The New York Rangers and the Carolina Hurricanes battle it out in Round #2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. As we speak, the New York Rangers are up 2-Zippo on the Canes, winning Game #2 in Double OT, at MSG. That Game #2 showed everyone just how close these two teams actually match up against one another. This series is showcasing great saves, sweet goals, and an up-tempo pace of play. I Love It.
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New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes
The Game by The Numbers…
New York Rangers Record as of April 18.2024 - End of Regular Season
55-23-4 = 114
1st - in the Metropolitan Division
1st - in Eastern Conference
1st – Overall, in NHL
The Rangers bring their Deepest Lineup yet, into this series. NYR plays a Patient-Puck-Possession game style, with Tough Team D and Great Goaltending.
Vs
Carolina Hurricanes Record as of April 18.2024 - End of Regular Season
52-23-7 = 111
2nd - in the Metropolitan Division
2nd - in Eastern Conference
3rd – Overall, in NHL
The Canes have been knocking on Stanley’s door for a few years now, and their window is starting to close. Goaltending is their x-factor.
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NEW YORK RANGERS
Keep an Eye On
Zibanejad # 93 F 26G-46A-72 Pts Luke Warm Season - Red-Hot Playoffs.
Panarin #10 F 49G-71A-120 Pts Career Year for #10 – Noticeable in Playoffs.
Kreider #20 F 39G-36A-75 Pts The Heart of NYR. Period.
Trocheck #16 F 25G-52A-77 Pts 58.7% Faceoff Win%. Setting the Playoff Tone.
Shesterkin #31 G 2.58 GAA / .913 Save% The Best G-Man since the All-Star Game.
Rangers Key Injuries
Wheeler #17 F Feb14.24 IR-Out Lower Body
Chytil #72 F Nov01.24 IR-Out Upper Body
Cracks in the Ice
Turnovers and the NYR Stars not shining at their brightest with the spotlight directly on them.
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CAROLINA HURRICANES
Keep an Eye On
Aho #20 F 36G-53A-89 Pts 54.1% Faceoff %
Guentzel #59 F Traded from Penguins a Playoff Gamer for sure.
Andersen # 31 G .932 Save % as well as in GAA with 1.84
Canes Key Injuries
Fast #71 F April15.24 DTD Undisclosed
Raanta #32 G Feb07.24 DTD Lower Body
Cracks in the Ice
Goaltending and lack of grit in their lineup, calms this storm.
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Analysis / Pens Scouting Report
New York Rangers Record as of April 18.2024 - End of Regular Season
55-23-4 = 114
Carolina Hurricanes Record as of April 18.2024 - End of Regular Season
52-23-7 = 111
NYR Goals For 278
Canes Goals For 277
NYR Goals Against 226
Canes Goals Against 211
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NYR Power Play 26.4%
Canes Power Play 26.9%
NYR Penalty Kill 84.5%
Canes Penalty Kill 86.4%
NYR Penalty Minutes 763
Canes Penalty Minutes 693
NYR Team Faceoff 52.3%
Canes Team Faceoff 52.6%
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NYR Team Goals Against Average 2.76
Canes Team Goals Against Average 2.57
NYR Team Save % .912
Canes Team Save % .905
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My View from the Cheap Seats
Section: TV Row: PVR Seat: The Couch
The New York Rangers have fielded their Strongest and Deepest line-up in years. Their Quest for the Cup is real. It is The Coolest Trophy in All Sports or Bust in New York.
The Canes need to get it done this year, since they have 15 UFA / RFA coming due in 2024-2025.
Offense: NYR
Defense: Canes
Special Teams: Canes by % points…super close, so let’s call it Tied…lol.
In my humble opinion, comparing and analyzing the data listed in my scouting report above, the stats say the Carolina Hurricanes should win this series, However, my eye test tells me, it’s the New York Rangers who will actually win this series.
Pen’s Pick: NYR to Win.
Quote of the Day:
“Sometimes you must simply throw logic out the window and see the reality of it all.”
Marc Penner
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