Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference will go head to head when the Hurricanes head into New York to take on the Rangers tonight. The Rangers came away with the 2-1 victory in the first head to head meeting back in early November. Both teams have been playing great so let's dive into our Hurricanes vs Rangers prediction and NHL Picks 1/2/24.
Carolina Hurricanes:
The Hurricanes are coming into this game with a strong record, having won three consecutive games, including a 3-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. They have a season record of 20-13-4, placing them second in the Metropolitan Division.
Sebastian Aho has been a key player for the Hurricanes, contributing significantly in recent games, including a multi-point performance against the Maple Leafs. The Hurricanes will be looking to him to maintain his form in this matchup.
In goal, Pyotr Kochetkov has been outstanding, showcasing a .930 save percentage since December 12, ranking fourth among goalies with at least five games played.
New York Rangers:
The Rangers lead the NHL with 51 points and have been performing exceptionally well, particularly in special teams. Their power play ranks at the top of the league at 30.9%, and their penalty kill is also among the best, successfully defending 84.9% of attempts.
Key players like Artemi Panarin, who sits third among all skaters with 50 points, have been instrumental in the Rangers' success.
Game Prediction:
This game is expected to be closely contested, with both teams bringing strong offensive and defensive capabilities. The Hurricanes, averaging 3.32 goals per game, could put pressure on the Rangers with their forward unit and strong defensive play.
The Rangers, averaging 3.43 goals per game, are also expected to create numerous scoring opportunities. With both teams' offensive strengths, a high-scoring game is anticipated.
These teams have gone over 5.5 in 8 of their last 10 games combined and both offenses have been on point.
Best Bet
Hurricanes / Rangers Over (5.5)
Overall, this matchup promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams having the potential to secure a victory. The Hurricanes, as road underdogs, might have a slight edge due to their recent form, but the Rangers' strong performance, particularly at home, makes them the slight favorites for this game
.