Panthers vs. Rangers Analysis and Prediction

The Florida Panthers take on the New York Rangers for Thursday night hockey at Madison Square Garden in what we think will be an intriguing NHL matchup. 

The Rangers have been one of the hottest teams from last season into early in this season, boasting a 5-0-1 record, while the Panthers come in with a middle-of-the-road 4-3-1 mark. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM ET and we’re all set for some awesome hockey.

Panthers vs. Rangers Odds Breakdown

The Rangers are currently -150 favorites on the moneyline, with the Panthers listed at +130.

On the puck line, the Panthers are +1.5 (-205), while the Rangers are -1.5 (+170). The over/under is set at a fairly low 5.5, with the over slightly favored at -120, and the under at +102.

Obviously, the bookmakers are thinking this will be a low scoring game but they’re also thinking that NYR will come out on top. Let’s see how this stacks up.

Rangers: Almost Perfect So Far

New York’s strong start has been fueled by both ends of the ice — offense and defense.

They’re currently averaging an impressive 5.17 goals per game, ranking them first in the NHL. On the other hand, they’re allowing just 2.0 goals per game, good for fifth in the league. They’ve got all of the makings of one of the most dominant teams in the NHL.

Their offense was on full display in their last outing, a 7-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, with players like Filip Chytil and Artemi Panarin shining bright on the ice.

Igor Shesterkin has been solid in the net as well, saving 91.7% of shots faced, and he’ll likely get the start again here tonight.

Their balance of offense and defense makes them one of the most dominant teams in the league, and their home ice advantage at MSG only adds to their appeal.

Panthers: Searching for Consistency

Florida has been more up and down to start the season.

They’re averaging 3.0 goals per game (19th in the NHL) but are allowing a concerning 3.63 goals per game (25th). 

Their defense has been the weak link, as shown by a 5-1 blowout loss to the Minnesota Wild in their last game.

Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky struggled in that game, giving up five goals on 16 shots before being replaced. This looks like both the D and the G need to step up their game.

Offensively, the Panthers are led by Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe, but they’ve lacked consistency in finding the back of the net and keeping pressure. Reinhart, however, is a player to watch, as he’s projected to have the highest chance of scoring the first goal in this game.

Prediction and Best Bet

While the Panthers undoubtedly have the talent, their defensive struggles could be their undoing against a Rangers team firing on all cylinders. 

The Rangers’ offense is clicking and they don’t look like they’ll slow down anytime soon. On top of that, Shesterkin should be able to handle whatever Florida throws his way.

We’re betting that New York’s ability to dominate both ends of the ice will give them the clear edge in this game.

Best Bet: Rangers Moneyline (-150)

The Rangers’ combination of elite offense and reliable defense makes them the smart pick here. You can go for the puck line, but the odds for the moneyline are too good to pass up.

Florida’s inconsistent defense and reliance on Bobrovsky, who has been shaky at times, leaves too many question marks for the underdog to pull off the upset.

Bonus Pick: Over 5.5 Goals (-120)

Both teams have shown they can put the puck in the net, and with the Rangers’ high-powered and dominant offense, the over looks like a good secondary bet.

Even if Florida struggles, New York has the firepower to cover a lot of the total on their own. Expect goals to come fast, especially if the Panthers’ defense and goaltending has another rough outing.