While the New York Rangers would rather not be staring at a deficit in their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Carolina Hurricanes, they aren’t afraid of the climb back. New York trailed Pittsburgh 3-1 in the first round before rallying to win the series in seven games. If the Rangers can win Game 4 Wednesday night, New York’s job would be much easier.
NHL expert picks, however, show the Hurricanes’ loss in Game 3 could have been an anomaly. There were more than one statistical category that favored Carolina. The Hurricanes just couldn’t figure out a way to score goals. Carolina will want to get pucks past the New York netminder early to get him off his game.
Last game records
New York beat Carolina 3-1 in Madison Square Garden Sunday. The Hurricanes lead the series 2-1.
Matchup information
Hurricanes at Rangers Betting Analysis
Carolina Analysis
NHL betting stats will show why Carolina was so disappointed with a Game 3 loss. The Hurricanes outshot New York 44-33. Carolina was also the recipient of 35 giveaways by the Rangers. On the powerplay, the Hurricanes went 0-for-3.
Carolina, which is 0-4 on the road in the playoffs, is hoping the woes with the man advantage are just an aberration as the Hurricanes are 0-for-7 thus far in the postseason. The Hurricanes’ scoring has been balanced through the series. Sebastian Aho and Nin Niederreiter are tied for a team lead in scoring with four goals apiece.
Carolina goalie Anti Raanta has a .939 save percentage thus far this postseason. The Rangers also had a 37-26 edge in faceoffs in Game 3.
New York Analysis
The Rangers scored a win for toughness and grit in Game 3. New York outhit Carolina 23-17 in Game 3 and held a 17-10 edge in blocked shots. New York will want to tilt the ice back in its favor and try to even out some of the offensive stats.
However, if the Rangers aren’t effective in doing so, New York will likely be able to lean on Igor Shesterkin. Shesterkin has a .921 save percentage and 2.95 goals-against average in the postseason. Shesterkin was much busier in Game 3; after stopping a combined 44 shots in the first two games, Shesterkin made 43 saves at home.
Getting a win over Carolina was important for New York. The Rangers are 2-8 against Carolina in the team’s past ten meetings. Chris Kreider has led the Rangers with six goals during this postseason. Andrew Copp and Mika Zibanejad have each scored four goals apiece.
Updates
Carolina left wing Jordan Martinook is day-to-day. New York center Barclay Goodrow is day-to-day.
- The Hurricanes are 45-47 against the puckline.
- The Rangers are 47-45 against the puckline.
- Carolina has seen the over go 42-45 in its games this season.
- New York has seen the over go 39-50 in its games this season.
Hurricanes at Rangers Betting Preview
After losing two tight games in Carolina, New York was able to scrape out a win to get back in the series in Game 3. Despite being outshot, the Rangers dug on the penalty kill and was able to stymie a good Hurricanes’ attack. New York has been good at home throughout the postseason.
Shesterkin has been steady throughout the season and showed how effective he could be in Game 3. The Rangers, however, do need to tighten things up. New York allowed Carolina more shots on goal than in the first two games. Carolina isn’t a team that will have trouble taking advantage of opportunities if teams continue to provide them.
With New York being nearly even money, it is worth taking a shot at the Rangers protecting home ice and evening up the series at two games apiece.
Hurricanes at Rangers Betting Prediction
NHL betting odds have Carolina as -113 on the moneyline. The Rangers are -103. Anyone looking for a different type of NHL betting picks can bet on the over/under, which is set at 5.5.
How to bet on Hurricanes at Rangers
Bet on the Rangers -103.
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