New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes Game 1 Predictions

• The New York Rangers beat the Pittsburgh Penguins in seven games in Round One.
• The Carolina Hurricanes beat the Boston Bruins in seven games in Round One.
• Hurricanes were 3-0-1 against the Rangers this season.

New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes Odds

Odds taken from DraftKings Sportsbook.

 New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes Picks

Carolina Hurricanes beat New York Rangers 3-2

New York Rangers cover

Under 5.5 goals

The New York Rangers will take on their division rival Carolina Hurricanes in Game One of the Second Round of the Playoffs. These teams faced each other four times this season, and the Hurricanes won three times.

The New York Rangers faced the Pittsburgh Penguins in the First Round. The Rangers had a slow start, and it looked like they were out of the series pretty early. They were down 3-1 and were crushed in Games Three and Four but turned on the jets in Games Five and Six. New York won Game Five 5-3 behind Igor Shesterkin’s 29 saves. Game Six went similarly, and the Rangers won 5-3 again; Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad each scored two goals. In Game Seven, both teams showed out, but the Rangers won 4-3 behind Artemi Panarin’s overtime goal.

The Rangers have had all the usual suspects show up in the Playoffs. Center Mika Zibanejad has 11 points (three goals and eight assists), defenseman Adam Fox is playing over 28 minutes a game and has ten points (three goals and seven assists), right-winger Chris Kreider has five goals on 25 shots, and left-winger Artemi Panarin has seven points (three goals and four assists) and a +/- of four. In addition to these four, center Andrew Copp has been productive in the playoffs. Copp was traded to the Rangers this season and only played in 16 regular-season games, but he has seven points in seven games in the playoffs.

The Rangers had some great goaltending from Igor Shesterkin during the season. However, his play has been questionable during the Playoffs. Shesterkin only allowed a little over two goals a game during the season but is allowing over 3.6 goals per game this Playoffs. Shesterkin needs to tighten up this round because Carolina has a more potent offense than Pittsburgh.

The Carolina Hurricanes struggled more than expected in the First Round. They were the heavy favorites to win the round, but the Boston Bruins took them to seven games. The Hurricanes crushed the Bruins in Games One and Two but lost Games Three and Four. Carolina won Game Five 5-1 at home but lost Game Six 5-2 on the road. It did not matter though, as the Hurricanes beat the Bruins 3-2 in Game Seven.

Andrei Svechnikov has been very quiet in the Playoffs, but Vincent Trochek, Jaccob Slavin, and Tony DeAngelo have stepped up. Trocheck has seven points and a +/- of seven, Slavin has eight points and a +/- of ten, and DeAngelo leads the Hurricanes with seven assists.

The Hurricanes are still dealing with a dicey goaltending situation. Frederik Andersen has been injured for the whole playoffs, but Antti Raanta has (for the most part) taken his place. Raanta has played well, but the Hurricanes would be much better with Andersen.

The Hurricanes are an offensively stronger team and playing at home, so they will win Game One.

Head-to-Head: New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes

Why Might the New York Rangers Win?

The New York Rangers are the underdogs but can if they draw penalties and score the first goal.

The Rangers have been electric on the power-play in the Playoffs. They converted on over 31% of their power-plays in the First Round. However, the Rangers could have drawn more penalties. This game, they need to focus on drawing penalties and getting man advantages.

Everyone knows that the team that scores first is more likely to win. The Rangers need to be that team in this game. They will be dealing with a tough crowd in Raleigh, and need to make up for it by striking first.

Why Might the Carolina Hurricanes Win?

The Carolina Hurricanes are the favorites but will only win if they use the home crowd to their advantage and shoot a lot.

The Hurricanes have been a top team all season and are now in the Second Round of the Playoffs. The Hurricanes faithful will be loud and bring a lot of energy in this game. The Hurricanes need to harness that energy and use it to their advantage.

Carolina averaged under 29 shots a game in the First Round. They need to put more shots on net in this game. The Rangers’ goaltenders have not played very well in the Playoffs, so the Hurricanes need to shoot a lot.

Rangers Key Player: (G) Igor Shesterkin

Igor Shesterkin has struggled in the Playoffs. He started six games in the First Round and had a .910 save percentage.

Shesterkin needs to be a brick wall in this game and series. He has to step up and lead his team to the next round.

Hurricanes Key Player:  (RW) Andrei Svechnikov

Andrei Svechnikov has a +/- of six but only has four points in the Playoffs. Svechinkov has to find ways to involve his teammates more and get more points.

How to Watch New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes