Monday’s round of online NHL betting action was littered with sportsbook upsets. Not only were the Dallas Stars able to beat the leaders of the Metropolitan Division, the Washington Capitals, in Washington 4-2, the Ottawa Senators were also able to deliver an equally surprising 4-2 result against the Boston Bruins, albeit it was on home court. Nevertheless, few bettors could’ve anticipated this result, but those that did were able to make a pretty penny of their foresight. But as we prepare to take a look at Tuesday’s round of matchups, will players be expecting more upsets, or will the favorites pull through?
There are a total of 9 games scheduled for Tuesday night’s action, but out of all the intriguing matchups, the contest between the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers has the most on the line. The playoffs are inching nearer every day, and with only a handful of games left on the season, teams cannot afford any slip-ups. Right now, the Rangers might be a little better off than the Panthers, but any mistakes could spell trouble down the road. Let’s take a gander at what most hockey betting sites are foretelling for Tuesday night’s matchup between the Rangers and the Panthers.
ONLINE NHL BETTING ODDS – REGULAR SEASON – Tuesday, March 7th
New York Rangers +1 ½ (-265) 5 ½ (+115) +115
Florida Panthers -1 ½ (+225) 5 ½ (-135) -135
Interestingly enough, sportsbooks have decided to come out in favor of the Panthers, despite the considerable point difference between both clubs. After competing in 64 games this season, Florida slides into this contest with a 29-24-11 record that yields the franchise 69 points for the season. Since the Rangers have amassed 86 points this season, it’s interesting to see the bookies come out in favor of the Panthers. This contest will mark the 2nd time these two teams have faced off this season, with the Panthers coming out on top 3-2 in the first round. The Panthers will once again face the Rangers later this month on the 17th.
The Panthers are averaging 2.4 goals per game which pegs their offense as the 25th worst in the league. Their defense is a little bit better; they’re allowing 2.7 goals per contest which is the 13th best average in the league. Florida is one-point behind 4th place Toronto and 5-points behind third-place Boston in the East. Needless to say, Florida needs a win this evening to remain in playoff contention.
The Rangers, who are not accustomed to being online NHL betting underdogs, enter Tuesday night’s matchup flashing a 42-22-2 record that yields the club 86 points. In their last 5 contests, New York has posted a 2-3 record, and the Rangers will be looking to improve on that in order to punch their ticket to the postseason. The Rangers rank 4th in the Metropolitan, but their 86 points should make them a shoo-in for a Wild Card berth.
The sportsbook underdogs are averaging 3.2 goals per game, the 5th best average in the league. Likewise, they are allowing 2.6 goals per contests, which ranks their defense as the 10th best in the NHL.
