NHL Playoff Game 1 Florida Panthers vs New York Rangers: Odds, Tips and Predictions 05/22/24

The Florida Panthers and New York Rangers will battle to see who advances to battle for Lord Stanley’s Cup. The Panthers are the most physical teams in the NHL, while the Rangers are more of a finesse team. This contrast in styles makes this matchup intriguing. Throw in two elite goaltenders, and the Rangers have a home-ice advantage.

Being physical helps this late in the playoffs, as the referees tend to swallow their whistles now. That would not bode well for the Rangers, whose biggest advantage is special teams.

Panthers vs Rangers

• Moneyline Panthers -110
• Moneyline Rangers -110
• Over/Under 5.5

These odds were updated at 6 am EST on 05/22/24, coming from Draft Kings.

Our Best Pick: Panthers to Win

Florida has enjoyed a relatively easy path to this point, winning 13 of 16 matches dating back to the regular season by at least a two-goal margin – an accomplishment I expect could continue in Game 1 of this Eastern Conference Finals series.

Sergei Bobrovsky’s play has been instrumental in these trends, reaching new heights of performance against the Boston Bruins last round.

Bobrovsky allowed two or fewer goals in four of the final five games of that series, going 4-1 over that timeframe with an outstanding.921 save percentage and 1.62 goals against average.

He appears destined to continue this success against New York, having posted an impressive record against them over 14 meetings (.911 save percentage and 2.84 goals against average), winning eight by at least two goals differentials. Check out the best betting site for betting on the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

New York ranks lower than their counterparts in all three key analytical categories. Out of 16 playoff teams at 5-on-5 this postseason at 5-on-5, the Rangers rank 12th for expected goal differential per 60 minutes and 13th in expected goal average per 60 minutes.

This team has succeeded due to two main reasons.

First and foremost, they rely heavily on power-play goals. Unfortunately, this approach won’t suffice if we head further into the playoffs and referees ignore whistles more frequently.

Goaltender Igor Shesterkin has been an integral component of this team’s survival.

The Panthers are the better team on paper and should be favored to win this series, and I think they win game one easily.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet the Panthers to Win

• Goaltending will be the key
• Rangers at Home
• Bobrovsky

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Panthers vs Rangers Moneyline

The moneyline gives you solid lines for both teams since the game is a pick’em right now. If you are looking for the best sportsbook, we’ve got you covered as we break down the best sports betting app

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Panthers to Win

• Money line value on Both Teams
• Take the Panthers on the road
• Goaltending will determine the outcome

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Panthers vs Rangers Over/Under Analysis

The Over/Under is 5.5 in this game. This is tricky over/under, but I would lean towards the under. I expect both goalies to be on top of their games tonight which should lead us to a low-scoring game.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet the Under 5.5

• Odds favor low-scoring game
• Two of the top Goalies in the NHL
• Physical game

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Panthers vs Rangers Spread Analysis

The spread has this game as a pick’em, I believe that the Panthers should be a small favorite. and the Panthers will win game one easily.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet the Panthers to win

• Which team controls the pace
• Panthers are the better team
• Rangers at home

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Panthers vs Rangers Head-to-Head

The Panthers dominated the season series, but all of the games were razor-close, and I expect all of the games in this series to be tight. Check out our guide to betting on the NHL Playoffs.

Injuries and Suspensions

Panthers Injury Report

• Lomborg- Questionable

Rangers Injury Report

• Wheeler- Out

Conclusion

I look for a tight defensive battle that will be decided late in the game. I like the Panthers to pull away late. Panthers 3  Rangers 1