The New York Rangers host the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night.
The pregame narrative: Carolina aims to extend its win streak to three against the divisional foes. I’m backing Mikko Rantanen and Adam Fox in the shots department while fading Chris Kreider.
Check out my Hurricanes vs. Rangers props for Jan. 28.
Hurricanes vs. Rangers prop picks
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Best bet: Rantanen over 2.5 shots (-136)
Rantanen did just about everything but find the scoresheet in his game first with the Hurricanes.
The Finn had five shots in 18:54 and a +1 rating in the 3-2 overtime loss to the New York Islanders on Saturday.
I love his matchup tonight against the Rangers who rank T28th in shots allowed/game (30.9).
New York is known to be a little careless in its own zone this season. They allow the third-most high-danger chances per 60 (12.86), per Natural Stat Trick.
Everyone knows Rantanen’s star power. But it’s always nice to make a good impression in a new setting — which is why he should smash this mark tonight.
Key stat: Carolina ranks No. 1 in shots per game (32.0).
Quick picks
Fox over 1.5 shots (-118): The Hurricanes have a hard-nosed defence led by head coach Rod Brind’Amour, but I’ve liked what I’ve seen out of Fox’s play lately.
The former Norris Trophy winner has a combined nine shots in his last two games, and cleared this line in three of five, with five points over that stretch.
His shooting percentage has been a career-low this season (3.6%), with 37 of his 40 points coming via assist. He’s shown more promise lately with his amount of shots increasing.
The Rangers also rank seventh in shots per game (30.0).
Frederik Anderson is in goal for Carolina and has been lights out this season (5-1-0, 2.15 GAA). New York will have to pepper him early and often to throw him off his game.
Kreider under 0.5 points (-148): Kreider is having a season from hell, with trade rumours being circulated around him for months now.
The 33-year-old has just 17 points in 41 games and is on pace for the lowest offensive output (28 points) since his rookie season.
The Hurricanes rank in the top 10 in every major defensive category. And as previously mentioned, have a hot goaltender in the crease tonight.
Picks made at 3:20 p.m. ET on 01/28/2025.
