Despite having better offense this season, Carolina have played the majority of their season games under the total, going 35-49-3 (O/U). On the road this season they are 17-24-2 (O/U) to the Under. In this matchup between the two, they have played their last four of five games under the total. The Rangers have played their last five of seven games to the Under versus opponents. These two teams have played three times this season and two of those three games stayed well under the total of 5.5 goals. In this first game there will be a feeling out process and some caution from both sides, so expect goals to be at a premium in this first game as both teams are evenly matched and both have good goaltenders. Carolina is 10-2 to the Under in road games as a number 2 seed in the playoffs since 1996. The Rangers have also played to the Under in a playoff series as they are 2-5 (O/U) to the Under in the last three seasons and 15-31 (O/U) to the Under since 1996 in the second round of the playoffs. Both goaltenders are allowing 2 or less goals per game in the playoffs so take the Under.

Best bet: take the Under the Total.