Preview: Florida Panthers vs. New York Rangers - Game 3
The Eastern Conference Final continues on May 26, 2024, as the Florida Panthers host the New York Rangers for Game 3 at Amerant Bank Arena. The series is tied 1-1 after two closely contested games in New York. This article provides an in-depth preview of the matchup, including team statistics, key players, and factors that could determine the outcome of the game.
New York Rangers
Preview
The New York Rangers, with a record of 55-23-4 and a strong away record of 25-12-4, aim to take the lead in the series. The Rangers' defensive capabilities and goaltending will be crucial in this tight matchup.
Team Overview
Artemi Panarin leads the Rangers' offense, supported by key players like Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. The Rangers' balanced approach and strong defensive play make them a formidable opponent.
Goaltender Comparison
| Name | Wins | L | OTL | SO | GA/G | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I. Shesterkin | 36 | 17 | 2 | 4 | 2.58 | .913 |
| J. Quick | 18 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2.62 | .911 |
| L. Domingue | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 | .962 |
Scoring Leaders
Artemi Panarin leads the Rangers with 120 points, including 49 goals and 71 assists.
Injury Report
- Jimmy Vesey (LW) - Day-To-Day (Estimated return: May 26)
- Ryan Lindgren (D) - Day-To-Day (Estimated return: May 25)
- Chris Kreider (LW) - Day-To-Day (Estimated return: May 25)
- Filip Chytil (C) - Day-To-Day (Estimated return: May 25)
- Blake Wheeler (RW) - Injured Reserve (Estimated return: May 25)
Team Stats
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| GF/G | 3.39 |
| GA/G | 2.76 |
| SF/G | 31.5 |
| SA/G | 29.5 |
Recent Performances
The Rangers have had mixed results in their last five games, with two wins and three losses. They managed to win Game 2 in overtime after being shut out in Game 1.
Florida Panthers
Preview
The Florida Panthers, with a record of 52-24-6 and a solid home record of 26-13-2, look to regain the series lead on home ice. The Panthers' defensive strength and goaltending have been key to their success.
Team Overview
Sam Reinhart leads the Panthers' offense, with significant contributions from Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov. The Panthers' defense, anchored by goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, is crucial in this matchup.
Goaltender Comparison
| Name | Wins | L | OTL | SO | GA/G | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S. Bobrovsky | 36 | 17 | 4 | 6 | 2.37 | .915 |
| A. Stolarz | 16 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 2.03 | .925 |
| M. Hellberg | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.50 | .922 |
Scoring Leaders
Sam Reinhart leads the Panthers with 94 points, including 57 goals and 37 assists.
Injury Report
- Sam Bennett (C) - Day-To-Day (Estimated return: May 25)
- Ryan Lomberg (LW) - Day-To-Day (Estimated return: May 25)
- Aaron Ekblad (D) - Day-To-Day (Estimated return: May 25)
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson (D) - Day-To-Day (Estimated return: May 25)
- Aleksander Barkov (C) - Day-To-Day (Estimated return: May 25)
Team Stats
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| GF/G | 3.23 |
| GA/G | 2.42 |
| SF/G | 33.7 |
| SA/G | 27.8 |
Recent Performances
The Panthers have been strong defensively in their last five games, with three wins and two losses. They lost Game 2 in overtime but won Game 1 convincingly.
Prediction
Given the defensive strength of both teams and the recent low-scoring nature of their games, the under of 5.5 goals is the pick for this matchup. The Rangers and Panthers have both been involved in tight, low-scoring games throughout the playoffs. Additionally, both teams have elite goaltenders who are capable of shutting down opposing offenses. The importance of this game, with the series tied 1-1, is likely to result in a cautious, defense-first approach from both sides, further contributing to a lower scoring affair.
Pick: Under 5.5 goals
