New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers, Game 6 Best Bets: Can Cats Advance Tonight?

In tonight’s Eastern Conference Finals, the Florida Panthers are playing host to the New York Rangers for Game 6. A victory tonight could secure the Panthers a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals for the second consecutive year. Despite trailing 2-1, the Panthers showcased their resilience by staging a remarkable comeback in Game 4 at their home arena, resulting in an overtime win that leveled the series.

Florida dominated Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, bombarding the net with 37 shots en route to a 3-2 triumph, putting the Rangers in a precarious elimination position. Despite a scoreless first period, the Panthers initially trailed 1-0 just two minutes into the second period, but managed to equalize before the period ended. The game remained deadlocked at 1-1 until the middle of the third period when Anton Lundell scored the decisive goal for the Panthers. Sam Bennett sealed the victory with an empty-netter less than two minutes before the final buzzer. Although the Rangers managed to score one more goal, it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat.

Will they be able to come together and secure a victory tonight, forcing a Game 7? Alternatively, will Florida prevail, earning an opportunity for redemption in the Stanley Cup Finals?

Will the Panthers Clinch the Series Tonight?

Matchup Information – Rangers vs Panthers

• Amerant Bank Arena, situated in Sunrise, FL, serves as the venue and location.
• Date: Saturday, June 1st, 2024
• Puck Drop: 8:00pm Eastern
• Where to Watch: ABC

Betting Odds, courtesy of BetOnline

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Puck Line

• Rangers +1.5 (-183)
• Panthers -1.5 (+163)

Money Line

• Rangers +148
• Panthers -166

Total

• Over 5.5 (+115)
• Under 5.5 (-132)

Can the Rangers Rally on the Road?

The Rangers find themselves in a precarious situation, with their backs against the wall and their entire season hanging in the balance. Tonight’s game holds immense significance, as a defeat would render all their efforts throughout the season futile. New York has harbored hopes of winning the Stanley Cup since the beginning, yet these dreams could be shattered within a mere hour tonight.

The Rangers are expected to come out with great intensity, although it may prove challenging for them.

In just one game of this series, New York managed to register 30 shots on goal, which happened in their Game 2 overtime win. However, in the two games played in Florida, they have only been able to produce 23 shots on goal in each game. This level of offensive output is insufficient given the exceptional performance of Sergei Bobrovsky, who has stopped more than 90% of shots faced in the playoffs. Moreover, Bobrovsky has been supported by a strong defensive effort from his team.

The Panthers have significantly reduced the number of shots on goal they allow per game in the NHL playoffs to only 24.4, providing Bobrovsky with a less challenging time defending the net. On the offensive front, they have been consistently bombarding the net with shots, averaging 33.2 per game, putting their opponents’ goaltenders to the test. Considering the Panthers’ playing style and the high stakes for the Rangers, it seems likely that both teams will aim to increase the tempo in this game.

I believe tonight’s game is highly dynamic, characterized by a fast pace and abundant action, leading to numerous shots on goal. Although the Rangers typically average 26 shots on goal per game, they concede almost 33 shots per game. Consequently, I anticipate that both goaltenders will have ample opportunity to showcase their skills tonight.

New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers Best Bets

Best Bet: Igor Shesterkin over 29.5 Saves (-126) BetOnline

Do I believe the Rangers will win tonight? Maybe not. My inclination is actually towards Florida, although I do expect Shesterkin to face a significant number of shots. He has been saving almost 93% of the shots he has faced in the playoffs so far, and that is mainly due to the Rangers’ weak defense. As I mentioned earlier, the Rangers’ entire 2024 season is at stake, so they must increase the pace of the game and do whatever is necessary to create scoring opportunities.

The Panthers thrive on this specific style of play, particularly when they are playing at home. Therefore, I believe they will maintain this pace, resulting in numerous shots for both teams. While I anticipate Igor allowing a few goals, I expect Florida to unleash at least 35 shots on goal, as they have done in 5 out of 8 playoff games at home this year. Throughout this postseason, they have been averaging 35.25 shots on goal per game at home, and have had games with 37 and 40 shots against the Rangers in this series. I am confident that the Panthers will relentlessly attack the net, and Igor will make enough saves to secure our bet.

What About the Rest of the NHL Playoffs?

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