Tonight in the NHL, we’re set for a thrilling Game 1 showdown in the Eastern Conference Finals between the Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers. Let’s dive into this highly anticipated matchup, exploring the excitement it promises and highlighting some intriguing player props that deserve your attention.
Series Matchup:
| Team | Series Price |
| Florida Panthers | -150 |
| New York Rangers | +130 |
This is the second time the Rangers and Panthers have faced off in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Their first encounter was 27 years ago, when New York won the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in five games.
Regular Season Matchups:
During the regular season, the Panthers won two of the three matchups against the Rangers.
- December 29th, 2023: New York Rangers 3 @ Florida Panthers 4
- NYR: J. Quick (.879 SV%)
- FLA: S. Bobrovsky (.912 SV%)
- March 4th, 2024: Florida Panthers 4 @ New York Rangers 2
- FLA: S. Bobrovsky (.929 SV%)
- NYR: I. Shesterkin (.897 SV%)
- March 23rd, 2024: Florida Panthers 3 @ New York Rangers 4 (SO)
- FLA: S. Bobrovsky (.919 SV%)
- NYR: I. Shesterkin (.900 SV%)
Path to the Eastern Conference Finals:
The Florida Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1 in the first round and the Boston Bruins 4-2 in the second round.
The New York Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals 4-0 in the first round and the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2 in the second round.
Game 1 Matchup:
Florida Panthers @ New York Rangers
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Series: Florida Panthers 0 – New York Rangers 0
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total |
| Florida Panthers | -110 | -115 | -1.5 (+230) | o5.5 (-108) |
| New York Rangers | -110 | -105 | +1.5 (-285) | u5.5 (-112) |
Tonight’s matchup and the series overall will hinge on several key factors.
5-on-5 Comparison:
Among the 16 playoff teams this postseason, the Rangers rank 12th (2.21) in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60), 13th (2.58) in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60), and 14th (-0.25) in expected goal differential per 60 minutes. In contrast, the Panthers rank 7th (2.49) in xGF/60, 11th (2.49) in xGA/60, and 8th (0) in expected goal differential per 60 minutes. The Panthers have been significantly better at even strength during the postseason and will need to leverage this advantage while minimizing the Rangers’ power play opportunities.
Special Teams:
The Rangers excel on special teams, with a 31.4 percent success rate on the power play and an 89.5 percent success rate on the penalty kill, including four short-handed goals. The Panthers, meanwhile, are at 22.0 percent on the power play and 86.1 percent on the penalty kill. Florida will need to focus on discipline, as they have accrued the second most penalty minutes this postseason, to avoid giving the Rangers power play opportunities. Notably, the Rangers have faced the Capitals and Hurricanes, who are in the bottom half of penalty kill percentages, whereas Florida ranks 3rd, making this the Rangers’ toughest special teams challenge yet. During their three regular-season meetings, New York went 3-9 on the power play against Florida.
New York’s Offensive Leaders:
Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad have each tallied 14 points for the Rangers, largely from the power play. Artemi Panarin, who led the Rangers in points during the regular season, follows with 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists). Chris Kreider and Alexis Lafrenière each have 10 points. The Rangers have benefitted from strong performances from their star players, although Adam Fox, a former Norris Trophy winner, has only four points in the playoffs, despite being fourth in regular-season points.
Florida’s Offensive Leaders:
Matthew Tkachuk leads the Panthers with 14 points (4 goals, 10 assists) this postseason, followed by Aleksander Barkov with 13 points and Carter Verhaeghe with 11 points. Sam Reinhart, who led the Panthers in points during the regular season with 94, has 9 points in the playoffs. The Panthers’ ability to generate scoring from their top three lines will be crucial for their success.
Goaltending:
Goaltending will be pivotal tonight. Igor Shesterkin of the Rangers ranks 5th in save percentage (.923), 12th in goals against average (GAA) (2.40), and 2nd in goals saved above expected (+8.8) this postseason. Sergei Bobrovsky of the Panthers ranks 12th in save percentage (.902), 11th in GAA (2.37), and 8th in goals saved above expected (+2.6). Both goalies will play critical roles in determining the outcome of the game and the series.
FLA: Sergei Bobrovsky [CONFIRMED]
NYR: Igor Shesterkin [CONFIRMED]
Sides/ Totals:
- New York Rangers / Florida Panthers over 5.5 (-108) – DraftKings
Despite the Rangers’ struggles at even strength, they are likely to have ample power play opportunities tonight to generate offense. The Panthers have been the second most penalized team this postseason, and in each of their three regular-season matchups, the Rangers had multiple man-advantage chances. Florida is averaging 3.55 goals per game (GF/GP) in the playoffs and has scored at least three goals against the Rangers in each of their regular season encounters. Igor Shesterkin has historically struggled against the Panthers, allowing three or more goals in four of his last six games against them. Similarly, Sergei Bobrovsky has allowed three or more goals in five of his last six games against the Rangers.
Player Props:
- Vladamir Tarasenko over 1.5 Shots on Goal (-135) – DraftKings
Forward Vladimir Tarasenko, acquired by the Panthers from the Ottawa Senators before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, played for the Rangers last season, tallying 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in the regular season and playoffs combined over 38 games. The Rangers did not re-sign Tarasenko last offseason, potentially giving him extra motivation against his former team. This season, Tarasenko achieved his eighth 20-goal season (23 goals) and eighth 50-point season (55 points) in the NHL. Although he has been relatively quiet in the postseason with two goals and five points in 11 games, he could significantly boost the Panthers if his scoring ignites in this series. He recorded three points (two goals, one assist) and eight shots on goal in three games against the Rangers this season.
Tarasenko has consistently met his shots on goal quota in four of his last five games. During that span, he’s averaging 2.0 Shots on Goal and 4.0 Shot Attempts.
Additionally, Tarasenko boasts an impressive track record against New York, recording over 1.5 shots on goal in five of their last six encounters.
New York currently ranks 14th in the postseason for shots on goal allowed per game, averaging 32.50 shots. Breaking down the distribution by position, the Rangers have conceded an average of 7.0 shots on goal per game to left-wingers this postseason.
- Adam Fox over 1.5 Shots on Goal (-140) – DraftKings
Fox has consistently met his shots on goal quota in four of his last five games. During that span, he’s averaging 2.0 Shots on Goal and 5.2 Shot Attempts.
Additionally, Fox boasts an impressive track record against Florida, recording over 1.5 shots on goal in five of their last eight encounters.
Linemate and Shot Propz provide all Player Prop Data.
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.
