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New York Rangers Vs Carolina Hurricanes Second Round Preview

Rangers Vs Hurricanes Odds and Promos

Series Odds (via FanDuel) Rangers +126, Hurricanes -152

Series Spread (via FanDuel) Rangers +1.5 -154, Hurricanes -1.5 +126

Total Series Games (via FanDuel) Over 5.5 -188, Under 5.5 +152

The two best teams in the Metropolitan Division for the 2023-24 season will square off in a best-of-seven series. The second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs will feature an anticipated tilt between the New York Rangers and the Carolina Hurricanes. Coaches Peter Laviolette and Rod Brind’Amour have built their respective squads to get to this very moment in the season. Acquisitions were made by both squads at the Trade Deadline. Both teams handled their first round opponents with ease. Now, it is time for an all-out battle between two of the best to do it. Looking at the series odds, it is unlikely to find a scenario where the President’s Trophy winners are plus money when looking at the outcome. If you are a believer in the New York Rangers, +126 seems like a bet worth taking.

Rangers Vs Hurricanes 2023-24 History

Despite being in the same division, New York and Carolina only faced off three times during the regular season. The tilts began on November 2, when New York took the first leg by a score of 2-1. Goals from Chris Kreider, Seth Jarvis, and Will Cuylle accounted for the three combined points, but that’s not what this fixture was known for. This one game began the “next man up” mentality showcased by Laviolette’s squad the entire season. Both Adam Fox and Filip Chytil left this game due to injury. Fox would miss the next 10 games, whereas Chytil would remain out for the foreseeable future. Injuries aside, the Blueshirts drew first blood.

In a different light, the new year started off strong for the Hurricanes. January 2, 2024 showed promise for Carolina, defeating the Rangers 6-1 at Madison Square Garden. Two first period goals for Carolina, highlighted by a brace from Andrei Svechnikov led to a five-goal thrashing.

The third and final meeting of the season led to a matchup in Raleigh. A 28-save shutout from Igor Shesterkin and a first period goal from Adam Fox propelled New York to earn another victory and the season matchup. We might not have known it at the time, but fans of both teams figured that for their team to get to a Stanley Cup, a faceoff between these two Metropolitan foes would be inevitable.

Rangers Vs Hurricanes Keys To The Series

What The Hurricanes Need To Do To Remain Favourites

Another trip to the Empire State is on the docket for Carolina. Gone are the days of traveling to Long Island, now it’s Manhattan and The World’s Most Famous Arena that stands in their way. People might be shocked that the second best team in the division is the favourite against the regular season champions. If you look at what Carolina did at the deadline plus what they were able to do against the New York Islanders, you get a tasty Stanley Cup contender.

Brind’Amour and the boys might be listening to Arkells in the locker room because they have been “Knocking At The Door” for years now. Two years ago, the Hurricanes were eliminated by the Rangers in the second round. Last year, it was an exit in the Eastern Conference Finals courtesy of the Florida Panthers. If there is a year to win it all, it is 2024. Statistically, Carolina is just as talented as New York on special teams (both powerplay and penalty kill). They are much better than New York at even strength. If they can remain disciplined against a star-studded New York powerplay unit, Carolina will control this series.

What The Rangers Need To Do To Regain Their Reputation

The New York Rangers deserved to win the President’s Trophy. They were impressive all season long, and went on runs that solidified their regular season title. Therefore, am I surprised that they are the underdogs in this series? The short answer is no, Carolina are a better team built on paper. Then again, this is a matchup that could come down to the flip of a coin.

If the Rangers are going to head to the third round, the performance of Igor Shesterkin will determine their fate. Yes, the Rangers will have to get some scoring help along the way. Then again, Shesterkin is the better goaltender out of the two. If New York can limit the amount of traffic in front of Shesterkin’s crease and if he’s allowed to see the puck head on, I like New York’s chances.

Predictions and Best Bets

My prediction for the first round went awry as New York broke out the brooms over the Washington Capitals. Then again, New York being at plus money is almost a sin for being the best team in the regular season. Although we have to wait for Game One on Sunday, New York is going to have a certain chip on their shoulder. With the pent up aggression plus the physicality from top-to-bottom, New York has something to prove. Rangers to win the series at +126 is the best of bets, do not disrespect the President’s Trophy winners who have a home-ice advantage known as The World’s Most Famous Arena.

Prediction: Rangers in 7

Main Photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

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