In a Series Dominated by the Home-Team, are the Hurricanes a Lock in Game 7?
Carolina has one of the strangest playoff runs in recent memory. In this year's postseason, the Hurricanes are undefeated at home (7-0), yet are also winless on the road (0-6). Will that trend continue on Monday night?
If you're following the NHL playoffs, chances are you've heard about the most unusual phenomenon in the New York Rangers-Carolina Hurricanes series. The home team has won every game, so far. Since Carolina hosts Game 7 tonight in Raleigh, is it a foregone conclusion the Hurricanes will win and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals?
We think this game will come down to goaltending, and that's where the Rangers might have the edge.
Both goaltenders are in the spotlight for Monday’s Game 7. New York's Igor Shesterkin continues to show why he’s a Vezina Trophy finalist and is likely to win the award. For Carolina, Antti Raanta struggled badly in Game 6 at Madison Square Garden. He was even pulled off the ice just minutes into the second period after giving up three goals on just 13 shots.
Edge Rangers.
The Rangers hit the road for this decisive Game 7, looking to improve upon their woeful 1-5 record away from Madison Square Garden. The good news is that New York has posted a 7-1 record in its last 8 Game 7 chances. But some may call that ancient history.
As stated, the Hurricanes are a perfect 7-0 at home in these playoffs, the longest streak to start the playoffs since 2014. They’re also a perfect 6-0 in Game 7 contests since the franchise relocated from Hartford to Carolina. The team’s 7 home victories in the playoffs are its most since winning 10 on the way to the 2006 Stanley Cup title.
BETTING THOUGHTS:
Carolina deserves to be modest favourites (Hurricanes -150) on their home ice in Game 7, and they should be able to get the win and advance to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Finals. That's if history is any indication. However, does that really matter here? While the Rangers have been easy money at home, they have struggled away from MSG in these playoffs. We can't back the Rangers, but we also don't trust Carolina, especially with New York boosted by the better goaltender.
So, what about the puckline? The Rangers +1.5 (-220) will cost you more than two times your potential return, and that’s just too much risk for a little bit of insurance. We have to pass on this option.
The UNDER 5.5 (-140) is probably the best bet on the board. Goals have been tough to come by in this series at PNC Arena. The Rangers and Hurricanes have combined for just 9 total goals in 3 games in Raleigh (that's 3.0 GPG). With everything on the line tonight, these teams should see few scoring opportunities.
