Two teams that split their head-to-head series (two wins apiece) last year, the New York Rangers and the Carolina Hurricanes clash at PNC Arena for a Metropolitan Division showdown. The opening face-off takes place at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 22, and it is being televised live on Fox Sports Carolina.
New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes Odds
Carolina (-130) is currently the favorite over New York (+110), and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at an even 6 goals (-125 under, +105 over).
New York is 10-11 straight up (SU) and has lost 3.3 units for moneyline bettors this year. 12 of its matches have gone over the total, while eight have gone under and just one has pushed. The Broadway Blueshirts are 2-5 SU on the road in 2017-18.
New York has converted on 22.7 percent of its power play chances this year, a mark that places them in the top-10 among NHL teams. Its penalty kill is ranked 15th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 81.4 percent of all penalties.
For the team as a whole, the Broadway Blueshirts have been whistled for penalties 3.9 times per game overall in the 2017-18 season, 3.6 per game over its past five total, and 4.2 per game over its last five on the road. The team has been forced to defend opponent power plays 8.9 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
With a .911 save percentage and 27.3 saves per game, Henrik Lundqvist (9-9-2) has been the best option in goal for New York this year. If head coach Alain Vigneault decides to rest him, however, New York might turn to Ondrej Pavelec (1-4 record, .886 save percentage, 3.69 goals against average).
The visiting Rangers will be led by Mika Zibanejad and Kevin Shattenkirk. Zibanejad has 20 points on 10 goals and 10 assists, and has recorded multiple points four times. Shattenkirk has five goals and 12 assists to his credit (and has registered a point in 13 games).
Carolina is 9-10 straight up (SU) and has lost 2.5 units for moneyline bettors thus far. 10 of its games have gone over the total, while eight have gone under and just one has pushed. This year, the team is 4-5 SU at home.
The Hurricanes have converted on just 15.4 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a mark that’s ranked 27th in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 15th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 80.9 percent of all penalties.
Hurricanes players have been sent to the penalty box only 2.7 times per game in total this season, and 3.8 per game over their last five games. The team has had to stave off opponent power plays just 5.6 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Scott Darling (24.9 saves per game) has been the primary netminder in goal for the Hurricanes. Darling has six wins, eight losses, and four OT losses and has maintained a fairly-weak .909 save percentage and 2.46 goals against average this season.
Teuvo Teravainen (eight goals, 11 assists) will pace the offensive attack for the Canes.
New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Betting Predictions
Predictions: SU Winner – Hurricanes, O/U – Over
Betting Trends:
- The over has hit in three of Carolina’s last five games.
- Seven of New York’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 5-2 in those games.
