Namely, Gerard Gallant is having a good last laugh. And it may not be over yet. Gallant is the former head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights. He was, fired two years ago and replaced by his arch-nemesis Pete DeBoer. This year Gallant is a Jack Adams Trophy – Coach of the Year candidate. While DeBoer was fired Monday after Vegas missed the NHL betting postseason. Gallant and his Broadway Blueshirts are coming off an epic seven-game win over the Penguins. New York rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to take the series.
2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Game 1
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rangers | +1½ (-175) | 5½ (-120) | +145 |  |
| Hurricanes | -1½ (+155) | 5½ (EV) | -165 | |
| ||||
SBG Odds Analysis – Carolina Holds Firm as Rangers Defy Odds
First-round action saw the Hurricanes out-last the Bruins in a hard-fought series. The home team won all seven games in that round. In-game seven, Carolina proved it was the better team with a 3-2 win that they controlled all of the ways.
Despite their offshore betting success over the past four years, the betting masses ignore the Hurricanes. Carolina consistently offers gamblers the perfect combination of being a quality team at a reasonable price.
By contrast, the New York Rangers are among the most popular teams on the NHL board. The Broadway Blueshirts have a large and generational following as an Original Six franchise. Following their incredible playoff win over the Penguins, Rangers’ Fever is spreading like a sports pandemic. Indeed, the Broadway Blueshirts have New York’s full attention.
Carolina Hurricanes are a Contrarian Bettor’s Delight
On the whole, there is no team that the NHL Establishment hates more than the Hurricanes. Owner Thomas Dundon has proven you don’t need an absurdly large and multilayered staff to win consistently. Dundon combined jobs slashed expenses and were derided for doing so. Speaking of last laughs, the Carolina owner is having a good one too.
Namely, Carolina goalie Frederick Anderson remains out until late May with a knee injury. But Antti Raanta has stepped into the breach with strong play. Raanta has a .927 save percentage in the playoffs. Offensively, Carolina is led by Tony DeAngelo’s one goal, seven assists, and a +6. Fellow defenseman Jacob Slavin has two goals, six assists, and a +10. At the same time, center Vincent Trocheck has a team-leading three goals.
Resilient Rangers Show Character and Ability
Of course, the Rangers were pronounced dead when they fell behind the Penguins 3-1 in their first-round series. But head coach Gerard Gallant refused to let them quit. New York tightened up and played much better when facing elimination. The Rangers won the final three games with unforeseen levels of guts and grit.
Correlate that goaltender Igor Shesterkin survived some rocky moments to post a .911 save percentage against Pittsburgh. Left-winger Chris Kreider leads New York with five goals.
Rangers at Hurricanes SBG Free Picks
In this situation, the Rangers face an NHL betting letdown spot. Following their emotional game, seven home win over Pittsburgh, game one at Carolina will be a difficult assignment.
Rangers at Hurricanes SBG Best Bet: Carolina Hurricanes.