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Rangers vs. Hurricanes Prediction and Odds for Game 1 (Can Anyone Beat Carolina at Home?)

By Matt De Saro

Carolina Hurricanes Antti Raanta, Brett Pesce and Jaccob Slavin.
Carolina Hurricanes Antti Raanta, Brett Pesce and Jaccob Slavin. / Jared C. Tilton/GettyImages
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The New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes get it on Wednesday night in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Eastern Conference semifinals. This opening game of the series marks the fifth time these teams have skated against each other this season. The Hurricanes took a win in the season series 3-1 and outscored the Rangers 14-10 along the way. 

The Hurricanes will enjoy the home-ice advantage in this series after going 4-0 against the Bruins at home in their first-round series. This streak sees the Canes priced at -165 to win Game 1 outright at the PNC Arena. 

Here are the odds for tonight’s matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Rangers vs. Hurricanes Odds, Puck Line and Total

Moneyline:

  • Rangers +145
  • Hurricanes -165

Puck line:

  • Rangers +1.5 (-175)
  • Hurricanes -1.5 (+145)

Total:

  • 5.5 (Over -120/Under +100)

Rangers vs. Hurricanes Prediction and Pick

The Hurricanes finished the regular season with the best goals-against average in the entire NHL at 2.44. Carolina’s goaltending rotation averaged a save rate of .916 and ranked eighth in league with six shutouts. It’s a good thing that the Canes have such a talented group because they were pushed hard in their series against the Bruins. Carolina allowed 227 shots against in that series with 207 combined saves. That leaves them with an even better save percentage than the regular season at .920. 

On the other hand, the Rangers relied heavily on an offense that averaged 4.00 goals per game in the first round. They put around 50 more shots on goal in that series than the Bruins could muster against the Canes. 

This is a tough nut to crack with these teams matching up very well. But, home ice has been such a noticeable advantage for the Hurricanes that I don’t feel comfortable fading them here. I focused mostly on the Canes' defense for this article but they also have a competent offense to showcase. The Hurricanes averaged 3.43 goals per game in their first-round series and ranked third in shooting percentage at 11.7. I think they get it done and remain unbeaten at home during the postseason. 

Pick: Hurricanes -165 to win

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE.

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