The Rangers finished as the number one team in the regular season and they are underdogs at home to the Panthers. The oddsmakers are still disrespecting the Rangers in this spot and it will be tough for Florida to come into MSG and try to win this game. The Rangers have the offense, special teams, and goaltending in Shesterkin to withstand the Panthers offensive onslaught and have played the better 5 on 5 hockey than Florida all season. Bobrovsky has been good for Florida, but Shesterkin has played the better series. The Rangers are 2-0 this season in the first game of a playoff series and 8-2 straight up as the number 1 seed in the playoffs in the last three seasons. The Rangers had an excellent home record this season going 34-12 straight up at home. The Rangers have also had success against the Panthers as Florida is 2-5 straight up in their last 7 games against NY Rangers.This team will have home advantage and this game will surely be competitive between two of the best teams in the league, but the Rangers will pull the win out at home.

Best bet: take the Rangers on the moneyline (ML).