Round 3 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs is upon us. Sadly for Canucks fans, Vancouver won’t be taking part in the Western Conference Final after a heartbreaking 3-2 loss in Game 7 against the Oilers, concluding one of the most memorable and unexpected seasons in franchise history.

The third round will kick off on Wednesday with Game 1the Eastern Conference Final between the Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers. Both teams won their division and have yet to face elimination these playoffs. Florida will look to get to back-t0-back Stanley Cup Final and avenge their five-game loss to the Vegas Golden Knights last year. The Rangers will look to make the Final for the first time since 2014 and win their first championship since 1994.

Sergei Bobrovsky (36-17-4) is expected to start for the Panthers against the Rangers’ Igor Sheshterkin (36-17-2).

Reinhart has been excellent against the Rangers this season, scoring four goals in his last three matchups against New York. I expect lots of goals tonight as both teams will be rusty after long periods of inactivity.

Take this play .8 units.

Like I mentioned, I expect some goals tonight. These two teams have hit the over 5.5 in their last five matchups, they both possess tremendous star power, and with so much time between games I expect a ton of scoring chances each way.

New York’s power play has been excellent these playoffs, firing at an otherworldly 31 percent. An aggressive team like the Panthers usually tries to set the tone with physicality.

Take this bet at .8 units.

Quinn Hughes to register an assist at -150. My $12.50 bet would return $20.83. – HIT

Elias Pettersson to register over 2.5 shots at +120. My $10 bet would return $22. – MISSED

Vancouver to win money-line at +135. My $10 bet would return $23.50. – MISSED

Ugh, that Game 7 win would have made it great, We staked $32.5o and returned $20.83, we are now down $7.10 on the playoffs.