Written by Graeme on Saturday, May 25th, 2024
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The New York Rangers managed to tie up the series against the Florida Panthers, with a victory in overtime.
That early goal came in as the Rangers made sure they weren’t going to be shut out again.
Always nice seeing games going to overtime when it’s the finals as it shows how evenly matched they both are.
We’ve now got the Stars hosting the Oilers today. I’m also actually away tomorrow, and it’s a 3pm kickoff for the Panthers vs Rangers Game 3, so we’re going to do our best to cover that one today.
Here’s our thoughts:
Stars vs Oilers Game 2 Betting Tips:
Scott: Once this game made it to overtime I was worried for the Oilers chances as Skinner was going to face more shots where he has had issues when the shot count climbs. But he made 31 saves and the Oilers won 3-2 early in double overtime.
The Stars went 0 for 5 on the powerplay including a double minor McDavid took in overtime giving them a 4 minute man advantage. Draisaitl extended his point streak to 13 games which is a point in each game they have played in this postseason. The Stars have lost game 1 in 7 straight playoff series going back to 2022.
The Stars need to capitalize on their powerplays and continue firing pucks at Skinner. With game 2 still in Dallas I expect them to tie the series up before it shifts to Edmonton for games 3 and 4.
Stars win incl OT
Graeme: Skinner was able to step up well in the last game.But is he able to do it all through the playoffs? It’s hard to see that.
In saying that it was also a disappointing performance from the Stars offense. I felt they didn’t really adjust too well to the Oilers. Their xG was very low similar to that final game against the Avs, compared to most of their other games.
I think they’ll pull it back tonight, but I’m hesitant about the odds of 1.74 the best I’m seeing. I’m going to go with Over 5.5 goals because despite bothj teams having a low xG in that last one, they still got a decent amount of goals. I think we’ll see a bit more desperation hockey to start the game off here.
Panthers vs Rangers Game 3 Betting Tips:
Scott: Through 3 periods, the Panthers were able to get the same number of goals past Shesterkin as they did in game 1. But this time there wasn’t any own player goals and no empty net goals and it was tied 1-1 and needed overtime.
It took 14 minutes of overtime for the Rangers to win it 2-1 thanks to a goal from Goodrow. This game was a good battle between the goalies and I do think that it will be as the series goes on.
With game 3 in Florida I expect the Panthers to use this to their advantage and retake the series lead.
Panthers incl OT
Graeme: I think this series is going to be very close and I’m going to go with the underdogs the Rangers to Win. Just feel at about 2.35-2.40 odds, there’s value on that. It’s tight but I’d put them more at 2.10 maybe 2.20 best and happy to snag some value.
Florida’s last home game was 12 days ago and it was a loss. Their xGF when at home has been really impressive. Coming off the OT loss and only scoring one goal, should have them come out strong. Well coached team and getting last change will enable them to get better matchups to potentially generate the offense. Rangers depth takes a hit with Vesey out.
Rangers will need to match the offense of Florida, be clinical and bury their chances when they get them. Which they have shown they can do on the road. In all 5 road games this playoffs, Rangers have been able to get at least 3 goals.
Florida will dictate the pace being the home team. And I anticipate will come out strong having just lost and having additional adrenaline of finally playing in front of the home crowd. Rangers will have a tough time trying to make this a defensive battle and trying to stifle Florida’s offense. Which will be hard to do in this environment. Instead they are better suited to try and match it, which will either amount to Rangers goals to keep pace. Or leaving themselves more vulnerable to the Florida counter with the more risks the Rangers take.
Rangers vs Panthers Game Three Over 5.5 +115