Rangers vs. Panthers: Betting Picks and Prediction for Game 6

The Eastern Conference Finals are coming down to the wire as we head into Game 6 on Saturday night.

Whether it's moneylines or total goals, there are plenty of ways to bet on the NHL action all season. It's a long 82-game campaign, meaning that the best selections of each night can be very different based on backup goalies coming into play, injuries that add up, and if teams are due for positive or negative swings.

Let's dive into the best bets for tonight.

Note: Lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published. All NHL betting odds and totals are from the NHL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. All advanced statistics are used from MoneyPuck.com and NaturalStatTrick.com.

NHL Best Bets

New York Rangers at Florida Panthers

Under 5.5 Goals (-134)

The New York Rangers and Florida Panthers are having the competitive series that was expected when it started, and now the Panthers have a chance to close it out. It won't be easy, however, as they know.

Besides the first game in this series, these two teams have followed the script of breathtaking playoff hockey with four straight games being decided by just one goal. And beyond one game in the series, it's been low-scoring every step of the way.

The President's Trophy winners find themselves down 3-2 on the road -- meaning they'll need to play their best hockey of the season. In order for the Rangers to get to Game 7, they're going to need Igor Shesterkin to continue keeping games close -- as he's managed to do all series, win or lose.

Despite the back-to-back losses, Shesterkin remains the Rangers' clear MVP of these playoffs. That's only become more apparent in the Eastern Conference Finals. The netminder has a 2.36 goals against average (GAA) and
.927 save percentage (SV%), having faced a total of 166 shots in the series through five games. Shesterkin also leads the playoffs with 14.40 goals saved above expectation (GSAx), more than double the next-best goalie left in the playoffs.

It's because of the Rangers' goalie that I believe in this game following the previous battles, being low-scoring and likely coming down to the third period or overtime.

New York is averaging only 2.45 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60). That's not a surprise with how much the Panthers have dominated the pace of play, especially in the last two games. While the Panthers are averaging 3.26 xGF/60, they're potting only 2.62 goals for per 60 minutes (GF/60) in this series.

With the Rangers in desperation mode on Saturday night and the Panthers trying to close things out, I'm confident this game is much like the last two. Also, this series feels like it was made to go to Game 7. We will have to wait on that, so for now, take Under 5.5 Goals (-134).

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.