Hurricanes vs Rangers Game 2 Prediction, Odds & Picks (Tuesday, May. 7)

May 5, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Tony DeAngelo (77) and New York Rangers left wing Will Cuylle (50) battle for control of the puck in the first period in game one of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

• Canes vs Rangers Game 2 goes Tuesday night at MSG
• The NHL Playoff odds favor the Canes to even the series
• Read below for Canes vs Rangers prediction, odds and picks

The Carolina Hurricanes will aim to even their second-round playoff series against the New York Rangers in Game 2 on Tuesday, May 7 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET with the game broadcast nationally on ESPN and SN.

The Rangers took a 1-0 series lead after a 4-3 victory in Game 1, powered by a 2-for-2 performance on the power play. Oddsmakers have the Hurricanes as slight -120 moneyline road favorites, with the Rangers at +100 and the over/under set at 5.5 goals.

Here is our Canes vs Rangers prediction, along with odds analysis and expert picks.

Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers Odds – Game 2

In the Canes vs Rangers odds for Game 2, Carolina is the -120 road favorite, giving them 54.5% implied probability to even the series.

The Carolina moneyline has shifted from -115 to -120, indicating some potential sharp money. The public is hammering the Rangers in the NHL public betting trends.

Odds as of May 7, 2024, at BetMGM Sportsbook. Unlock the BetMGM promo code to bet on Canes vs Rangers Game 2.

Canes Betting Outlook

Carolina will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing start to the series. In Game 1, the Hurricanes fell behind early, allowing two power-play goals in the first period, and couldn’t complete the comeback in a 4-3 loss. Their normally stout penalty kill, which ranked 1st in the NHL during the regular season at 86.4%, allowed goals on both Rangers opportunities.

Offensively, the Hurricanes got third-period goals from Seth Jarvis and Martin Necas but struggled to generate quality chances against Igor Shesterkin. Top center Sebastian Aho was held to just one assist. Jake Guentzel led the way with 5 shots on goal.

At 5-on-5, Carolina had a strong showing, winning the possession battle with a 56.7% Corsi For percentage. They outshot the Rangers 13-6 in the third period and will look to carry over that momentum into Game 2.

In net, Frederik Andersen got the start in Game 1 and made 19 saves on 23 shots. The veteran goalie went 21-11-1 with a stellar 2.48 GAA and .903 save percentage in the regular season, so look for a better effort Tuesday.

To get back in the series, the Hurricanes will need major improvements on special teams. The power play went 0-for-5 in Game 1 after ranking 2nd in the NHL during the regular season. Staying out of the penalty box will also be critical after giving the Rangers five power plays.

Rangers Betting Outlook

New York has to be feeling confident after taking Game 1 and remaining undefeated in the playoffs. The Rangers’ special teams were the story, scoring two power play goals in the first period and killing off all five Carolina man advantages.

Mika Zibanejad led the way offensively with two goals and an assist. The top-line center now has 10 points in 5 playoff games. Chris Kreider and Vincent Trocheck also scored, giving the Rangers’ top six forwards 10 points in the win.

Mika Zibanejad made a statement in Game 1!@NYRangers | #NYR | #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/ttyPeZcnpH

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) May 6, 2024

While Igor Shesterkin wasn’t heavily tested, he made the saves he needed to, stopping 22 of 25 shots. The Vezina Trophy favorite will need to be on top of his game again as the Hurricanes look to generate more offense.

Defensively, the Rangers did an excellent job blocking shots and keeping the Hurricanes to the outside. They blocked 28 shots compared to just 14 by Carolina. Ryan Lindgren and Adam Fox will be tasked with slowing down the Aho line once again.

Injury Report

Neither team has any new injuries to report. Hurricanes forward Jesper Fast and defenseman Brett Pesce remain out. Rangers forward Filip Chytil is also still sidelined.

Hurricanes vs Rangers Game 2 Prediction

This should be another close game between two of the NHL’s top teams. The Hurricanes have won seven straight games following a loss and will be desperate to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole. Expect them to make adjustments, especially on the penalty kill, and come out with a much better effort.

At 5-on-5, the underlying numbers suggest Carolina should be able to generate more offense. They had a 60.0 CF% when Aho’s line was on the ice and a 66.2 CF% when adjusted for score and venue. If they can stay out of the box and get their power play going, the Hurricanes have a great chance to even the series.

The Rangers’ special teams are due for some regression after clicking at unsustainable rates so far in the playoffs. Their power play is scoring on 44.4% of their chances compared to 26.4% in the regular season. Carolina’s penalty kill should bounce back after ranking 1st in the NHL.

Look for the Hurricanes to play a more disciplined game, win the 5-on-5 battle, and get a big performance from their special teams. At -120 in the NHL odds, Carolina’s moneyline presents good value in what should be a hard-fought Game 2.

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