The New York Rangers and Florida Panthers are both looking to get back on track as we start 2023.
The Panthers have only won one of their last five games, while the Rangers have lost both of their games following Christmas break.
The Ranger fans always travel well to Florida so this won’t necessarily feel like a typical home game for the Panthers and the underdog happens to be 11-3 in the last 14 meetings between these two teams.
This will be their first meeting of the season. Read our NHL picks and predictions below to see how it plays out.
Rangers vs Panthers best odds
Rangers vs Panthers picks and predictions
The Florida Panthers have had a very rough go of late and are truly a difficult team to figure out.
They lead the league in shots on goal per game, but they struggle to produce offense consistently. On the other hand, the New York Rangers are leading the league in offensive chances per game, averaging 13.11, but have only scored once in their last two games.
To me, the X-factor in this game is going to be Igor Shesterkin. Despite losing his last two starts, Shesterkin has been playing very well of late and is skating to a .918 save percentage and a 2.41 goals against average this season. He's currently tied for second amongst goaltenders with 17 wins on the season and he also enters this game with a +11.2 goals saved above expected.
Sergei Bobrovsky is the expected starter for the Panthers and he's been far from his best. He enters this game with a .897 SV% along with a 3.23 GAA. As such, the Rangers certainly have the edge between the pipes.
Since both offenses have been struggling lately, I’m focusing on the goaltenders and defense which leans toward the Rangers in this matchup. I'll gladly take them as an underdog here.
My best bet: Rangers moneyline (+110 at BetMGM)
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Rangers vs Panthers moneyline analysis
Going into the Rangers' last game, there was a ton of drama aroud Alexis Lafreniere being scratched by head coach Gerard Gallant. Lafreniere will be back in the lineup today and I'm looking for him to be a spark plug for his team.
The Panthers are going to need a spark plug of their own. Matthew Tkachuk has been leading the way with 43 points in 30 games, but he needs a little more help as the other stars like Aleksander Barkov aren’t keeping up with his scoring pace. The Rangers will focus on shutting down those two as they drive the entire offense.
Florida’s power play went 0-for-6 last time out and is currently ranked 26th in the league with a 19.1% success rating. I expect those struggles to continue against Shesterkin tonight.
Rangers vs Panthers Over/Under analysis
It seems like the obvious choice here is taking the Under, which is never a bad idea when Shesterkin is in the blue paint.
Both of these teams have been much more consistent on the defensive end. New York enters this game allowing 2.70 goals against per game; the Panthers haven’t been as strong in their own zone, allowing 3.38 goals per contest.
Both power plays have been struggling, especially the Rangers who have scored just once in their last 16 attempts. They come into this game ranked 18th in the NHL, converting at a 21.4% rate.
The Panthers are going to get a ton of shots on goal like they normally do, but the Rangers should be able to contain them and not allow too many high-danger chances. Give me the Under.
Rangers vs Panthers betting trend to know
The underdog is 11-3 in the last 14 meetings. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs Panthers.
Rangers vs Panthers game info
| Location: | FLA Live Arena, Sunrise, FL |
| Date: | Sun, January 1, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 5:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Bally Sports Florida, MSG |
