Rangers vs. Panthers odds, Game 2 score prediction: 2024 NHL Eastern Conference Final picks from proven model

Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers look to take a 2-0 series lead against the New York Rangers when the 2024 NHL Eastern Conference Final continues on Friday. The Panthers fought back to a 3-0 victory in Game 1 on Wednesday thanks to aggressive play from Tkachuk and offense, as well as some big saves from Sergei Bobrovsky late in the game. Meanwhile, Igor Shesterkin was the Rangers’ only line of defense as the home team was eliminated for the first time in the 2024 NHL playoffs.

The opening showdown at Madison Square Garden is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Florida is a -113 favorite (risk $113 to win $100) on the money line in the latest Rangers vs. Rangers odds. SportsLine consensus Panthers, while New York is a slight -107 underdog. The over/under for total goals scored is 5.5 and Florida is a -1.5 (+230) favorite on the puck line. Before making any choice between Panthers and Rangers, you need to check the NHL predictions in the SportsLine projection model.

SportsLine’s model simulates every NHL game 10,000 times, taking into account factors such as current form, individual matchups, injuries, and short- and long-term trends when making NHL Picks. He entered the 2024 NHL playoffs on a 7-4 streak on top-rated puck line picks.

Now the model is watching Rangers vs. Panthers and just locked down his NHL picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the picks. Here are the latest NHL Odds and trends for Panthers vs. Rangers:

• Rangers vs. Rangers Money Line Panthers: New York -107, Florida -113
• Rangers vs Panthers over/under: 5.5 goals
• Rangers vs. Rangers disc line Panthers: Florida -1.5 (+230)
• NYR: Eliminated for the first time in the playoffs in Game 1
• FLA: 2-0-0 in game 2 before the ECF
• Rangers vs. Rangers Picks Panthers: See the picks at SportsLine

Why you should support the Panthers

Expect Florida to continue playing a physical game that frustrates New York and causes them to make mistakes. The Panthers forced the Rangers into 12 giveaways and outscored them 38-27, while also winning the faceoff 51.3%. Florida also showed its depth in Game 1, with fourth-line winger Ryan Lomberg leading all skaters with seven hits and never going to the zone.

It also helps the Panthers that Bobrovsky is hot at the right time in the postseason. Although the defense led by Aaron Ekblad had a solid performance in front of him, the goaltender also made a series of big saves in a New York surge in the third period that could have tied the game at 1-1. He will try to be just as sharp in Game 2. See who to support on SportsLine.

Why you should support the Rangers

Shesterkin has been the Rangers’ most consistent player in these playoffs, and that should continue in Game 2. Remember, this is the same goaltender who saw 45+ shots in back-to-back games last round and didn’t wilt. Shesterkin should have another strong performance if he can get help in front of the net and on the other side of the ice.

The Rangers had the second-best home record in the 2024 NHL regular season and their goal will be to play a much cleaner game in front of their home fans on Friday. New York will also be aiming to get its power play working again, as the Rangers are the second-best team in terms of man advantage remaining in the playoffs, while the Panthers are one of the most heavily penalized teams. Look for the power-play unit of Chris Kreider, Vincent Trocheck, Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad and Adam Fox to ramp up the intensity in Game 2. See who to support on SportsLine.

How to make Rangers vs. Rangers picks Panthers

SportsLine’s model leans toward the total, projecting 6.1 combined goals. It also says that one side of the money line has the best value. You can only make your choice at SportsLine.

So who wins Panthers vs. Rangers and which side of the money line is the best value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Panthers vs. Panthers money line. Rangers jump on Fridayall from the advanced model that simulated this confrontation 10,000 times.