The Rangers secured another statement win in Beantown, keeping themselves in a crowded mix for the Presidents’ Trophy.
It was a tactically sound 5-2 victory Thursday night over the Bruins, who lead the NHL in points heading into the weekend.
New York played a textbook 200-foot game, yielding the opportunistic B’s from creating odd-man rushes through the neutral zone and executing a hounding forecheck.
The win also boosted the Blueshirts two points ahead of the Panthers, the only team left in the NHL they are winless against this season.
Let’s take a closer look at Saturday night’s matchup.
Panthers vs. Rangers odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers | +1.5 (-245) | Over 6 (-120) | -105 |
| Rangers | -1.5 (+200) | Under 6 (+100) | -115 |
Panthers vs. Rangers analysis
Saturday night’s season series finale between New York and Florida offers something of value for both sides: a chance of redemption for the Rangers 19 days after their last loss to Florida, and a get-right game for the Panthers against a stiff competitor.
Florida has hit a three-game rough patch where it has been outscored 12-3.
Sergei Bobrovsky delivered a couple of outstanding saves against the Predators in the most recent 3-0 loss, but irresponsible play between the hash marks was a problem.
He struggled in the previous game against Tampa Bay, but otherwise he has been rock steady with save percentages above .900 in 15 of his last 16 starts.
Igor Shesterkin will return to the cage after a night off, looking to rebound from a frustrating 4-2 loss to the Jets in which the New York led 41-27 in shots.
The Rangers allowed a couple of defensive-zone hiccups to end up in the net followed by a long-range go-ahead goal off the rush Shesterkin likely wanted back.
The game was otherwise as much of a chess match as we could have expected — a game flow that I expect to replicate itself Saturday night at MSG.
Florida remains the No. 2 club in Corsi percentage, a metric the Rangers have been making considerable strides against formidable opponents.
Panthers vs. Rangers pick
Both teams are allowing fewer than 30 shots against per game and hold top-five team save percentages.
The under hasn’t hit in the previous two meetings, but these two contenders tuning up for playoffs should make the even-money price a worthwhile gamble.
Pick: Under 6 (+100, BetMGM)