Rangers vs. Panthers odds, prediction

The Rangers have, mercifully, been eliminated from playoff contention.

A bizarre, disappointing season for the Blueshirts will end Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, but first, the Rangers will play a dead-rubber contest with the Florida Panthers.

The Panthers are trying to secure home-ice advantage for Round 1, so there’s still something for the Cats to play for Monday evening. 

Florida is a -180 favorite as of early Monday afternoon.

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Panthers vs. Rangers prediction

There’s not much you can say to gussy up how the Rangers have played this season.

A hot start was derailed by self-inflicted roster drama, and things never got better.

From that point on, the Rangers turned into a team that relies on individual skill over team structure and the results are not pretty.

The Blueshirts are 25-32-6 with a -15 goal difference over their last 63 games.

The Panthers have been dealt some tough luck down the stretch in the form of injuries and a suspension, but the Cats remain one of the Stanley Cup favorites despite a recent 9-8-1 run that cost them the chance to win the Atlantic Division. 

Panthers vs. Rangers pick

Florida’s results of late haven’t been pretty, but its statistical profile continues to sparkle.

The Panthers rank first in the NHL in shot attempt percentage and third in expected goals rate over the last 10 games.

Betting on the NHL?

The Rangers have struggled at 5-on-5 all season, and are coming off a dreadful defensive performance against the Carolina Hurricanes over the weekend.

It’s hard to envision things will get much prettier for their final two games of this dreadful season.

The Pick: Panthers -1.5 (+150, Bet365)

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.

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