Recommended bets: Rangers win, Florida handicap (0), total under 5.5
Series score: 0–0
The Florida Panthers were widely considered one of the Stanley Cup favorites from the start, so a failure to reach the conference final would have been a surprise. In contrast, the New York Rangers faced the Carolina Hurricanes, where bookmakers consistently favored the Hurricanes in nearly every game. This was understandable, as most overseas experts leaned toward Rod Brind’Amour’s team. The Rangers have been highly inconsistent in recent Stanley Cup playoffs—usually smooth during the regular season, but problems arise afterward. In the first round, they faced a Washington Capitals team that no longer resembles the squad that won the NHL’s top trophy, aside from a few names including Alexander Ovechkin. Winning that series in four games was no surprise. Carolina, however, has been considered a contender for several years. Last season, injuries plagued them. But the Rangers truly surprised everyone by taking a 3–0 series lead. The Hurricanes managed to turn the series around, and a seventh game would have happened if not for a brilliant third period in Game 6 by New York. They showed character—something they had lacked in the playoffs for a long time.
Florida presents an even tougher opponent. Last year, the Panthers defied expectations and reached the Stanley Cup Final. Few bet on them, but they made it. Now, they are almost the primary contender for the title. In the first round, Paul Maurice’s team faced their bitter rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning’s championship window is effectively closed, and it’s time for a rebuild. One can’t rely solely on Kucherov. While Florida didn’t win easily, five games speak for themselves. In the second round, the Boston Bruins didn’t seem dangerous despite eliminating Toronto. Initially, people thought that series would also end in five games. Although Boston won Game 1, Florida seemed a bit rusty after a week’s rest. Then the Panthers won three straight games with overwhelming dominance. However, the series could have stretched to seven games if not for Boston’s loss of focus at the end of Game 6. The Florida Panthers are favorites against the New York Rangers, but their play isn’t flawless. Both teams boast two excellent forward lines and outstanding goaltending. At least six games are expected. Bookmakers traditionally view the Rangers’ opponents as favorites, even though the first game is at Madison Square Garden. The odds are as follows:
– New York Rangers win: from 2.55 (BetBoom) to 2.60 (Liga Stavok, Betcity, Pari)
– Florida Panthers win: from 2.40 (BetBoom) to 2.51 (Olimpbet)
