New York Rangers vs. Florida Panthers Pick and Prediction – May 28, 2024

NEW YORK RANGERS VS. FLORIDA PANTHERS EXPERT PICK AND PREDICTION – May 28, 2024 — A 2-1 lead gives New York an edge in this series, even if the Rangers haven’t played to their level of expectations. Both of the past two games have resulted in overtime wins for New York, and they’ve survived without help from their power play.

And that has Florida nervous, as the Blueshirts have neutralized the Panthers’ best advantage. Florida has dominated on defense all season, but now it’s facing an opponent that can win that way too. The Rangers are 0-for-18 in the series with the man advantage, and yet they still hold a one-game edge.

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The bigger question was whether Game 3 was a sign of things to come or an aberration. If it’s the former, the advantage goes to Florida. Both goaltenders struggled in Game 3, and the Panthers generated far more scoring chances than the Rangers. If both Igor Shesterkin and Sergei Bobrovsky are showing signs of breaking down under the pressure, Florida is better positioned to take advantage.

On the other hand, New York’s defense has shown that it’s every bit as capable of locking down as well as Florida’s. The Rangers took control of Game 2 with defense, and they’ve used that formula very well. If Shesterkin bounces back, the Rangers could take firm control.

The Odds

Puck Drop

When: Tuesday, May 28 at 8 p.m. EST

Where: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, Fla.

TV: ESPN

Public Bets: Unavailable

Public Money: Unavailable

Odds courtesy of DraftKings, as of May 28th, 2024

New York Rangers vs. Florida Panthers In-Season Trends

The under has worked in two out of three games in the series, but the over has cashed four times in six meetings this season. The best way to follow the trend has been to follow the power play goals. When the home team scores on the power play, the over is 4-0. When it doesn’t (i.e., the two games at the Garden), the under has cashed each time.

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The other thing to keep in mind is that the Rangers’ three wins have all been by a single goal. Florida has had a much easier time opening separation between itself and New York. The Panthers do have a one-goal win, but they’ve also won by two and three goals. If you’re looking for someone to take control of this game, the Panthers are far more likely.

Players to Watch

Alexis Lafreniere certainly answered the bell in Game 3 after his mistake put the Rangers behind the eight-ball in Game 1. His two goals helped ensure that Florida couldn’t play with the lead, a marked difference from Game 1. When the Panthers can’t make the game come to them, they’re a lot less effective.

Florida needs more consistency from Sam Bennett. Getting injured against Tampa Bay changed Bennett’s postseason, and he hasn’t been quite the same player he was in the regular season. Bennett scored twice early in the Boston series, but didn’t produce the rest of the way. So far, the same has been true in this series. The Panthers cannot afford to have that continue.

The Pick

I’ve thought from the beginning that this series was likely to go seven games. I don’t think the balance of power has shifted that drastically to prevent the Panthers from getting back on even terms.

Florida should have won Game 3. While that’s a boon for the Rangers, the way that they won that game isn’t sustainable. The Panthers should be able to knot things up in front of their fans.