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The Florida Panthers (22-13-2) host the New York Rangers (16-18-1) on Monday in NHL action. Puck drop from Florida’s Amerant Bank Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Rangers vs. Panthers odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; Panthers won 2-1 in regular season and 4-2 in the playoffs in 2023-24
This Eastern Conference Finals rematch comes when the defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers rank second in the Atlantic Division at 46 points and the Rangers rank last in the Metropolitan with 33 points.
Talk about a divergent year. Florida, to be fair, has lost back-to-back outings 4-0, including the last one Saturday to recent laughing stocks, the Montreal Canadiens. Before that pitiful pair, however, the Panthers enjoyed a 4-game win streak.
The Rangers continue their eye-popping meltdown after nearly reaching the Stanley Cup Final, having lost 6 of their past 7 games. They’ve endured a 5-0 loss to crosstown-rival New Jersey Devils and, most recently, 6-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday.
Does New York have a chance to turn things around against their vanquishers in last year’s playoffs? Or will the Panthers repeat their dominating performance from the Stanley Cup semis on this smaller scale?
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Rangers at Panthers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 12:33 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rangers +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Panthers -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-150) | Panthers -1.5 (+125)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Rangers at Panthers projected goalies
Igor Shesterkin (11-14-1, 3.06 GAA, .908 SV%) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (16-7-1, 2.80 GAA, .895 SV%)
The Rangers certainly picked an odd year to hand Shesty the most expensive goaltender contract of all time. The Russian comes off an outing in which he let up 5 goals on just 13 shots at the Lightning.
This wilting NY defense, to be fair, has helped Shesterkin face the third-most shots in the NHL (804 — 39 more shots than 4th place), but the franchise’s face moving forward matches the depression spreading across Broadway.
(The recommendations below remain the same if G Jon Quick starts instead.)
Bobrovsky hasn’t looked much better and actually trails Shesterkin in save accuracy. The other Russian had back-to-back games of just 1 goal allowed before coughing up 3 against the Lightning last time out.
Florida continues to help him out, though, by posting the third-fewest xGoals Against Average (2.11), per Moneypuck. Their forecheck and backcheck continue to provide invaluable aid to whomever’s in net.
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Rangers at Panthers picks and predictions
Prediction
Panthers 4, Rangers 1
Moneyline
The Rangers’ train wreck rolls into South Florida, where they’ll have to relive demons from last postseason.
Despite Bobrovsky’s struggles, New York will again be haunted by the more physical, finishing offense led by Sam Reinhart (22 goals T-5th in NHL, with 23 assists).
Of course, the moneyline does not offer inspiring reasons to bet either side, instead following the script of Florida being heavily favored. Don’t do what the market wants you to do.
PASS.
Puck line/Against the spread
For the massive difference in record and output, the favorite’s puck line looks tantalizingly priced. The Panthers are just 16-21 ATS but should capitalize on this soft matchup.
Roll with FanDuel Sportsbook’s spread, which comes in at slightly better juice of PANTHERS -1.5 (+128).
Over/Under
The Panthers boast a battle-tested foundation of scoring that often helps them carry their portion of the total (20-16-1 this year).
The Rangers? Not so much: 15-19-1.
For New York’s ineptitude, fade the Over/Under.
FanDuel holds the better value at UNDER 5.5 (+114).
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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