The New York Rangers host the Carolina Hurricanes in what could possibly be the biggest game of the season for both of these teams. The Rangers currently sit just four points behind the Hurricanes for first place in the Metropolitan Division. If they can pull off the win here, the Rangers have a very good chance of taking over and becoming the number one seed in the division. 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 (-250) (-104 ML)

New York Rangers: -1.5 (+202) (-115 ML)

Over: 6 (+100)

Under: 6 (-122)

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Why The Hurricanes Can Cover The Spread/Win

The Carolina Hurricanes are having some big goaltender issues right now where both of their top two netminders are injured. Backup goaltender Antti Raanta could possibly play tonight, but if he doesn't, the Canes will be starting Pyotr Kochetkov. So far, Kochetkov is 2-0-0 on the season with a .889 save percentage and allowing 2.07 goals against per game. The Canes have won four straight games and are just one win away from clinching the Metropolitan Division, but the Rangers are hot on their heels. Despite their goaltending woes, the Canes' defense has never been a concern, allowing just 2.43 goals against per game. Their offense has also been solid this season, scoring 3.34 goals per game. The Canes will try their absolute best to secure home-ice advantage for at least the first two rounds tonight.

Why The Rangers Can Cover The Spread/Win

The New York Rangers have already clinched home-ice advantage through the first round of the playoffs, but they want more. This has been a battle all year long, and the Rangers will once again lean heavily on goaltender Igor Shesterkin, the shoo-in for the Vezina Trophy this year. He's averaging a .936 save percentage while allowing just 2.03 goals against per game. He has singlehandedly helped the Rangers get to where they are this late in the season. But it's not just the goaltending, the Rangers have a very underrated defensive play along with a very strong (third-ranking) powerplay unit on offense. The boys in blue will look to defend home ice and try to take the lead in the Metropolitan Divison tonight.

Final Hurricanes-Rangers Prediction & Pick

This game purely comes down to goaltending. The Rangers have the best goalie in the league, not even a question, while the Canes are panicking with injuries. I also want to point out that having that home-ice advantage is a huge deal, especially in the playoff-like atmosphere that this game will certainly have. The Rangers are 26-8-4 on home ice this season and I'm simply way more confident in Shesterkin's ability in net for the Rangers compared to the mystery starter for the Canes. Both teams can pull this off, but give me the Rangers at home tonight. You could even look into taking the Under total goals if you really want to get wild with it.

Final Hurricanes-Rangers Prediction and Pick: Rangers Moneyline (-115)