X factors, predictions for New York Rangers-Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes are hosting the New York Rangers in a Game 7 on Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. The home team has won every game in which the Hurricanes have played this postseason.

The winner will face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference finals. Carolina is at home against New York Rangers at -150.

The games in Raleigh haven't been blowouts. The Rangers have to create more quality 5-on-5 chances against this defense. Carolina has had the high-danger scoring chances advantage in all three home games. Igor Shesterkin has been playing well on the road for the Rangers.

Carolina Hurricanes are 7-0 at home in the playoffs. They have a plus-17 goal differential, 3.57 goals per game and a 1.14 goals against average. The penalty kill is 89.5% effective in Raleigh, while the power play is 4.2% on the road and 19. 2% at the home rink.

The Rangers' "Kid Line" was reunited to great success at home in Game 6. Filip Chytil scored twice in the Game 7 victory. The Rangers have scored two goals in three away games during this series.

The key to the Carolina's penalty kill is not to have to use it. The Rangers have killed off 13 of 14 power plays in this series. Getting anything from the power play in Game 7 could be a tipping point for the Canes.