{"id":480745,"date":"2025-12-29T10:55:36","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T15:55:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=480745"},"modified":"2025-12-29T10:55:36","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T15:55:36","slug":"nhl-predictions-december-29th-new-york-rangers-at-carolina-hurricanes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/29\/nhl-predictions-december-29th-new-york-rangers-at-carolina-hurricanes\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: December 29th New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey <\/i>look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the New York Rangers<\/span>. Don\u2019t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025\u201326 season.<\/p>\n

NHL Predictions with Rangers and Hurricanes<\/h3>\n

Time:<\/strong> 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n

Location: <\/b><\/span>Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina<\/p>\n

How to Watch<\/a>: MSGSN, FanDuel Sports Network South, ESPN+<\/h3>\n

2025\u201326 Season Series: New York, 1 Carolina 1<\/b><\/p>\n

The New York Rangers (19-17-4) \u00a0continue their stretch against Metropolitan Division opponents with a tough test against the Carolina Hurricanes. These teams are no strangers to one another, and meetings between them are often defined by pace, physicality, and tight checking. With both clubs jockeying for position in the standings, this matchup carries added importance.<\/p>\n

The Rangers enter the game looking to build consistency, something that has been a focal point throughout the season. While flashes of high-end offence have been present, New York\u2019s success often hinges on their ability to stay structured defensively and capitalize on special teams opportunities.<\/p>\n

Carolina (23-11-3), meanwhile, remains one of the league\u2019s most aggressive possession teams. The Hurricanes thrive on forechecking pressure and sustained offensive-zone time, often wearing opponents down over the course of sixty minutes. When Carolina dictates the tempo, they are difficult to slow down.<\/p>\n

New York Rangers<\/a> Keys to the Game<\/h3>\n

For the Rangers, goaltending will once again play a pivotal role. Whether it\u2019s Igor Shesterkin or his counterpart getting the start, New York will need strong early saves to weather Carolina\u2019s initial push. Limiting second-chance opportunities in front of the net will be critical.<\/p>\n

Offensively, the Rangers must take advantage of their top-end skill. Players like Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad need to create offence off the rush, especially against a Hurricanes team that can be vulnerable when pinching aggressively. New York\u2019s power play could also be a difference-maker if they\u2019re able to draw penalties.<\/p>\n

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Empty net goal for New York!Scored by Simon Holmstrom with 00:16 remaining in the 3rd period.New York: 2New York: 0#NYRvsNYI #Isles #NYR<\/p>\n

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> 2025-12-28T01:56:57.993705Z<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n