Florida Panthers vs New York Rangers Picks and Predictions December 30th 2024

Floundering Rangers Try to End Frustrations on Visit to Panthers

The New York Rangers, still grappling with the fallout from their captain Jacob Trouba’s trade earlier this month, are searching for stability as they face the Florida Panthers on Monday evening in Sunrise, Fla.

Rangers Struggle for Momentum After Trouba Trade

Since trading Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 6, the Rangers have struggled to find their footing. With a disappointing 3-8-0 record in their last 11 games, including three straight losses and six defeats in their last seven outings, the team finds itself in a slump.

Most recently, the Rangers fell 6-2 to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, a game marked by missed opportunities and special teams’ failures.

“We’re in the business of winning hockey games and we’re not getting it done right now,” coach Peter Laviolette said. “It’s frustrating.”

After starting the season 12-4-1 and looking like legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, the Rangers have lost consistency. Special teams play has become a glaring weakness, as evidenced by their 0-for-4 power-play performance against Tampa Bay, while allowing two power-play goals to the opposition.

Center Mika Zibanejad echoed the frustrations:

“Result-wise, this is not what we wanted. We can talk about a reset, but if the result is not there, it’s not going to matter.”

Panthers Seek to Break Scoring Drought

The Florida Panthers are also facing challenges, having been shut out in their last two games. Saturday’s 4-0 loss to the Montreal Canadiens was particularly stinging, as the Panthers failed to score against a rookie goaltender making his NHL debut.

Coach Paul Maurice acknowledged the team’s struggles with creating high-quality scoring opportunities:

“We are playing the perimeter game for the most part, and that has a lot to do with it.”

Forward Sam Bennett added optimism, saying, “We are just going to move on from this game. Mistakes are going to be made. It’s about how you help each other and fix them.”

Key Matchups and Goaltending Battle

• Sergei Bobrovsky (Florida Panthers)
  The two-time Vezina Trophy winner has been a bright spot for the Panthers this month. Bobrovsky has posted a 5-2 record in seven starts in December with a 2.24 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. He was solid in a 3-1 victory over the Rangers on Oct. 24 and holds a career 15-12-3 record against New York.
• Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers)
  The reigning Vezina Trophy winner is coming off a rough outing against the Lightning, allowing five goals on just 13 shots. Against the Panthers, Shesterkin has a career record of 4-3-0 with a 2.87 GAA and a .915 save percentage.

Join now for exclusive updates—register here!

What to Watch

Both teams are desperate to correct their recent struggles and regain momentum. The Rangers will aim to tighten up special teams and capitalize on their offensive opportunities. Meanwhile, the Panthers will look to break their scoring drought and lean on Bobrovsky’s steadiness in goal.

With both teams hungry for a win, Monday’s matchup could come down to which side can make key adjustments and execute in critical moments.