Panthers vs. Rangers Prediction & Picks - Jan. 2

The New York Rangers (19-18-5) will attempt to stop a three-game losing streak when they take on the Florida Panthers (21-15-3) on the road on Friday, Jan. 2 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.

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Before watching this matchup, here is our prediction for which club will take home the victory in Friday's hockey action.

The Rangers have a 4-5-1 record during their last 10 contests. They have scored 25 total goals (seven power-play goals on 29 power-play opportunities during that time, for a conversion rate of 24.1%) while conceding 27 goals to their opponents.

Panthers vs. Rangers Predictions for Friday

Our computer projection model for this game expects a final result of Panthers 4, Rangers 3.

• Moneyline Pick: Panthers (-143)
• Total Pick: Over 5.5 (computer predicts 5.8 goals on average)
• Spread Pick: Rangers (+1.5)

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Panthers Splits and Trends

• The Panthers have a 21-15-3 record overall, with a 3-3-6 record in contests that have gone to overtime.
• In the 10 games Florida has played that were decided by one goal, it has an 8-0-2 record (good for 18 points).
• In the seven games this season the Panthers scored just one goal, they went 1-5-1 (three points).
• Florida has scored two goals in eight games this season (1-5-2 record, four points).
• The Panthers are 19-4-0 in the 23 games when they have scored at least three goals (to register 38 points).
• In the 16 games when Florida has recorded a lone power-play goal, it registered 19 points after finishing 9-6-1.
• When it has outshot its opponent, Florida is 12-9-3 (27 points).
• The Panthers have been outshot by opponents 15 times, and went 9-6-0 (18 points).

Rangers Splits and Trends

• The Rangers (19-18-5 overall) have posted a record of 7-5-12 in contests that have needed OT this season.
• In the 17 games New York has played that were decided by one goal, it racked up 19 points.
• Across the eight games this season the Rangers ended with just one goal, they have earned three points.
• When New York has scored two goals this season, they've earned seven points (2-2-3 record).
• The Rangers have scored at least three goals in 19 games, earning 33 points from those contests.
• This season, New York has capitalized on a single power-play goal in 12 games has a record of 8-2-2 in those matchups.
• When outshooting its opponent this season, New York is 8-7-2 (18 points).
• The Rangers' opponents have had more shots in 24 games. The Rangers went 10-11-3 in those matchups (23 points).

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Team Stats Comparison

Panthers vs. Rangers Game Time and TV Channel

• When: Friday, January 2, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET
• TV Channel: TNT
• Live Stream: Watch this match on HBO Max (Regional restrictions may apply)
• Where: loanDepot park in Miami, Florida

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