Betsided

Panthers vs. Rangers Prediction and Odds (New York's Poor Defense Will Prove Costly)

By Iain MacMillan

The Panthers and Rangers are set to face-off for the third time this NHL season on Tuesday night.
The Panthers and Rangers are set to face-off for the third time this NHL season on Tuesday night. / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit

The New York Rangers will test themselves against the best team in the Eastern Conference tonight when they host the Florida Panthers.

The Rangers have played more games than any other team in the Metropolitan Division, which means they'll need to continue to win if they want to keep a top two spot in the division. They've recently fallen behind the Carolina Hurricanes, and now sit only one point ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Meanwhile, the Panthers have begun to create separation in the Atlantic Division, sitting five points clear of the second place Lightning. This will be the third and final meeting between these two teams this season, with the home team winning the two previous iterations by a final score of 4-3.

Here are the odds via WynnBET for tonight's Eastern Conference matchup.

Panthers vs. Rangers Odds and Total

Moneyline:

  • Panthers -155
  • Rangers +135

Puck line:

  • Panthers -1.5 (+150)
  • Rangers +1.5 (-180)

Total:

  • 6.5 (Over +100/Under -120)

Panthers vs. Rangers Betting Trends

  • The OVER is 4-1 in the Panthers' last five games.
  • Panthers are 6-1 in their last seven games.
  • The OVER is 10-0 in the Panthers' last 10 games vs. Eastern Conference opponents.
  • Rangers are 6-1 in their last seven home games.

Panthers vs. Rangers Prediction and Pick

I have no issue betting on the Panthers as chalky road favorites in this game. As I wrote last week, the New York Rangers are one of the most fraudulent teams in the NHL. If it wasn't for stellar play from their goaltender, Igor Shesterkin, they'd be a bottom 10 team in the league.

Over each team's last 25 games, the Rangers rank 29th in CORSI%, 17th in high danger scoring chances for, and 29th in high danger scoring chances against. The Panthers, on the other hand, rank second, first, and 19th in those three statistics respectively.

There's a reason why the Panthers are the top team in the Eastern Conference. They may not be the best team defensively, but their high-octane offense has proven to be too much for teams to handle night after night, especially a team like New York who allows a plethora of high danger scoring chances.

I'll back the Panthers tonight.

Pick: Panthers -155

Iain is 20-16-1 (+3.34 units) with his NHL picks in 2022. You can see his detailed record here.

Home/NHL Predictions & Picks