12:10 pm
August 3

Rangers v. Hurricanes

Who will WIN this matchup?

New York Rangers (37-33-5)

Carolina Hurricanes (38-30-5)

 

Starting Goalies:

Henrik Lundqvist (NYR): Unconfirmed

Petr Mrazek (CAR): Unconfirmed

 

Current odds:

New York Rangers: (+125)

Carolina Hurricanes: (-145)

 

The New York Rangers need more shots to have a shot in this series against the Carolina Hurricanes. That’s how the Rangers view their situation going into Game 2 of the Eastern Conference qualifying series Monday afternoon at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. “We’ve got to get on the inside and get more shots,” Rangers center Mika Zibanejad said.

The Hurricanes aren’t looking for many changes, liking the way most aspects of their 3-2 victory in Game 1 unfolded Saturday. But there are bound to be changes as the series develops, not to mention that the teams will have a quick turnaround with Game 3 set for Tuesday afternoon.

The adjustments could include the goalie position for the Rangers after Henrik Lundqvist, who has enjoyed plenty of success against the Hurricanes during his career, was in net for the series opener. Rookie Igor Shesterkin, who was stellar this winter before the season was suspended, was held out with an ailment in Game 1.

Lundqvist was solid while making 34 saves. The area of greatest concern for the Rangers came on special teams. New York went 0-for-7 on power plays.

For the Hurricanes, there will be discussions about better discipline. “I don’t think we can take that many penalties,” defenseman Jaccob Slavin said.

The Rangers swept the four regular-season meetings this season, so they expected the Hurricanes “to come out with more hunger and they certainly did,” Quinn said. “I thought as the game went on, we got better with our mentality.”

The status of Rangers right winger Jesper Fast, who absorbed a hit from former teammate Brady Skjei and was lost in the opening shift, will impact the team’s lineup.

Carolina’s Martin Necas scored in his first postseason game. He was the ninth player in franchise history to score in his playoff debut.

5/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Carolina Hurricanes