New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers, Game 3 Prediction & Best Bets: Let’s Pick Up the Pace

The New York Rangers have traveled to the Sunshine State for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Florida Panthers. Florida managed to clinch a 3-0 win in the first game at Madison Square Garden, thanks to Sergei Bobrovsky’s perfect defense against all 24 shots. The match remained at 1-0 for a significant duration until Carter Verhaeghe broke the deadlock with less than 4 minutes remaining, which was succeeded by an empty net goal.

Game 2 saw a change in the pattern, with the Rangers taking the lead by scoring just 4 minutes into the game. However, Verhaeghe managed to equalize the score before the conclusion of the first period. The score remained 1-1 until overtime. It was during this time, 14 minutes into the period, that Barclay Goodrow clinched the victory for New York.

We’re now in Sunrise, can the Cats protect their home advantage? Or will the Rangers manage to secure a victory on foreign territory?

Down in Florida for Game 3

In Game 3, Brandon Montour, the top defenseman for the Panthers, will have to make use of his offensive skill.

Matchup Information – Rangers vs Panthers

  • Venue & Location: Amerant Bank Arena
  • Date: Sunday, May 26th, 2024
  • Puck Drop: 3:00pm Eastern
  • Where to Watch: ABC

Betting Odds, courtesy of BetOnline

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Puck Line

  • Rangers +1.5 (-195)
  • Panthers -1.5 (+170)

Money Line

  • Rangers +138
  • Panthers -155

Total

  • Over 5.5 (+116)
  • Under 5.5 (-133)

How Will New York Play on the Road?

Alexis Lafreniere has scored 10 points in the playoffs for the Rangers.

In the two games of this series, Sergei Bobrovsky has been nothing short of outstanding. He thwarted all 24 shots in Game 1 and blocked 28 out of 30 in Game 2, yet, sadly, it didn’t help Florida secure victory. As they return home for tonight’s game, I anticipate Florida will bring an added intensity to their play, challenging the visiting Rangers to match their pace.

During the regular season, the Panthers won two out of three games against the Rangers, including a standalone 4-3 victory in Sunrise in late December. Each of the regular season games had 6 to 7 goals, in contrast to the playoff series where each of the two games only saw 3 goals.

In the previous game, Igor Shesterkin stopped 26 out of 27 shots. Despite playing away from home, I anticipate he’ll perform excellently once more. It’s likely that he’ll be kept busy, given that I foresee Florida taking ample shots at the goal from their home turf. In conclusion, I believe both goalies are in for a challenging night, considering the intensity expected in the upcoming games.

New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers Best Bets

In Game 3, Shesterkin must elevate his performance for the Rangers.

Best Bet: Igor Shesterkin over 29.5 Saves (-107) BetOnline

The Panthers have achieved a minimum of 30 shots in four out of six home playoff games this season, with 28 and 29 shots in the two remaining matches. The team is not merely scraping by this number, but significantly surpassing it with 37, 39 (twice), and even 41 shots at the Boston game during these playoffs. Essentially, the Panthers have a strong record of shooting the puck.

Undoubtedly, the Rangers are proficient in providing Shesterkin with the necessary protection, evident by their ample shot blocks. However, when the Panthers play on their home turf, they seem to put forth every ounce of effort to tilt the series in their favor, 2-1. I foresee the Panthers maintaining control of the puck, creating numerous scoring opportunities, and possibly firing a minimum of 35 shots. This should suffice in pushing Igor to make over 30 saves, but I am of the opinion that he will have a remarkable game and reach that goal with only 32-33 shots from the opposition.

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