Ny Rangers vs Florida Panthers Picks and Predictions October 24th 2024

The New York Rangers are off to a scorching start this season, having netted 31 goals in their first six games, and they’ll aim to keep that momentum rolling when they host the Florida Panthers on Thursday night. This matchup is a highly anticipated one, as the Rangers face off against the defending Stanley Cup champions, a team they clashed with in last season’s Eastern Conference Finals.

Rangers’ Red-Hot Offense

The Rangers have emerged as one of the league’s top offensive juggernauts, leading the NHL in goals. They’re currently riding a four-game winning streak and have set a franchise record for their best-ever start at 5-0-1. New York has scored at least five goals in three of those victories, with their latest win being a 7-2 blowout over the Montreal Canadiens. In that game, the Rangers wasted no time, jumping to a 4-0 lead just 11 minutes into the first period.

Key contributors to this offensive success include Filip Chytil, who scored twice against Montreal, and Artemi Panarin, who has been sensational, tallying 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in his first six games. Panarin has recorded a point in every game so far this season, helping drive the team’s success. Coach Peter Laviolette lauded his team’s balanced attack, stating that all four lines were effective in what he described as the Rangers’ best “team win of the year.”

Panthers Searching for Consistency

Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are looking to bounce back after a tough 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild in their most recent outing. Despite outshooting the Wild and limiting them to just 22 shots on goal, Florida’s defense struggled early, allowing four goals in the first two periods. Sam Bennett provided the Panthers’ lone goal, while goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was pulled after giving up four goals, leaving him still one win shy of his 400th career victory.

Coach Paul Maurice expressed disappointment in his team’s performance, highlighting their lack of physical and emotional intensity. Maurice will be looking for a stronger response against a Rangers team that has been firing on all cylinders offensively. Florida has struggled to generate offense, scoring two or fewer goals in four of their seven games this season. The Panthers will need to elevate their play at both ends of the ice if they hope to slow down the red-hot Rangers.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Rangers’ Offense vs. Panthers’ Defense

New York’s explosive offense, led by Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, will test Florida’s defensive structure. The Panthers’ defense will need to tighten up quickly to avoid another early-game collapse like the one they experienced against Minnesota.

2. Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Rangers’ Attack

If Bobrovsky returns to the net, he’ll need to be at his best to contain the Rangers’ relentless offense. Florida can’t afford another slow start, and Bobrovsky will be key in keeping them in the game.

3. Artemi Panarin’s Hot Streak

Panarin has been on fire, contributing both goals and assists while leading the Rangers’ offense. Florida’s defense will need to find a way to limit his impact, especially given his ability to score or set up goals in crucial moments.

Game Outlook

The Rangers are firing on all cylinders and will look to continue their dominant play at Madison Square Garden. Their deep offensive lineup and strong start to the season make them a tough challenge for the Panthers, who will need to regroup and put together a solid all-around effort if they hope to stay competitive. Florida’s ability to tighten up defensively and get production from key players like Bennett and Bobrovsky will be crucial.

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Prediction

With the way the Rangers have been playing, especially on home ice, it’s difficult to see them slowing down. Florida will need a much stronger showing than they had against Minnesota, but even that might not be enough to stop New York’s high-powered offense.

Rangers 5, Panthers 2