The New York Rangers won all four regular-season meetings with the Carolina Hurricanes, but the Canes stepped up when it really mattered and claimed Game 1 of this best-of-five series.

Can the Rangers make the necessary adjustments to come back and tie up the series today? I don't think so.

Rangers' rookie netminder Igor Shesterkin was held out in Game 1 and might miss this contest as well. While the Rangers have a veteran backup in Henrik Lundqvist, it's still a blow to their already shaky defense.

The Hurricanes are 18-5 in their last 23 playoff games as a favorite and I'm backing the favorite to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

8* play on Carolina Hurricanes.