Rangers vs Hurricanes Game 3 Predictions, Odds, Starting Goalies & Props

May 7, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) skates with the puck against Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Tony DeAngelo (77) during the third period of game two of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY SportsThe Carolina Hurricanes are favored in Game 3 against the New York RangersWe’ve made our Rangers vs Canes Game 3 prediction, updated with a goalie changeRead below for Rangers vs Hurricanes Game 3 predictions, odds and picks

The Carolina Hurricanes are turning to 24-year-old Russian netminder Pyotr Kochetkov a virtual do-or-die Game 3 against the New York Rangers on Thursday night. The puck will drop at 7:00 pm ET, with ESPN carrying the broadcast in the United States.

Oddsmakers like the goalie change for Carolina, as they’re setting Rod Brind’Amour’s club as heavy home favorites to win their first game of the season. The over/under is priced at 5.5 as Igor Shesterkin aims to continue his impressive play.

Let’s get into the Rangers vs Hurricanes prediction, as we analyze the odds and goalie matchup.

New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes Odds

Carolina is a -165 home favorite in the Rangers vs Hurricanes Game 3 odds, giving them 62.3% implied win probability.

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Rangers Grab 2-0 Series Lead

The Rangers took a commanding 2-0 series lead thanks to a 4-3 double overtime win in Game 2. New York trailed 2-1 after the first period and 3-2 heading into the third before Chris Kreider tied it on the power play early in the final frame. Vincent Trocheck then scored the game-winner in the second overtime period.

In Game 1, the Rangers also prevailed by a 4-3 score in a back-and-forth affair. The two teams have now played seven one-goal games in their last eight meetings dating back to March of last season. The lone exception was a 6-1 Hurricanes win at MSG on January 2.

The Rangers’ special teams have been the difference in this series so far. New York is 4-for-9 with the man advantage and a perfect 10-for-10 on the PK. If the Blueshirts can continue to dominate the special teams battle, they’ll be in great shape to take a 3-0 series lead.

At even strength, though, the Hurricanes have been the better team. They’ve outshot New York 96-74 through two games and generated 23 high-danger scoring chances compared to just 16 for the Rangers. If Carolina can stay out of the box and get more pucks past Shesterkin, they have a great chance to get back in the series.

NYR-CAR Starting Goalies

A major storyline entering Game 3 is in the Hurricanes’ crease. Frederik Andersen started the first two games but allowed seven goals on 74 shots for an .871 save percentage. As a result, Carolina is turning to 24-year-old Pyotr Kochetkov for Game 3.

Head coach Rod Brind'Amour says Pyotr Kochetkov will start Game 3 for the Hurricanes pic.twitter.com/1bT1dFPGKw

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 9, 2024

Kochetkov hasn’t played since April 14 but had an excellent regular season, going 23-13-4 with a 2.33 GAA and .911 save percentage in 42 games (40 starts). For his career, the young Russian is 38-20-9 with a 2.37 GAA and .910 save percentage in 69 games.

For the Rangers, goaltender Igor Shesterkin has been the star of the playoffs so far. The 28-year-old is a perfect 6-0 with a 2.01 goals-against average and .929 save percentage. He made 54 saves in the Game 2 victory.

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New York vs. Carolina Player Props

For NHL player props, Seth Jarvis to score at any time is an intriguing option. The young Hurricanes forward had seven points in five games in Round 1 but has just one goal against the Rangers. He’s due to break out and will be eager to make an impact in front of the home fans.

During Round 1, Jarvis found the back of the net in two of the three games at PNC Arena. He’s fired six shots on goal in Round 2 and will be out for redemption after a glorious missed opportunity in Game 2. At plus-money, Jarvis is worth a flier to find the back of the net in Game 3.

Prop Bet:

Seth Jarvis Anytime Goal

Rangers vs Hurricanes Game 3 Prediction

Oddsmakers are pricing Carolina as heavy home favorites for a reason. The general public is going to love this price on the Rangers considering how the series has played out so far. Vegas isn’t in the business of losing money, however.

The Hurricanes have been dominant at home, going 30-10 at PNC Arena during the regular season. They are a perfect 3-0 at home in the playoffs, outscoring the Islanders 14-7 in their first-round series. Carolina ranked fifth in the NHL with 58 home points during the regular season.

Additionally, Hurricanes face a virtual must-win situation as they look to avoid falling into a 3-0 series hole. Expect a desperate team to come out firing in front of their home crowd. The goalie change to Kochetkov could also provide a spark.

While the Rangers have been a strong road team and Shesterkin gives them a chance to win every night, I believe the Hurricanes will rise to the occasion in Game 3. Carolina’s dominant home record, combined with their strong 5-on-5 play and the likelihood of some positive regression on special teams, points to a Hurricanes victory.

NYR vs CAR Game 3 Pick:

Hurricanes ML (-165)

 

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