The top two teams in the Metropolitan Division will meet in Madison Square Garden tonight as the Carolina Hurricanes look to take on the New York Rangers. Both of these teams only have nine games left in the season and have both already clinched a playoff position, but the Rangers are only two points behind the Hurricanes for first place in the Division. They'll each be fighting for home-ice advantage come playoff time so this game is a true four-point game, which means much more than what the average fan may assume. It’s time to continue our NHL odds series with a Hurricanes-Rangers prediction and pick.

Here are the Hurricanes-Rangers NHL Odds, Courtesy of FanDuel

NHL Odds: Hurricanes-Rangers Odds

Carolina Hurricanes: -1.5 (+195) (-132 ML)

New York Rangers: +1.5 (-240) (+110 ML)

Over: 5.5 (-115)

Under: 5.5 (-105)

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Why The Hurricanes Can Cover The Spread/Win

After seeming as though the Carolina Hurricanes had the Metro division locked up and squared away, they seem to have gotten a bit too comfortable and started to slip over their last month or so. They are 5-3-2 in their last 10 games and have gone 2-3-1 on the road over the last month. With that said, the Canes' goaltending has been strong in Freddie Andersen, who is most likely getting the start tonight. He's giving up 2.07 goals against per game, which is tied with Rangers' Igor Shesterkin for the lowest GAA. Andersen also has a .925 save percentage on the season. He'll look to stop the Rangers from scoring tonight, but lately, if the Canes don't score more than two goals, they don't win.

Why The Rangers Can Cover The Spread/Win

The New York Rangers are on a three-game winning streak and only gave up a total of two goals within those said three games. Tonight's game will be the first of a back-to-back set for the Rangers where they will play in Philadelphia tomorrow night. With that said, it's not best to assume that Igor Shesterkin will get the start in tonight's game, I think it's more likely than not. There's no doubt that he'll win the Vezina Trophy this season as he is rocking a 34-10-4 record with a .935 save percentage and allowing 2.07 goals against per game. He has single-handedly kept the Rangers in games all year long and will hope to continue to do so not only tonight but more importantly when the playoffs come around.

Final Hurricanes-Rangers Prediction & Pick

This is easily the game of the day for me. Both of these teams are so talented and have proved themselves all year long. The Rangers have been hot lately with one of the best goaltenders in the league by their side. The only issue I find with picking this game tonight is who will start in net for the Rangers. If Shesterkin gets the nod, it's a lock. If Georgiev gets the start, I might be looking at the Hurricanes Moneyline, but for now, let's assume Shesterkin guards the pipes at home. With that said, the Rangers are the home team, the hot hand, and available in plus money. Give me Rangers to take over the division tonight.

Final Hurricanes-Rangers Prediction and Pick: Rangers Moneyline (+110)