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The Florida Panthers look to take the series lead against the New York Rangers in Game 5 of the 2024 Eastern Conference Final on Thursday evening. The Rangers had a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4, but the Panthers rallied to force overtime and win 3-2. It was the third consecutive game between these teams that was decided in overtime.

Opening faceoff at Madison Square Garden is set for 8 p.m. ET. Florida is a -122 favorite (risk $122 to win $100) on the money line in the latest Rangers vs. Panthers odds from SportsLine consensus, while New York is a +102 underdog. The over/under for total goals scored is 5.5 and Florida is -1.5 (+217) on the puck line. Before making any Panthers vs. Rangers picks, you need to check out the NHL predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model.

SportsLine's model simulates every NHL game 10,000 times, taking into account factors like current form, individual matchups, injuries and short- and long-term trends when making NHL picks. It entered the 2024 NHL playoffs on a 7-4 run on top-rated puck-line picks.     

Now, the model has set its sights on Rangers vs. Panthers and just locked in its NHL picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the picks. Here are the latest NHL odds and trends for Panthers vs. Rangers: 

  • Rangers vs. Panthers money line: New York +102, Florida -122
  • Rangers vs. Panthers over/under: 5.5 goals
  • Rangers vs. Panthers puck line: New York +1.5 (-267)
  • NYR: The Rangers are 7-2 in their past nine games at home 
  • FLA: The Panthers are 14-5 in their last 19 games 
  • Rangers vs. Panthers picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why you should back the Panthers

Sergei Bobrovsky rebounded in Game 4 after allowing five goals on 23 shots in his previous start, and the Panthers have a better chance of winning if he does the same in Game 5. The Panthers are scoring 3.0 goals per game over their last 10 games but have also allowed roughly 2.1, so Bobrovsky has clearly been a difference-maker in close games.

Florida also plays well when the expectations are high. The Panthers are 55-25 this season when they are favored to win, and they already won a crucial Game 5 in the first round of the playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Keep an eye on Sam Reinhart, who has scored three goals in two games including the game-winner on Tuesday. See who to back at SportsLine

Why you should back the Rangers

The Rangers have hung tough in four very physical games in this series and have shown they won't let Florida push them around. After being shut out in Game 1, New York has scored nine goals in three games including an impressive five goals in Game 3.

The high goal volume helps take some of the pressure off of Igor Shesterkin, who has faced 454 shots through 14 playoff games. He still stood tall as he saw 40 shots in Game 4, but some help on the other side of the ice would benefit him in Game 5. See who to back at SportsLine

How to make Panthers vs. Rangers picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 5.9 combined goals. It also says one side of the money line is the better value. You can only get the pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Panthers vs. Rangers, and which side of the money line is the better value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Rangers vs. Panthers money line to jump on Thursday, all from the advanced model that has simulated this matchup 10,000 times.