Florida Panthers - New York Rangers predictions and free betting tips [02/06/2024]

The Florida Panthers will host the New York Rangers tomorrow morning in the 6th game of the NHL Eastern Conference Final.

Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers are on the cusp of reaching the Stanley Cup Final, showcasing strong performances in the third periods. In the last two games, they clinched 3-2 victories, dominating in the final minutes with key goals from Anton Lundell and Sam Bennett. In the decisive third period of game 5, the Panthers outshot their opponents 16-10, which was crucial for their success. Throughout the playoffs, the team has netted 23 goals in the third periods, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. The Panthers aim to continue their journey to the final, becoming the fourth team to achieve such success since the 2005-06 season. In the current series, their offence and defence are firing on all cylinders: Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Bennett, and Matthew Tkachuk have significantly contributed, scoring 7 goals and providing 9 assists in this series. The defensive strategy has been equally effective, allowing only 11 goals, with Russian goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky saving 116 of 127 shots, an outstanding feat.

A crucial aspect of their success is the depth of their roster. Besides the main forwards, other players like Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, and Anton Lundell have contributed with 5 goals and 4 assists. Defenceman Gustav Forsling added two goals and two assists, bolstering the defence. Sergei Bobrovsky continues to display high-class performance, helping the team minimise goals conceded, which is critically important at this playoff stage.

New York Rangers

The New York Rangers are in a critical situation, having lost game 5 of the NHL Eastern Conference Final 2-3, despite an early goal from Chris Kreider and a last-minute goal by Alexis Lafrenière with an empty net. Igor Shesterkin played a noteworthy role, saving 34 of 36 shots, but the defence faltered, conceding crucial goals. In this series, the team's overall scoring performance has left much to be desired, with only 4 goals in the last two matches. A key problem is the poor form of the Panarin line, as Artemi Panarin, after an excellent first two rounds, has only made 2 assists in the final series. Vincent Trocheck, Alexis Lafrenière, and Barclay Goodrow from the first attacking lines have scored 9 goals and 3 assists. In the current playoffs, the Rangers' offence is ranked 6th, and their defence is 7th, but in this series, forwards are supported by defenders Adam Fox and Erik Gustafsson, although they have made only 3 assists recently.  

The Rangers' defensive line, with Adam Fox and Jacob Trouba, played a key role in the early games, keeping the team in the fight. Igor Shesterkin continues to show high-class performance, which is crucial for their aspirations to win the series. However, Panarin and Zibanejad need to step up, or else Florida will advance to the final.

Prediction for the Florida Panthers vs New York Rangers

I will take a risk and place a bet on the Rangers to win. I believe that "The Breadman" will get fired up and perform better than in the previous 5 games in the final series. In the 5th game, Panarin had only 4 shots in 23 minutes on the ice. It’s time for him to make a contribution, especially considering his record season in the regular games.