The New York Rangers will try and even up the second-round series as they face the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 2 at the PNC Arena. It's time to continue our NHL odds coverage with a Rangers-Hurricanes Game 2 prediction and pick.

 

The Rangers started well in the first period when Filip Chytil fired one past Antti Raanta off a pass from Alexis Lafreniere to give New York a 1-0 lead. It stayed that way until late in the third period, when the game turned on its head. Then, Sebastian Aho deked goalie Igor Shesterkin, bounced a shot off the goalie's pad, and put in the rebound for the game-tying goal. The game went into overtime. 

Ian Cole flung one toward the net, and it somehow got past Shesterkin for the game-winning goal giving Carolina the 1-0 series lead. Also, the Hurricanes remained perfect at home in the playoffs. 

Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Rangers-Hurricanes NHL Playoffs odds:

NHL Playoffs Odds: Rangers-Hurricanes Odds

Rangers: +1.5 (-182)

Hurricanes: -1.5 (+150)

Over: 5.5 (-105)

Under: 5.5 (-115)

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Why The Rangers Could Cover The Spread

New York was two and a half minutes away from stealing Game 1 with a 1-0 win. However, they could not stop the Carolina attack and gave up the game-tying goal. Shesterkin finished with 24 saves on 26 shots. Alternatively, the Rangers could not get many shots-on-goal either. Artemi Panarin finished with two shots, Adam Fox had one shot, while Mika Zibanejad fired two at the net. Likewise, Chris Kreider only had one shot. There was not much space for the Rangers to shoot, and it showed in the game result. 

The Rangers could not handle the faceoffs, which gave them limited opportunities. New York won just 41 percent of its faceoffs, something they must improve upon to have a better fighting chance in Game 2. Additionally, the Rangers had one opportunity on the power play and could not convert. It is a situation where the Rangers must capitalize and put the Hurricanes on their heels. Likewise, they cannot take any penalties to give Carolina's vaunted power-play attack an opportunity. Shesterkin can only do so much by himself. 

The Rangers have to figure out a way to score more goals. They nearly stunned the Hurricanes with the lone goal they scored. However, the key to winning Game 2 will be to put extra pressure on the net and find a way to score multiple goals. The Hurricanes have given up an average of 1.4 goals per game in five home games in these playoffs. Hence, scoring on the Hurricanes at PNC Arena is difficult. 

The Rangers will cover the spread if Shesterkin can once more carry the team on his back. Also, Panarin, Kreider, Fox, and Zibanejad need to find their game and spark the offense. The four of them were the best scorers for New York all season and now is the time to showcase it. Lastly, the Rangers cannot let the Hurricanes have extra opportunities, whether on the power play or in the scoring lanes. 

Why The Hurricanes Could Cover The Spread

Carolina did everything it could to hang with New York while playing from behind for almost the entire game. Likewise, their defense held the top-four Rangers scorers to six combined shots. It is an incredible feat and one they must repeat to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. Likewise, Raanta must continue his outstanding play, as he stopped 27 of 28 shot attempts. 

The Hurricanes dominated 59 percent of the faceoffs and won the hit battle 40 to 31. Additionally, they limited the Rangers to one opportunity on the power play. Carolina is 5-0 at home in these playoffs due to its ability to feed off the crowd and play spectacular hockey. Also, the Hurricanes love to slow the game down and play tight around the edges. It is a significant reason why many teams do not get a high amount of shots against them. 

Aho played well, but Teuvo Teravainen also quietly contributed. He had an assist with a shot on goal. Aho and Teravainen power up the Carolina attack and are large reasons why the Hurricanes have made it this far. 

The Hurricanes will cover the spread if Raanta stands on his head again, and stops every New York shot. Additionally, Carolina needs Aho and Teravainen to come through in the clutch again. Carolina will head back to New York up 2-0 if they continue their rock-solid defense and do not allow the Rangers to breathe.

Final Rangers-Hurricanes Game 2 Prediction & Pick

The game result should be obvious. The Hurricanes are 5-0 at home, and the Rangers are 1-3 on the road in the playoffs. However, it is difficult to ignore that the Rangers led 1-0 with less than three minutes left in the third period. There is a feeling that they will come out with an intensity to try and avoid going down 0-2. Plus, the Hurricanes have to lose a home game eventually. Expect the Rangers to cover the spread. Whether they win or lose will be another story. 

Final Rangers-Hurricanes Game 2 Prediction & Pick: Rangers +1.5 (-182)