Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals was a disastrous defeat for the Rangers, losing 3-0 to the Panthers and featuring an embarrassing own goal to decide the game.
Being shut out at home is hardly the start the Rangers envisioned, and they will need to turn things around quickly to even up this series.
The odds have remained relatively steady from Game 1 to Game 2, with DraftKings projecting the Panthers at slight -112 odds and the Rangers at -108 odds for this matchup at Madison Square Garden.
The over/under totals 5.5 goals.
The Panthers reverted to a cautious defensive style that put the Rangers on the edge with some hard hitting.
Igor Shesterkin only allowed one run in Game 1, but he’ll probably want Matthew Tkachuk’s shot back.
Rangers vs. Panthers Game 2 Predictions
(8 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Rangers are in a tight spot and will need their best performance of the season to even up this series.
Rangers created numerous scoring chances but kept hitting the goal and were denied by some excellent saves from goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky.
The Blueshirts also failed to convert either of their two power play opportunities, something they will need to improve on if they want to win Game 2.
But this series is very close, the Rangers have taken a lot of hits, and, as The Washington Post’s Larry Brooks pointed out, Matt Rempe’s time is coming up in Manhattan.
The Post follows Rangers coverage in the NHL playoffs
Moneypuck.com predicted the Rangers to win this matchup 65.8 percent of the time, with the expected goals percentage for Game 1 being significantly higher.
According to advanced statistics, the Rangers actually won the game 2.68-2.14.
While the match ultimately didn’t go that way, there’s reason to believe Rangers are undervalued at this price.
Johnny Avello, director of trading at DraftKings, told The Post before the series started that the increased urgency would give the Rangers the advantage in Game 2 even if they lose Game 1.
Well, that’s not the case yet, as you can get the Rangers for a slightly cheaper price.
Do you bet on the NHL?
Game 1 wasn’t as big a red flag as a 3-0 score would suggest, so bet on the Rangers.
Pick: Rangers Moneyline (-105, BetMGM)
