Rangers vs Hurricanes Game 1 Odds & Pick

The New York Rangers squeaked by the Pittsburgh Penguins in Round 1 of the NHL Playoffs after erasing a 3-1 deficit. Now they get the treat of going up against the number one defensive team in the NHL, the Carolina Hurricanes. And to no one’s surprise, New York are heavy road underdogs in the Rangers vs Hurricanes Game 1 odds. This Metropolitan Division clash is set for Wednesday, May 18th, 2022 at 7:00 PM EST at PNC Arena.

Carolina went 3-1 against New York in the NHL regular season and look to continue their dominance with Anti Raanta in goal. Canes regular starter Freddie Andersen is still sidelined, so Raanta has stepped in as the starter in the NHL Playoffs, with a few starts going to Pyotr Kochetkov.

Let’s take a look at the Rangers vs Hurricanes odds as I breakdown why a total might be the best bet for Game 1.

Rangers vs Hurricanes Game 1 Odds

      Odds are courtesy of BetMGM

New York sports betting markets list the under in this Game 1 matchup at + money. The updated Stanley Cup odds have the Hurricanes at +600 to lift Lord Stanley, meanwhile, the Rangers have the second-longest odds at +1400 with the Oilers.

Rangers NHL Betting Value Inflated Due to Igor

Igor Shesterkin, Hart Trophy finalist, has been unbelievable this season. However, it might have hurt the Rangers’ betting value heading into the NHL Playoffs. Shesterkin’s Goals Saved Above Expected rate in the regular season was 34.1, which was the best in the NHL.

This was obviously great for the Rangers as they comfortably clinched a playoff spot. However, this hid their poor defensive numbers and how many scoring chances they give up game after game. This was evident in the Penguins series and even later in the regular season.

Shesterkin had one of his best months in April. He finished with a 1.90 GAA, .930 SV%, and three shutouts. However, in his eight starts in April, the Rangers went just 4-4. This means Igor was hung out to dry A LOT, and unless he played at an MVP-caliber they would lose.

In Round 1 of the NHL Playoffs, the Rangers had the worst Expected Goals Against per 60 rate at 3.63 in 5-on-5. That’s staggering. Against a Carolina team that allows little to no chances and can also score at a high rate, I think New York will really struggle in this series barring any major defensive adjustments.

Carolina’s Defensive Numbers Support Taking the Under

Carolina allowed the fewest goals per game (2.41), shots per game (28), and had the best penalty kill (88.0%). Boston matches up very similarly to Carolina, which is why I believe that series went to seven games. However, the fact that the Hurricanes have three wins in their back pocket against New York must add a level of confidence heading into this series.

Projected Starting Goalies

The two leading point getters on the Canes thus far in the playoffs are defensemen Jaccob Slavin and Tony DeAngelo. Look for Sebastian Aho to step up and be a factor in this series. The Rangers have been very susceptible to good centers this season, giving up a ton of shots and scoring opportunities, so not a bad idea to target guys like Vincent Trocheck and Jordan Staal, as well.

Rangers vs Hurricanes Game 1 Pick & Prediction

With the solid defensive structure of the Canes, Igor Shesterkin’s elite goaltending capabilities, and the fact that overs have been hitting at a premium for both these teams, I will be taking the Under 5.5 at +100 at BetMGM.

The over has hit in the Rangers’ last seven games, meanwhile, the Hurricanes are 8-1-1 to the over in their last 10 games. That being said, the last seven meetings between these two teams at PNC Arena have gone under five times.

I think the value on the line is great. Also, think about it like this – If the over has been hitting so much for these two teams, why is the total set at 5.5? Sharp money has come in on the under, and I’m going to follow it.

Caesars Sportsbook is offering the under at +100 in their Rangers vs Hurricanes Game 1 odds as well.

Pick: Under 5.5 (+100) 1 unit