Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word On Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games all season long. This time around, we’re taking a closer look at a matchup featuring the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Rangers.

NHL Predictions New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes

25-26 Series: Hurricanes 2-1 Rangers

How To Watch: FDSNSO, MSG

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Location: Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York

Rangers Storylines

The New York Rangers have been on a wild ride the last few weeks. The trade rumours surrounding Artemi Panarin had been stirring, and Panarin himself had not played in the last few games, and the team’s record has sunk. Now that the trade is complete, hopefully they can move forward. The Rangers are moored in a three-game losing streak, and the team seems to have given up. On the bright side, Mika Zibanejad has continued his solid season, and J.T. Miller is getting better as the season continues on. The Rangers are going into a nearly-full scale rebuild, so being competitive is nearly out of the question for New York.

Mika’s got the magic touch 💫 pic.twitter.com/DtD8YIMdhJ

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 30, 2026

The injuries to Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox are also affecting the Rangers heavily, as both are still on the injured list. Fox has returned to practice in a non-contact jersey, and it seems he’ll be back soon. Shesterkin however, is not back in practice yet, so his return is still in question.

However, it is a great time for our disclaimer. Please check social media prior to puck drop, to see definitely who gets the nod, before setting your fantasy roster for the day.

Hurricanes Storylines

The Carolina Hurricanes are continuing their quest for the Stanley Cup with a strong regular season. Sitting at 35-15, the Hurricanes are first in the Metropolitan Division and are basically locked in for a playoff spot. Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, and Andrei Svechnikov are the team’s leaders in points. Aho is the only player over a point-per-game with 57 points in 56 games, but high scoring has never been Carolina’s game. Team defence has always been their strength, and that strength has continued in this season.

20 goals for no. 20 🚨 pic.twitter.com/vyXwUi0Jjf

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 4, 2026

Brandon Bussi, who the Hurricanes are rumored to be looking to extend, has taken over as the starting goaltender for Carolina. The Hurricanes may have found their new number one guy, as he holds a 22-3-1 record in 26 games. Bussi has some solid stats as well, with a .905 save percentage and a 2.24 goals-against average.

Predictions and Key Bets to Watch

Hurricanes 4-2 Rangers

We’ll take the Hurricanes in this one. The Rangers have the ability to win this game, but they are simply too inconsistent to pick as the winner. Carolina is one of the leagues top teams, and they outclass the Rangers in almost every position. New York really has their work cut out for them in this one.

In terms of bets to watch, look out for Alexis Lafrenière for the Rangers. Lafrenière scored two goals and added an assist against Pittsburgh last week. With Panarin sitting out until he gets traded, Lafrenière has an opportunity to prove that he is a big part of this team’s future, and we expect him to stay hot and get on the scoreboard. For Carolina, Seth Jarvis has been on fire recently, scoring two goals against the Blackhawks and has scored six points in his last five games.

Main Photo: James Guillory-Imagn Images

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