The Florida Panthers are seeking a big bounce-back game tonight after being shutout on home ice in their most recent effort against the Montreal Canadiens.
The Panthers have now lost two straight games by a score of 4-0, but my Rangers vs. Panthers predictions think New York might be the perfect opponent for Florida to break out of its mini-slump on Monday, December 30. Find out why my NHL picks think that will lead to a higher-scoring game than the oddsmakers are anticipating.
Rangers vs Panthers prediction
My best bet
Over 5.5 (-140 at FanDuel)
My analysis
The New York Rangers have been the worst team in hockey over the past month, and quite frankly, there isn’t even a close second.
Defensively, this team has had a nightmare of a season. Since November 23, the Rangers have allowed the most goals against per game in the NHL (3.76) while also surrendering the second-most shots against per game (31.2).
The Florida Panthers haven’t been all that good defensively either, they’re allowing 3.00 goals against per game over their last 17 contests. However, when it comes to scoring goals, the Panthers haven’t really struggled outside of their last two games. Considering that New York is allowing the second-most high-danger chances against per 60 minutes (11.35), Florida could easily get back to its high-scoring ways tonight.
Florida’s power play has been successful as of late, converting on the man-advantage in four of their last six games. Their power play is at a 29.6% over their last 17 games, which is the sixth-best mark in the NHL.
Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart have been on fire for the Cats. Tkachuk has tallied 22 points over his past 17 games (eight goals, 14 assists), while Barkov and Reinhart have each tallied 15 points, both with seven goals and eight assists. These three are always dangerous every time they’re on the ice.
Igor Shesterkin should get the nod in goal tonight, and it has been a struggle for him recently. He is 3-9-0 in his last 12 starts with a .900 SV% and a 3.36 GAA. He is not the Shesterkin that we’ve gotten used to seeing over the past few seasons.
Both teams should be able to trade chances tonight, but the Panthers will most likely control the play and find the back of the net plenty to carry the Over.
Rangers vs Panthers same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 5.5
Panthers moneyline
Sam Reinhart 1+ points
The Panthers have dominated the Rangers over the past two seasons, winning three out of the last four regular-season meetings. The Rangers can’t get out of their own way, and each game seems to get worse and worse for this team. The Panthers have the edge at both 5-on-5 and special teams, and they should come out with the win tonight.
Sam Reinhart has had a phenomenal start to the 2024-25 campaign with 45 points through the first 37 games. Reinhart has nine points in his last 10 games against the Rangers and always seems to find a way to get on the score sheet against them. With the way the Rangers have been defending, there’s no reason to believe he won’t do so again tonight.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Rangers vs Panthers odds
Rangers vs Panthers live odds
Rangers vs Panthers opening odds
- Puck line: New York +1.5 (-158) | Florida -1.5 (+128)
- Moneyline: New York +164 | Florida -200
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-140) | Under 5.5 (+114)
Rangers vs Panthers trend
The Rangers and Panthers are both allowing 3+ goals per game since November 23. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs. Panthers.
How to watch Rangers vs Panthers
| Location: | Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL |
| Date: | Monday, 12-30-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | MSGSN, SCRIPPS |
Rangers vs Panthers latest injuries
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