PNC Arena will be the site for a divisional showdown as the Carolina Hurricanes take on the visiting New York Rangers. It’s the fourth and last time that the two clubs will go at it in the regular season. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 31, and it is being shown live on MSG2.
New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes Odds
Carolina is 35-43 straight up (SU) and has lost 15.2 units for moneyline bettors thus far. That early-season winning percentage hasn’t moved much from the 36-46 record the team produced during last year’s regular season campaign. Of the team’s 78 games this season, 36 have gone under the total, while 36 have gone over and just two have pushed. This year, the team’s 18-21 SU at home.
The Hurricanes have converted on 18.9 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 25th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 77.5 percent of all penalties.
As a team, the Hurricanes have been whistled for penalties just 2.8 times per game overall this season, 2.8 per game over their last five matchups total, and 2.6 per game over their last five at home. The team’s had to stave off opponent power plays for just 5.6 minutes per game over their last 10 outings, in total.
Averaging 25.0 saves per game with a .905 save percentage, Cam Ward (22-19-4) has been the primary goalkeeper for the Canes this season. If head coach Bill Peters chooses to give him a rest, however, the team might turn to Scott Darling (13-28-28 record, .887 save percentage, 3.15 goals against average).
The Canes will continue seeking offensive production via Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen. Aho (64 points) has tallied 28 goals and 36 assists and has recorded multiple points 16 times this year. Teravainen has 23 goals and 39 assists to his name and has notched a point in 40 games.
On the other side of the rink, New York is 33-45 straight up (SU) and has lost 10.3 units for moneyline bettors this year. A total of 41 of its outings have gone over the total, while 32 have gone under and just four have pushed. The Rangers are 12-25 SU as the visiting team this season.
The Rangers have converted on 21.5 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked ninth overall and it’s successfully killed off 82.2 percent of all opponent power plays.
New York’s skaters have been penalized 3.5 times per game in total this season, 4.0 per game over their past five games total, and 3.6 per game over their last five games as the visiting team. The team’s had to defend opponent power plays just 8.4 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Henrik Lundqvist (.915 save percentage and 2.94 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for New York. Lundqvist is averaging 29.1 saves per game and owns a 25-35-7 record.
Mats Zuccarello (16 goals, 36 assists) has been one of the most vital offensive playmakers for the visiting Rangers.
New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes Free Picks
Prediction: SU Winner – Hurricanes, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes
Carolina is 3-3 in games decided by a shootout this season while New York is 3-5 in shootouts.
The over has hit in four of Carolina’s last five outings.
The Hurricanes have averaged the league’s fifth-most shots on goal (33.9) while the Rangers have attempted the 21st-most (only 33.9).
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