2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs Game 7 Rangers@Hurricanes: Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Game 7

This should be easy. The home team has won every game in this series, and the Hurricanes have won every home game they have played in these playoffs. The Canes first-round series win over the Boston Bruins was precisely like this series has been, as they have been horrible on the road and dominant for the most part at home. Will the form of the home team winning continue to play out in Game 7? Check out the best bookmakers for betting on game 7!

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Keys to victory for the Rangers

The games in Carolina haven’t precisely been blowouts. The Rangers had Game 1 in their hands before the Hurricanes found their game in the third period, tied the score with less than three minutes remaining and won it in overtime. Game 2 was lopsided in the flow of play but essentially a one-bounce game on the scoreboard. Ditto for Game 5, as Carolina had only a one-goal lead deep in the third period.

The Rangers have to create more quality 5-on-5 chances against this defense; Carolina has had the high-danger scoring chances advantage in all three home games. Do that and get a bounce or two, and they can win Game 7. Especially if Igor Shesterkin continues his quietly great road efforts in this series: .955 save percentage, 1.16 goals-against average, 3.26 goals saved above replacement. And if he wants to contribute two more assists to the Rangers’ offense, all the better. The Rangers are a tough, hard-nosed team, and they are fully equipped to go into Carolina and get a win. For this series, the Rangers have been a better team than the Hurricanes.

Keys to victory for the Hurricanes

If the previous 13 games are any indication, the path to victory is the road through Raleigh. They have been here before as they beat Boston in a Game 7 in the Hurricanes previous series. While they’re now 0-6 on the road, the Hurricanes are 7-0 at home with a plus-17 goal differential, 3.57 goals per game and 1.14 goals-against average. They’re just a different team at home, in every facet of the game.

The penalty kill that couldn’t stop the Rangers at Madison Square Garden has an 89.5% effectiveness in Raleigh. The power play that couldn’t get a critical goal in Game 6 has a 4.2% conversion rate on the road and a 19.2% conversion rate at home. The Hurricanes control the game for stretches at home; have better defensive support in front of their goaltending, which has been noticeably stronger at home; and exhibit a physicality that they lack on the road — all in front of rowdy fans who know they’re part of that home-ice advantage.

“We hope it’s a factor. It’s been good for us. So we’re counting on it again, for sure,” Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour said.

Bet on the Hurricanes at Caesars Sportsbook -146[/conversion]

Prediction:

The Rangers have to stay out of penalties because that’s where Carolina has thrived at home. The revived Kids line for the Rangers must play well. The difference is that the Rangers have the better goaltender and are a tougher, more consistent team. Pick Rangers 3-2