Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on\u00a0Last Word On Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games all season long. This time around, we\u2019re taking a closer look at a matchup featuring the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Rangers.<\/p>\n
NHL Predictions New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes<\/p>\n
25-26 Series: Hurricanes 2-1 Rangers<\/p>\n
How To Watch:<\/a> FDSNSO, MSG<\/p>\n Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n Location: Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York<\/p>\n Rangers Storylines<\/p>\n 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\u2019s record has sunk. Now that the trade is complete<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n Mika\u2019s got the magic touch \ud83d\udcab pic.twitter.com\/DtD8YIMdhJ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 30, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The injuries to Igor Shesterkin<\/a> 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\u2019ll be back soon. Shesterkin however, is not back in practice yet, so his return is still in question.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Hurricanes Storylines<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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\u2019s game. Team defence has always been their strength, and that strength has continued in this season.<\/p>\n 20 goals for no. 20 \ud83d\udea8 pic.twitter.com\/vyXwUi0Jjf<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 4, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n