes vs. Rangers predictions with a total set at 5.5.
Find out which side of that line I’m betting in my free NHL picks and Hurricanes vs. Rangers predictions for Sunday, May 5.
Hurricanes vs Rangers prediction
My best bet
Under 5.5 (-118 at Pinnacle)
My analysis
These clubs squared off in the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, and there were five or fewer total goals scored in each of the first five games of that series. I believe we are going to see a similar trend in 2024.
Goaltender Igor Shesterkin will guard the cage for the New York Rangers, and he certainly did his part in the first-round sweep of the Washington Capitals. Dating back to the regular season, Shesterkin has allowed two or fewer goals in five of his past six starts.
He is 6-0 with a commanding .944 SV% and 1.48 GAA over that stretch. There were five or fewer total goals scored in four of those six outings.
Despite the sweep against Washington, there is reason to be concerned with Shesterkin’s goal support moving forward. At 5-on-5, New York ranks last among the 16 playoff teams this postseason in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60).
It depended heavily upon special teams for high-danger scoring chances, but this team won’t get away with that against a Carolina Hurricanes team that finished the regular season in the Top 10 in both penalty-kill percentage and penalty minutes taken per game.
Not that it is any easier to score against the Canes at even strength, given that they rank fourth among the 16 playoff teams in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). Subsequently, there were five or fewer total goals scored in three of their five games against the New York Islanders in the first round. Shesterkin is very good, but Frederik Andersen is no slouch between the pipes.
Hurricanes vs Rangers same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 5.5
Hurricanes moneyline
Backing up Carolina’s efficient blue line is Andersen, who should be able to keep up with Shesterkin. Andersen has been nearly flawless since returning to the crease in March, posting a 13-2 record with a dominant .938 SV% and 1.63 GAA.
If the goaltending battle is a wash, then the Canes are likely to be in a great spot. This postseason, they rank higher than New York, at 5-on-5, in xGF/60, xGA/60, and expected goal differential per 60 minutes.
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 (-300) | New York -1.5 (+220)
- Moneyline: Carolina -115 | New York -105
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-105) | Under 5.5 (-115)
Hurricanes vs Rangers moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- This game basically opened as a pick ‘em and remains at that price at the time of writing
- I think the market will move this line in the Hurricanes’ direction, given all the aforementioned variables
- The total opened at 5.5 and also remains at that number.
- Given the 2022 playoff round between these teams, I would be shocked if the market moves this total to 6.
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Hurricanes vs Rangers trend
There have been five or fewer total goals scored in nine of the past 14 meetings between these teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Hurricanes vs. Rangers.
Hurricanes vs Rangers game info
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date: | Sunday, 5-5-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 4:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
Hurricanes vs Rangers latest injuries
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