Hurricanes-Rangers Series Returns to New York for Game 6
The Carolina Hurricanes lead the New York Rangers, 3-2, as they face off in Game 6 on Saturday Night. Oddly, all the home teams have won in this series. In fact, the Hurricanes haven’t won on the road all postseason, a streak they are looking to break in Game 6.
Will the home team continue to dominate this playoff series?
If you've been following the Carolina-New York semifinals, you know the home ice basically determined the winner of each and every game. The 'Canes have three wins, all at home. The Rangers have two wins, both at home.
This would indicate it's New York's turn to light the lamp more often than Carolina in the next contest, since they're hosting this critical (possible elimination) match.
The Rangers were soundly defeated in every facet of the game on Thursday night in Raleigh, but should be in a far more confident state of mind coming into what for both clubs will be the biggest game of the season, thus far.
The 'Canes are up 3-2 in their best-of-7 series. Both teams are eager to take their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals next week against reigning Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay.
The puck drops at the famed Madison Square Garden at 8:00 pm EST.
The game is a pick 'em with the total listed at 5 goals, shaded heavily towards the over.
Prediction (powered by Pointspreads):
The Hurricanes haven’t won on the road all postseason. But we think they'll break that streak here. At even money, Carolina is worth consideration, in part, simply because they are the better team.
What's a big concern is Igor Shesterkin, who is not only one of the best goaltenders in the world, but also seemingly infallible at home. The Rangers' anchor has only allowed 2 goals at home in the entire playoffs. As for Carolina, Antti Raanta has had a phenomenal postseason and is carrying the Hurricanes with his excellence.
We are priced into taking the under here, because the payback is a very generous +125. No game has gone over 5 goals in this series, so getting plus-money on the under appears to be a good value.
