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

The New York Rangers are down in the Sunshine State to take on the Florida Panthers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Florida was able to secure a 3-0 victory in Madison Square Garden in Game 1, with Sergei Bobrovsky saving all 24 shots he faced. The game was 1-0 for a while, until Carter Verhaeghe opened up the door with less than 4 minutes on the clock, that was followed by an empty netter.

Now, Game 2 was slightly different, as it was the Rangers who opened up the scoring just 4 minutes into the game. Before the end of the first period, Verhaeghe would once again tie up the contest. We stayed tied up at 1-1 all the way until overtime, where Barclay Goodrow won the game for New York 14 minutes into the period.

Now we are down in Sunrise, can the Cats defend their home ice? Or will the Rangers be able to win this game on the road?

Down in Florida for Game 3

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?

Sergei Bobrovsky has been incredible in two games of this series. He stopped all 24 shots faced in Game 1, and he stopped 28/30 in Game 2, but unfortunately it was not enough for Florida to get the win. Tonight, back at home, I expect Florida to come out with some extra fire power in their skates, and dare the visiting Rangers to keep up with them.

We saw the Panthers take 2 our of 3 games from the Rangers in the regular season, winning the lone game in Sunrise, 4-3 in late December. The three meetings in the regular season saw 6 or 7 goals in each, while we have seen just 3 in each of the two games of this playoff series.

Igor Shesterkin saved 26/27 shots last game, and even being on the road, I think we see him stand on his head again. I certainly think he will face plenty of shots, as I fully expect Florida to pepper the net at home. Ultimately, I think both goaltenders have their work cut out for them tonight, as I think these next couple games will be much higher paced.

New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers Best Bets

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

The Panthers have taken 30+ shots in 4/6 home playoff games this season, posting 28 and 29 in the other two contests. And they haven’t just been barely touching this number, they are soaring over it with 37 SOGs, 39 SOGs twice at home this playoffs, along with a 41 shot game at Boston. The point being, the Panthers rip the puck.

Do the Rangers do a great job of getting in front of it to help Shesterkin? Of course, they block plenty of shots. However, I think at home the Panthers truly bring everything they have in the tank to try and make this a 2-1 series. I see the Panthers dominating possession of the puck, being able to create scoring chances, and mustering up at least 35 shots in the process. That should be plenty to get Igor to 30+ saves, however I think he has a great game and gets there on just 32-33 shots from his opponents.

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